For the Love of Pets: Rainy season and pets

The rainy season not only gives a welcome break from the scorching heat but also uplifts the cheerful spirit in everyone, including your pets. It is a wonderful time to take your pets out on a long walk and enjoy other outdoor activities when it is not raining heavily and the weather is pleasant. However, the onset of rainy weather can bring problems for your dogs.

Waterborne diseases increase, their skin starts to itch, and they may develop skin infections, colds, coughs, etc. Here are a few care tips for the rainy season for your dog, which will make the wet season a pleasant time:

Clean and dry
It is okay to let your dog have a little fun in the rain but not too often and not for too long. Avoid letting them come in contact with the first few showers, as they tend to be acidic, and make sure to clean their fur with an anti-microbial shampoo after they are done playing in the rain. It is also important to keep their fur dry, so use a clean towel or a dryer if needed.

Dry bed
It is not only important to keep your pet clean and dry, but it is also necessary to keep their beds dry. If your dog likes to spend time on the balcony or terrace, make sure there is a covered resting place with nice and dry comfortable bedding with covered food and a water bowl nearby. (Make sure to clean the bowls timely in order to prevent rusting and accumulation of microbes.) Paw protection Paws are very sensitive, and therefore it is important to protect them. Make sure to use paw butter on the area before taking them out on a walk, and after coming back, thoroughly clean them.

Inspect for any cuts, scratches, bruises, etc., and if present, do not ignore them as they may become infected quickly.

Ear protection
Dogs tend to contract a lot of ear infections during the rainy season. This time of year increases moisture, especially in your pet’s ears. So, it is important to clean the ears after every outdoor play session and remove excess wax regularly. Owners of pets with long and closed ears need to pay extra attention as these dogs are at a greater risk of developing ear infections.

Deworming
Dogs tend to be very susceptible to worms during this season, so make sure to take them to a vet and get their deworming done in time in order to avoid any complications.

Diet
Utmost importance should be given to the water they consume. Do not let them drink dirty water when they are outdoor, as this may cause waterborne diseases. Avoid giving them excess meat, as this may cause indigestion. Instead, give them fiber-rich food.

Grooming and trimming
Around this time, it is not only essential to keep their fur clean and dry, but it is also necessary to keep it well-groomed. Longer fur gets tangled too quickly, and it is hard to brush through, especially when it is not dry. It also tends to become rough because of the rainwater, so it is better to keep it trimmed.

Vaccinations
Since the rains may bring a lot of diseases, it is important to get your dog vaccinated and checked by a vet.

Exercise
Heavy rains restrict many areas, and sometimes it becomes impossible to take your pets out. Make sure to keep them active indoors and expose them to sunlight whenever possible.

Ticks and fleas
Dogs face a lot of tick and flea problems during this season. They are also very prone to getting tick fever, which in some cases, may develop into kidney failure. Some tick bites may also cause dermal problems. So, it is important to be vigilant and give proper medication.

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