Priya woke up to a soft whimper near the door. Simba shivered, his paws cold and muddy, standing there. She wrapped him in a towel and held him close, her heart aching a little. That night, she promised herself she would keep him safe this monsoon.
It's a common experience that every pet parent in India can relate to. Here's a simple guide on keeping your pet safe this monsoon, from daily care and food to travel and one thing most people never think about.
How monsoon affects pets
Monsoon season is not the same as before. Climate change has made rains heavier and more unpredictable across India. In some cities, floods occur suddenly. Others experience periods of dry weather and then followed by days of persistent rain.
The unpredictable weather is hard on pets. Wet fur takes longer to dry. The humidity is high for days. Ticks and fleas breed faster in this weather. Dogs and cats fall sick more easily during these months.
Skin infections, fungal rashes, tick fever, stomach upset, and cold or cough are common problems this season. Street dogs and cats suffer even more, since they have no shelter from the rain.
How to protect your pet
Keep pets dry. Wipe your pet's paws and body with a clean towel after each walk. Check between their toes for redness or bad smell.
Watch for ticks. Check your pet's fur daily. Ask your vet for a good tick and flea treatment before the season starts.
Avoid puddles. Rainwater on the street carries germs and bacteria. Keep your pet away from standing water as much as possible.
Adjust walk timings. Avoid walking your pet right after heavy rain. Choose short walks instead of long ones during this season.
Trim the coat. Long fur stays wet for a long time. A neat haircut will dry faster and keep your pet comfortable.
Keep the home dry. Clean your pet's bedding frequently. Avoid putting their sleeping space in damp corners.
Avoid long trips
Try to keep away from long journeys during the heaviest monsoons as roads may be flooded for hours during these periods. When traveling, bring additional towels, a raincoat and your pet's medical records.
What food to give in monsoon
The food is a big deal this season. A pet's stomach becomes weak during monsoon.
Give fresh, warm, home-cooked food instead of food left out for hours. Never eat raw meat or street food leftovers. If your veterinarian allows, use a probiotic or curd as an aid in digestion. Make sure your pet always has clean drinking water, not water from outside.
Some owners think that during monsoon, chicken and eggs generate heat in the body. It is a common belief in India, but not entirely accurate. The real problem is often poor quality feed given to commercial chickens, which causes skin irritation in pets. Good quality protein, in the right amount, is safe and needed this season.
One thing most people forget
Most monsoon care tips talk only about pets living at home. But India has millions of street dogs and cats too. They get the same rain, the same cold and the same sickness, but they don't have a shelter nor a towel just waiting for them.
Little helps go a long way. This season, a cardboard box under a shed, a bowl of dry food or even a dry corner near your gate can save a street animal's life. Kindness makes a difference even for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Monsoon is also a beautiful season, but also a risky season for pets in India. This season becomes more unpredictable each year due to climate change. Small daily care, proper diet and attention will help your pet stay safe and happy during the rainy season.
