Common Pet Health Problems During Monsoon

Monsoon weather offers respite from the heat. It brings a dark sky, green trees, and lots of joy for living beings. But although rainy days and chai breaks are what we humans dream about, the season can turn troublesome for pets.

Although many pets enjoy the rainy season, it can be quite challenging for dogs and cats as high humidity, wet environment, muddy walks and even development of various infections might be common.

At Premium Pet House, we believe that prevention and awareness will keep fur babies healthy in every season. When it comes to monsoon, your pets need additional care in their day-to-day life starting from skin infections and digestive problems to ticks & fleas and weakened immunity. The best approach to deal with these health issues is following the right pet vaccination schedule. Check the schedule and make sure your pet has necessary vaccination.

Following are the general monsoon pet health problems and a few ways in which pet parents can ensure that their furbabies stay safe, active and healthy.

Skin Infections & Itchy Skin

Skin infection is one of the most common rain-related concerns in pets. This humid climate provides an ideal breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and fungal growth, especially if your pet’s coat stays damp after walks or baths.

More common with the dogs that have heavy coat, long hair are:

• Itchy skin
• Redness and rashes
• Hot spots
• Fungal infections
• Hair fall
• Bad odor from the coat

How to prevent it?

• Use brush to dry your pet after every rain(or wet) walk
• Keep paws clean and moisture-free
• If advised use medicated or pet-safe shampoos
• Regularly brush your pet out to avoid matting of hair
• Maintain regular grooming sessions

Monsoon is not easy on the dogs if they go un-groomed or you’re not following the required pet vaccination schedule, chances of infection and diseases increase.

Tick & Flea Infestations

Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes increase in the rainy season. They not only cause itching and irritation, but they can transmit serious diseases in pets.

Ticks can lead to:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Tick fever
• Skin irritation
• Blood-related infections

If left untreated, fleas can lead to excessive scratching as well as a variety of skin wounds and allergies.

How to protect your pet?

• Only use veterinarian-approved immunity-enhancing tick and flea prevention products
• Examine your pet for ticks after walks outside
• Wash bedding regularly
• Always maintain indoor spaces clean and dry
• Take caution to prevent pets from walking on the wetter, grass-covered areas

It is often better to offset a severe infestation early on, rather than having to deal with the consequences afterwards.

Digestive Problems During Rainy Season

Monsoon is also when most pets succumb due to stomach infection by consuming contaminated food (usually served outdoors), dirty water, or spoiled items.

Common digestive issues include:

• Vomiting
• Loose motions
• Stomach infections
• Loss of appetite
• Food poisoning

In this season, rainwater gets contaminated and bacterial growth increases at a greater rate, hence hygiene becomes very crucial.

Monsoon Feeding Tips

• Serve freshly prepared food
• Do not leave wet food out too long
• Stay hydrated with clean drinking water
• Keep feeding bowls sanitized
• Stay away from water puddles on the street or outside (that is contaminated)

Nutrition not only helps strengthen immunity but also maintains it during changing seasons.

Ear, Paw, and Other Infections

During monsoon, pets with floppy ears are prone to ear infections as moisture makes its way inside the ear canal.

Some possible symptoms of infections are:

• Head shaking
• Constant scratching
• Bad smell from infected place
• Redness or discharge
• Sensitivity around ears, paws, or eyes

Prevention Tips

• When finished with a bath or rain make sure to dry out the well
• Avoid excess moisture buildup
• Gently clean with vet-approved cleaner
• Schedule routine checks

When ignored, infections can progress to serious pain and even damage.

Importance of Vaccination During Monsoon

Weather fluctuations can hamper your pet immunity which makes vaccination and preventive healthcare very crucial. Taking your pets for periodic vet checkups ensures that any health problems are caught at their root, while also making sure pet owners take assured measures to safeguard their pets from seasonal diseases.

This detailed guide on this is also a great resource for pet parents. Read the complete pet vaccination schedule to be informed about vaccines and preventive care for pets.

Monsoon is nothing less than a deadly nightmare for many pets. If your ultimate goal is to keep your pet active and healthy during the rainy days, proper grooming, hygiene, parasite prevention, nutrition and routine health checkups should be given utmost importance.

At Premium Pet House, we are passionate about providing pet parents in India with the best support in keeping their loved ones safe, dependable and at home.