Monsoons in India bring along with them thunder and lightning, water puddles, bug bites and the fear of infections. Our pets are as prone to these seasonal skin and fungal infections as we are. Their paws coming regularly in contact with muddy grounds, getting wet in the rain and exposure to monsoon-borne bugs, parasites, allergies and flees all cause the immunity of your pets to drastically reduce. In fact, prolonged exposure and neglect of such symptoms can result in long-term illnesses for the pets.
Dr Vinod Sharma, Head Veterinarian, DCC Animal Hospital, India breaks down the causes and symptoms of monsoon-borne infections and diseases that can be cured and prevented through regular grooming and healthcare. The first step as a responsible pet parent is to be aware of all the different external and internal factors that can affect their health. Always stay a step ahead in pet care with us! Let us see what kinds of infections and allergies the furry creatures can be prone to.
Common Monsoon Allergies
Often airborne, or carried through other animals or surroundings, allergies become more frequent as monsoon occurs in tropical countries like India. Grass and tree pollen, and weed pollens from weeds like ragweeds and sagebrush happen right before monsoon and continue through the season till autumn. Additionally, molds and yeasts can be triggered by inhalation or coming in contact with mold spores and yeast, which are usually found in damp or poorly ventilated areas.
The most common areas of a dog’s body that are affected by seasonal allergies are the paws (especially between the digits), limbs, mouth, ears, abdomen, groin, armpits, tail, and around the eyes. To prevent these infections from happening, make sure that your pet has received the necessary immunity vaccine shots, and go for regular health checkups.
Common Monsoon Bugs
- Fleas: Common parasites that live on dogs, fleas feed on their blood and lay eggs in their fur, are persistent and present year-round.
- Ticks: Ticks will attach themselves to a dog’s skin and feed on their blood.
- Mosquitoes: Similar to how mosquito bites affect humans, they can transmit more fatal diseases such as heartworm
- Ant Bites: Usually found on the belly or the inside areas of the rear legs.
- Spider Bites: Depending on the type of spider, spider bytes can be increasingly painful and irritating for the dog
- Mites: Sarcoptic and Demodex mites can result in red, scaly, and crusty patches of skin, along with hair loss
- Other Insects: Stings by bees, hornets, or wasps usually have a similar effect on dogs.
Airborne Bacteria and Diseases
Allergies and bugs aren’t necessarily the only factors that can affect your pet negatively in this weather. Gastrointestinal infections and respiratory illnesses can be directly attributed to the bacteria in the air specifically during the monsoon season. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that spreads through contaminated water along with the urine of infected animals, is particularly prevalent during this season, and can cause kidney/liver damage in its worst form.
Skin infections are also a major concern. Constant exposure to damp environments can result in fungal infections like ringworm or bacterial infections such as pyoderma. These infections cause itching, redness, hair loss, and lesions, requiring prompt veterinary attention. Owners should ensure their dogs have dry, clean living conditions, access to fresh water, and regular veterinary check-ups to mitigate these risks during the monsoon season.
Pet Grooming Tips For A Healthy Monsoon Season
Grooming Essentials
After every walk or outdoor activity, dry your dog thoroughly using a clean towel. Pay extra attention to their paws, as mud and water can get trapped between their toes, leading to infections. Regular baths with low pH treatment shampoos to keep them protected from potential infections is a good practice. Regularly brush your dog’s coat so no dirt or debris can collect and become grounds for bacteria and fungi later. A consistent routine and extra care can keep your pets healthy and energetic just like in all other seasons.
Personalized Care for Your Pet
Staying indoors can make them dull, so make sure to provide emotional support and do engaging activities at home with them. Ensure that they are getting a healthy mix of protein, fiber and multivitamins in their diet. Find out what they are allergic to. It can be the food that they consume, weather, water, temperature, and many more external and internal factors. If you haven’t gotten their checkups done for allergies, you should do it right away. Prepare for a healthy monsoon together!
Identify Symptoms and Causes of Concern
Always keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior and areas in the skin that appear different. Actions like excessive scratching, biting, coughing, sneezing, and irregular nasal discharge are all signs that may require a veterinary inspection. Other common symptoms that can affect dogs and are easily noticeable are red itchy bumps, often raised skin, hair loss and inflamed skin. For respiratory diseases, coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge are important signs. Gastrointestinal infections can be identified by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. However, it is best to leave the diagnosis to the experts and consult your nearby trusted vet doctor for the best results.
Remind yourself to take care of them and give them some extra love this monsoon season as they get used to staying indoors. Create a safe place of retreat for them and enjoy the cozy afternoons with your furry little friend!
Dos and Don’t’s for Your Pets
People often neglect how much basic maintenance and hygiene can do for pets. Let us wrap up the precautionary steps that you can take to keep your pet in their best health this monsoon season! Check out the ultimate list here.
| Dos | Don’t’s |
| 1. Dry shelter
2. Regularly brush their hair 3. Clean paws 4. Maintain a good diet 5. Indoor exercise and activities 6. Parasite control at home 7. Regular checkups 8. Hydrate with treated water 9. Use anti-fungal powder 10. Use flea shampoo 11. Tick treatments, oral tick treatment |
1. Be near stagnant water and wet areas 2. Ignore concerning signs (irritation, redness, dry nose, behavioral change, etc.) 3. Let your pet come in contact with fleas or insects 4. Let insects breed in your yard 5. Let infections spread 6. Let them ingest soil, sewage or contaminated water |
