Dogs & water

Dogs love to play in water, swimming being their most happy sport. As a pet owner, it is crucial to understand that taking dogs out for a swimming session is different from letting them get wet in the rains. Rainwater is slightly acidic and is definitely not your fur baby’s best friend.

To walk or not to walk

Walking your dog at least twice a day is important. However, rains can play spoilsport. Unless it’s raining cats and dogs, when it’s a bad idea to take the dog out, you must walk your dog regularly. It’s a good idea to invest in dog shoes and raincoats. 

Dog shoes come in different sizes, with PU and rubber soles or in silicone. They are easily available online and start at Rs 500 and can go upto Rs 5,000. These shoes definitely keep the pet’s paws dry, preventing infection due to rainwater and dirt. The rubber soles are anti-skid as well.

Dog raincoats are also available online and at some pet shops in the city. Try to look for a raincoat with a hood, to protect their ears from getting wet. Check for a proper belly belt so that it does not slide off while walking, and reflective tapes on back and front so that they are easily visible during night walks.

Dry & clean

Always towel-dry or blow-dry your dog after a walk. Remember, rainwater can cause skin irritation. Always bathe them if they get drenched in the rain with an antibacterial shampoo/dry shampoo (like PetBen Shampoo) and dry their coat. Give them a bath every 20 days during the monsoon season, since due to the damp weather their coat takes a lot of time to dry. Keep their fur coat dry and clean to avoid skin infections. Check for ticks and fleas regularly. Use towels made of cotton so that the water is absorbed; use a blow-dryer. If you are using hairdryers made for humans, make sure to keep the heat off and just use the blower at top speed.

If stuck indoor...

Treadmill is always good for indoor walking for humans as well as their pets. You will need to make your dog familiar with the moving floor of the treadmill. Try beginning at a very slow speed. Do not leave your pet alone while using a treadmill; it has to be done with special attention. Using it for 15 minutes twice a day should be ideal during monsoons. 

Monsoon diet

During monsoon, a high-fibre diet, which is easy to digest and keeps the bowel movement smooth, should be given. Don’t feed them excess food. The idea should be to feed them food which is easy to digest, in case outdoor activity is less due to the rains. Consider oats, brown rice, broccoli, sprouts, steamed green beans, cabbage and carrots. In case your dog has got wet in the rain,  give them a warm soup and/or boiled egg, to keep their body warm and to prevent them from catching a cold.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are the building blocks of your pooch’s immune system. Always schedule an appointment before the monsoons arrive. Viruses like coronavirus and canine parvovirus spread during monsoon and can be fatal as well.
 

Be a watchdog yourself

If you notice your dog scared or shivering during thunder, put cotton in their ears, close all the doors and windows to minimise the sound and cuddle them so they feel reassured of safety and comfort. If this doesn’t work, consult your vet for anti-anxiety medicines.

Do and don’t 

1. The ears and the space in between paws are most likely to catch fungal infections during monsoons. So keep these clean and dry.

2. To avoid infection in between the paws, always dip your pet’s paws in potassium permanganate and water and pat dry. Do this after regular walk during rainy days or if you notice your pet licking their paws a lot. You can use an antiseptic solution like Savlon and water as well. 

3. Always clean the ear with medicated drops and a cotton swab. Cleaning the ear once a week is enough. 

4. If you live in a location where it rains regularly and you still love dogs, you can go for breeds like American water spaniel as it has a double-layered coat. These breeds can adjust to both land and water.

Ankush Battoo is a partner at The Love Room and a pet lover. He can be reached on @theloveroomcafe on Instagram

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