Monsoon feels like a relief after brutal Indian summers. For short-nosed breeds, it's not. A narrow airway doesn't mind hot or humid air, it only knows that breathing was more difficult. Most pawrents don't catch this because they have been taught to look for heat, and not rain.
Pug, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, French Bulldog and Boxer are the five breeds that are most at risk in India. Here's why, breed by breed, and how to keep them safe this season.
Why These 5 Breeds Struggle More in Monsoon
Pug
Pugs have the tightest nostrils. As soon as the air is moist, breathing becomes more difficult. They have deep wrinkles on their face that trap moisture quickly. This can cause infection on the skin around the nose and mouth.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a double problem. They have a long coat that can hold water for hours. Damp hair around the nose prevents air from flowing as well. They are small, so they cool rapidly when damp.
Lhasa Apso
They have a heavy coat which keeps moisture near their skin. They are prone to ear infections because of their hairy ear canals. Monsoon makes this worse. Their breathing is more difficult and wet coats cause skin infections quickly.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs have very narrow airways. They struggle to breathe when the air gets humid. They are susceptible to infection on their face and tail folds during wet weather. They get easily exhausted, even on short walks when the weather is damp.
Boxer
Boxers are stronger and energetic. Owners often keep walking them as usual through monsoon. However, they do not breathe easily even with humidity. Their size hides the struggle. It appears to be a case of tiredness, not breathing difficulty.
How to Prevent Breathing Problems in Short-Nosed Breeds
- Do not expect symptoms. Have your dog checked by a veterinarian when they are young. This is particularly important for Pug and French Bulldog. Catching problems early makes them easier to fix later.
- Extra weight makes breathing harder. A slim dog breathes more comfortably. Control food portions. Regularly weigh them.
- A collar compresses the airway. A harness takes that pressure off. This is an easy and inexpensive solution.
- Breathing gets faster during times of excitement and stress. This makes it difficult for them to breathe. Keep greetings calm. Avoid rough play. Allow time for quiet after activities or noisy events.
- Eating from the ground puts pressure on the throat. It can cause gagging. An elevated feeder will help.
- Snoozing is a little normal for all short-nosed dogs. Learn the normal behavior of your dog. This allows you to detect changes in early stages.
- A yearly breathing check identifies problem areas early.
See a vet immediately if you notice:
- Breathing open-mouth and unable to settle to sleep with it
- Gum or tongue that may be blue or grey in colour.
- If you collapse or refuse to get up after brief activity.
- Breathing that is obviously worse than their normal baseline.
How to care for these 5 breeds during monsoons
- Do not close all doors and windows due to rain. Stagnant, sealed air indoors is harder on their breathing than a slightly damp room with fresh airflow. If the humidity remains high for several days, use a fan or AC in dry mode.
- Towels dry thoroughly after any exposure to rain, particularly face folds, ears and paws. These damp areas are a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria very quickly if left damp overnight.
- During the monsoon season, Pug and French Bulldog should have any folds cleaned with a soft dry cloth daily. Moisture builds up in these creases faster than most owners expect.
- Ask your groomer about a shorter trim for monsoon. Make sure fur around their mouth and nose is not becoming wet, as it holds moisture in place where they breathe from.
- Even in "cool" rainy weather, keep walks brief. Observe increased panting, snorting, and gagging at a quicker rate than normal. That's your dog telling you the humidity is working against them, not just the wet ground.
- Humidity ruins dry food faster than you think. Store kibbles in a separate airtight container, away from damp corners in the kitchen.
- Mould grows rapidly on damp bedding during a monsoon period. This can irritate an already sensitive airway. Change bed linens frequently and dry them thoroughly.
Conclusion
Monsoon doesn't have to be hard on your short-nosed pawrent friend. With a bit of extra air flow, drying, and walk timing, they'll be a lot more comfortable this season.
