Many of us are known to suffer from a number of ailments during the monsoons and hence it is of utmost importance to take extreme care to see to it that we are not eating the wrong kind of food or drinking unhygienic water. Similarly, our pets are also prone to a number of infections during the monsoon and this season might not be very pleasant for them.
Pet owners have to take a lot of care to ensure that their pets stay disease-free this season.
Every rainy season, pet parents must be alert to the health hazards that may affect their furry friends.
During the monsoon season, there is a higher chance of pets suffering from some common diseases. Being a dog owner you need to monitor your dog’s health at home especially during rainy days. During this time there is a high moisture content in the atmosphere which can lead to some serious or common illnesses in dogs.
Apart from infections or allergies, some common canine health hazards that pet parents may not readily see include the following:
1) Leptospirosis
A bacteria-like spirochete carried naturally by wildlife. In high rainfall situations, it is prevalent in the environment. More often, the Leptospira are washed by rains into standing water. Pets wading, swimming, or drinking the contaminated water develop the disease.
Transmission can occur in dogs exposed to water sources contaminated by wildlife urine (puddles, streams, ponds). Dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and excessive thirst.
2) Mosquito Bites
Can be life-threatening to dogs, carrying Dirofilarial, which transmits heartworm infection to a dog.
Use year-round control to prevent problems. If your dog has thin fur/skin and is more predisposed to getting bitten, use Skin So Soft or a topical insect repellent that drives away mosquitoes.
3) Contaminated Food and Water
May lead to health problems like digestive disorders and gastroenteritis. Ensure a clean and constant source of fresh drinking water. Provide food and water in separate metal bowls, as metal vessels are easy to clean.
Giving warm food or milk is often advisable, but remember that for any specialized treatment you must contact your vet.
4) Fleas & Ticks
Fleas and ticks can easily attack pets during rainy days. These insects can make your dog very sick. In some cases, they can be fatal. Ticks suck blood and make your dog’s skin itch. This can lead to severe skin rashes and fever.
How to prevent ticks and flea infestation on your pet dog?
- Perform regular grooming.
- Use vet-approved dog flea shampoo.
- Rub coconut oil on your dog’s skin.
- Avoid taking them to tick-infested areas.
- Captain Zack IRradicate Tick Repellent Range is uniquely created for dual use of repelling ticks from the dog’s body and their bedding, as prevention is always better than cure.
Pets blessed with owners having lavish apartments are lucky as they have enough space to move around the home easily during the monsoon. Dogs with really long hair need to be scrubbed well during the monsoon. Remember, not to allow your dog to chew grass during the rains.
Article By Dr. Jamshyd Cooper
Our Dean Dr.Jamshyd Cooper is a practicing vet who loves animals & teaching pet parents how to better take care of animals. He’s here to clarify and put all our furry doubts at ease!
The articles mentioned here are created from the experience – professional or personal of the contributors themselves. Please do not try anything without consulting your vet first. The views or opinions expressed on this platform belong solely to the contributors.
