Ask any Indian vet what June to September is like, and they'll rattle off one list: skin infections, ears, ticks, upset stomachs, and one or two frightening leptospirosis cases.
The rain itself does not make pets ill‚ but it creates three situations in which pets can become ill: a wet and matted coat that never dries‚ standing water everywhere‚ and ticks that breed more than at any other time of year.
Tick Fever
The brown dog tick prefers warm, moist conditions, and it carries two diseases that fill Indian clinics through the rains: ehrlichiosis, an infection caused by a bacterium, and babesiosis, a parasite that attacks red blood cells.
Early symptoms can be vague and are often missed․ Tiredness, going off food, and a fever. Pale gums‚ small red spots over the skin‚ nosebleeds‚ or dark urine indicate the need for emergency medical care․ They can only be distinguished by blood tests. Early treatment of ehrlichiosis with a full course of doxycycline is highly effective.
There is no vaccine for this disease. Prevention is achieved by using a veterinary-prescribed product administered once a month, manually checking the pet daily, and treating the home, as this tick breeds indoors in cracks, skirting, and bedding.
Leptospirosis
The bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals (mostly rats) into puddles, mud and floodwater. A dog can become infected by walking through or sniffing puddles or mud contaminated with infected urine, the bacteria entering through a cut, mouth, nose or eyes. It damages kidneys and the liver, killing dogs every monsoon season.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the muscles, increased thirst and urination, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or gums).
The vaccine is included in the standard combination shot and should be given yearly, ideally before the rains rather than during. Leptospirosis is zoonotic, so a person can catch it. You will need to wear gloves when handling the urine of an infected dog, then wash your hands.
The vaccine does not cover all strains, only lowering the risk. In addition, one should avoid exposure to standing water.
Skin and Fungal Infections
The most common monsoon complaint is also the most frustrating because it is preventable․ The heavy layer of rain- and humidity-soaked dirt and dust is ideal for bacteria and fungi․
Look for any licked or scratched areas, musty odour from overnight itching, redness, or round bald patches with scaly skin – all indicators of ringworm, a fungus that can spread to people, especially children.
The fix is boring and it works: towel the dog off after every wet walk, dry between the toes and pads, and dry the ear flaps and armpits. Don't bathe a dog too often, as it strips the coat of oils and leaves the dog wet. Instead, the coat should be brushed more to open it up.
Ear Infections
Drop-eared breeds are worse off as their flap traps moisture in a warm canal․ Typical patients are goldens, cockers, and beagles. Head shaking or scratching one ear, dark waxy discharge, and a foul smell are all signs of infection. Check ears weekly through the season and clean only with a veterinary-approved product. Never use a cotton bud, as they can push debris down the ear canal.
Stomach Upsets And Parvovirus
Food spoils and water can become contaminated. Dogs drink from puddles. Most monsoon diarrhoea resolves in 24 hours, but blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, or a puppy that stops eating are warning signs. Especially not, given how quickly parvovirus can spread in this weather, killing unvaccinated puppies
Store dry food in airtight containers and discard opened wet food after an hour. Carry water with you when out with your dog, so he has no reason to drink off the road.
Cats Are Not Exempt
Indoor cats can also pick up ringworm and fungal skin problems, and respiratory infections thrive in damp․ One thing I have learned is that if they use a litter tray on an open balcony, the litter gets wet and doesn't clump and if the cat doesn't like it, it will go elsewhere in the house. You can bring the tray inside during the season․
The Habits That Prevent Most Of These Issues
- Thoroughly dry your pet after a wet walk, paying particular attention to between the toes.
- Check your dog daily for ticks with a handheld inspection, focusing on the ears, neck and paws.
- Get the boosters and preventives done in May before the rains start.
- Avoid stagnant water if you have a pet, and don't let your pet drink puddles.
- Wash and completely dry bedding weekly to prevent a treated dog from being reinfected.
- Never shave a double-coated dog because it does not cool the dog and it will likely ruin the coat.
Most monsoon illness in Indian pets is caught late, not due to bad luck. A dog that has gone quiet for two days‚ or a cat that has stopped grooming‚ is telling you something when the problem is still small and cheap to fix․
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bathe my dog more often during the monsoon?
No. Dry more, bathe less. Use a medicated shampoo only if a vet has diagnosed a skin or fungal infection.
Can I catch anything from my pet in the rains?
Leptospirosis and ringworm both pass to people. Basic hygiene and prompt treatment handle both.
When should monsoon vaccinations be done?
Ask for the annual booster before the rains, ideally by May. Leptospirosis protection, in particular, needs a yearly top-up.
