Picture the scene. The first heavy shower of the season finally breaks the heat, and your dog goes wild with joy, splashing through every puddle on the evening walk, nose deep in wet mud and tail wagging furiously.
Back home, it shakes itself dry across the hallway, flops onto the sofa with damp paws tucked under its chin and looks thoroughly pleased with itself.
A cat in the same house might sit at the window watching the rain with visible disdain, refusing to so much as dip a paw in it.
Both, according to Delhi-based veterinary surgeon Nishanth Verma, need some extra care during the monsoon — even if they experience the season very differently.
“Pets are most prone to waterborne diseases, pododermatitis and ear infections during the monsoon. It is important to take extra care of them because they cannot tell us if they are facing a health problem,” he says.
The good news is that a few simple habits can help keep common monsoon problems at bay.
Start with the paws
That satisfied flop onto the sofa is the perfect moment for a quick paw check.
Run a finger gently between your dog’s toes after every rainy walk. Mud, grit and moisture can collect between the paw pads and cause irritation.
“Moisture in parks and on wet streets weakens the follicles, which can lead to skin inflammation in the paws,” Nishanth explains. This can result in pododermatitis, a painful inflammation of the paws.
From damp paws and floppy ears to ticks and fleas, the monsoon brings a few extra health concerns for pets. Photograph: (Sky the golden retriever)
Once your dog is back home, rinse off any visible mud with clean water and dry the paws thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the spaces between the toes and paw pads rather than simply wiping the surface.
For long-haired dogs, keeping the fur between the paw pads trimmed can also help prevent it from holding on to dirt and moisture.
Keep an eye on those ears
Wet weather can also increase the risk of ear problems, particularly in dogs with floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels and Beagles.
Nishanth recommends gently cleaning the outer part of the ears with a cotton pad during the rainy season. However, avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal, as this can cause injury.
Regular brushing is useful too, particularly for dogs with long coats.
“Brushing twice a day keeps the coat from matting into damp little knots,” says Nishanth.
At the same time, resist the temptation to bathe your dog every time it comes home smelling of rain.
Nishanth recommends bathing dogs once every two to three weeks with an antifungal shampoo, unless a veterinarian advises otherwise. Bathing too frequently can strip the skin and coat of their natural oils.
Cats need monsoon care too
Your cat may have no interest in stepping outside during a downpour, but that does not mean it is completely protected from monsoon-related problems.
One area that needs extra attention is the litter box.
Warm, humid monsoon weather can also mean more ticks and fleas. Check your pet’s coat regularly after walks. Photograph: (Indian Herbs)
Humidity can make litter damp and unpleasant, so clean the box regularly and replace wet or soiled litter promptly. Keeping the litter area dry and clean is especially important during the monsoon.
Don’t forget ticks and fleas
Warm and humid weather can also create favourable conditions for ticks and fleas.
A vet-approved preventive treatment — such as a spot-on treatment, oral medication or collar — can help protect your pet. Speak to your veterinarian about which option is appropriate for your pet rather than choosing one at random.
It is also worth checking your pet’s coat regularly, particularly after walks in parks or other areas with grass and vegetation.
Be careful about food and water
Rainy-season puddles may be irresistible to some dogs, but stagnant or contaminated water can carry pathogens that cause illness.
Make sure your pet has access to fresh, clean drinking water at home and discourage it from drinking from puddles or stagnant water outdoors.
Nishanth also recommends bland, easily digestible food if a pet is experiencing mild stomach upset. However, persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or unusual lethargy should not be treated at home without veterinary advice.
Keep rainy days active indoors
Sometimes, the safest walk is no walk at all.
If heavy rain has made the roads or walking areas unsafe, keep your dog occupied indoors with activities such as tug-of-war, basic training games or a puzzle feeder.
Cats can also benefit from interactive toys and indoor play, especially when they are spending more time inside.
The monsoon does not mean your pet has to give up its favourite routines. It simply calls for a little more attention to the small things — clean paws, dry fur, fresh water, clean litter and regular checks.
And if you notice persistent itching, redness, swelling, discharge from the ears, limping, vomiting, diarrhoea or any other unusual change in behaviour, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
A few extra minutes of care after a rainy walk can go a long way towards keeping your four-legged companion comfortable through the season.
