Rain care for your pets

It is easy for dogs to get bored and depressed when they can’t run or play outside. To avoid the same, keep some fun and safe toys and chews handy.

Just like how we must take special care during rains, our precious pets need tending too. We don’t want them falling sick or feeling uncomfortable, do we? So how to ensure they are best looked after during this time? Here are a few tips to get you started…

• If you have a cat, all you need to do is give it clean food, milk and a cozy and warm nook to sleep in. Dogs also need dry and warm bedding to fight feeling cold during rains. Cold surfaces can be harmful for your pet’s joints.
• Pets, both dogs and cats have to be rubbed well with a dry towel or paper towels if they have been out in the rain. This will prevent them from catching a cold. Your floors will stay tidy too!
• Special rain gear like puppy raincoats, dog boots or water boots can be a great idea to stay safe from wet weather. These are usually available in colorful and fun designs. Boots are essential for dogs with lots of fur on their paws. Playful umbrellas for dogs can be found too. But make sure they are effective and don’t just look cute!
• If you are taking a walk in the rain with your canine friend, avoid puddles. They are sure to splash in it! Also, after coming back home, check if their coat is dirty or if any bugs are clinging on.
• Give your pet a warm bath and comb his/her fur gently after a walk in the rain. Make sure any leaves, twigs or mud is got rid of.

• Basset Hounds, Labradors and Dachshunds are some of the breeds that tend to get moisture in their ears easily. This might lead to ear infections during rainy seasons. So, clean their ears after a wet walk with soft toilet paper right after you get home. If the ears are long, you can tie them above his head too!
• Use a leash if your dog wants to stay out for a while. If he or she is not tied up and your garden or yard is not fenced, a loud thunderclap might frighten them and they might simply run away and get lost.
• Dogs need to go outside to relieve themselves. But if it’s raining constantly, they might not want to. In such cases, “accidents” might happen. Keep paper towels or toilet rolls handy and clean up after them.
• It is easy for dogs to get bored and depressed when they can’t run or play outside. So it is a great idea to keep some fun and safe toys and chews handy, so that your pet can give in to his innate urges easily.
• Since it’s difficult to give your canine companion enough exercise during monsoons, watch what he or she is eating. Provide ample fiber through veggies and fruits. Make sure that the amount of food you give is in line with the amount of activities your pet is into.

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Other health checks:

• During rains, it is common for dogs and cats to suffer from gastroenteritis. Signs are vomiting and diarrhea.
• If your pet gets wounded for some reason or drinks contaminated water, he might get leptospirosis, a bacterial infection. You might notice muscle pain, fever, depression, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or blood in urine. Never ignore these signs as the ailment can worsen with time.
• Take preventive measures against worm infections during monsoons. Besides keeping your pet’s coat and paws clean, you should also make sure that their feeding utensils are dry and clean. If you keep your dog in a cage, the cage must be big and clean. The last thing they want to feel is cooped up when they are not being able to wander outside.
• Make sure that your pet drinks only fresh and clean water. If you are taking your dog for a walk, prevent him from lapping puddles or waste water. This will keep waterborne diseases at bay.
• Skin ailments or fungal infections might also affect pets when it rains. If you notice your cat or dog itching or losing hair, take them to a vet immediately.
• It is important to get your dog or cat vaccinated to prevent many common diseases. Puppies that are above two months can be given vaccines and then a booster dose. But remember, all medications must be administered after consulting a vet.
• To prevent your canine or feline companion from getting distemper, ask your vet about multi-antigen vaccinations.
• If you notice your pet coughing, wheezing, suffering from eye inflammation or pus-filled skin lesions, or smelling pungent, visit a vet without delay. Keep anti-fungal shampoos, antifungal ointments and bandages handy in case of emergencies. These can provide quick relief in case of severe itching, inflammation and wounds.
• Ask your vet for suppressants if your dog is very nervous by nature. They can get easily scared during thunder or lightning. Hold him or her and comfort them if necessary.

Pets are nothing less than family. If you love them and take proper care of them, they will stand by you in every season!