Pet care during monsoon: Increased humidity during rains creates a favourable environment for fungal growth on your dog’s skin, leading to frequent skin issues including fungal infections (Image: Canva)
Monsoon is always welcome, for it spells relief from the sweltering heat of the previous few months. The rains, however, also bring with it number of health concerns for your furry friends, including skin allergies, infections and digestive issues. Recognising these symptoms early and making appropriate dietary adjustments can significantly improve their health and well-being.
According to Dr Umesh Kallahalli, Senior Veterinarian at Mars Petcare India, increased moisture and humidity are ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive on dogs’ skin, leading to itching, redness, and discomfort. “Additionally, stagnant water and damp environments can give rise to parasites like ticks and fleas, posing additional health risks to pets,” Dr Kallahalli adds.
He warns against these health issues faced by dogs during monsoon, and suggests ways you can keep your furry friends safe.
Common monsoon health issues in dogs
Skin infections and fungal conditions: Increased humidity creates a favourable environment for fungal growth on your dog’s skin, leading to frequent skin issues including fungal infections.
Digestive issues: Dogs are prone to ingesting contaminated water or food during monsoon, which can result in gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
Water-borne diseases: Standing water during monsoons can increase the prevalence of diseases like leptospirosis, transmitted through water contaminated with urine from infected animals.
Joint pain and arthritis: Cold and damp weather exacerbates some allergies, respiratory issues and joint pain, especially in older dogs or those prone to arthritis.
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Here’s how you can address monsoon-related health issues in your pet:
Balanced nutrition: Opt for high-quality dog food containing vitamin E and antioxidants that supports immune health and digestive function. Include prebiotics to maintain gut health.
Hydration: Make sure your pet has access to clean fresh drinking water to protect it from diarrhoea and other stomach ailments. Also, ensure that the water is covered and changed twice a day to avoid any contamination.
Consider supplements: Supplements for skin, immunity, joint health that are rich in antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, zinc, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids support joint mobility and reduce inflammation.
Natural remedies: Try natural remedies like turmeric in your dog’s diet to boost immunity and aid digestion. Talk to the vet about the best natural remedies for your pet.
Regular vet-visits: Schedule routine check-ups to monitor your dog’s health, vaccination, deworming and to catch any health issues early on.
Omega fatty acids: Foods rich in omega-3 like fish oil or flax seeds supplements can help maintain a healthy coat and skin, reducing the risk of infections and allergies.
Increase indoor activities: Regular exercise and play are essential for maintaining your pet’s body weight and health, especially when they spend more time indoors. Engaging in indoor activities such as interactive toys, agility exercises, or indoor fetch games helps keep pets physically active and mentally stimulated.
Avoid outside food: Pet parents must ensure your pets don’t consume anything from outside. Outside food can be contaminated and lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Small, frequent meals: Feeding your pet smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help maintain their energy levels and prevent digestive problems. This feeding strategy is particularly beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs or those prone to bloating. It helps regulate their metabolism and keeps them satisfied without overloading their digestive system.
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