Monsoon care for Dogs
For dog owners it is always difficult to keep dogs clean in summer. Not just dust, it brings the risk of tick and flea on your dog. These bugs are irritating, can transmit disease can be painful for dogs and may lead to fur fall. To avoid these issues, pet owners must give follow the steps monsoon care
- Regular Baths- A good rule of thumb is to give your pet a bath once a month in the tub or shower, using warm water and a gentle dog-specific shampoo. If they have an underlying skin condition or allergies, you may need to bathe them more often using a medicated shampoo. In monsoons, pets can be given bath with anti tick shampoo which has pH balance and no harmful chemicals.
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Regular Brushing- Monsoon is the breeding season for ticks. It is a time when your pets are at a high risk of getting ticks and fleas on their fur on the way back from their walk. To prevent this, there are many tick and flea repellent, anti-tick tick powders and anti tick ointments for dogs. It is important to brush your dog regularly and check them for ticks. Brush your pet religiously at least twice a day. Some people prefer getting an anti tick shot for the dogs; however, avoid medicating your pet yourself. Always consult an expert. If your pet is already infected with ticks, give them a bath with an anti-tick shampoo and rubbing an anti-tick ointment. This may not be enough, though. You may need to physically remove ticks from your pet's coat, while brushing. While at it, make sure you kill the insects by dunking them in a jar of kerosene or water (plain or mixed with detergent).
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Keeping them dry- To avoid damp coats, and the accompanying odour, you will need to wipe them dry every time they get wet. A microfiber instant dry towel is recommended. To control pet odour you can also use anti tick powders and dog Colognes that are readily available at pet shops.
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Keep checking Paws and ears for ticks and fleas- During monsoons, your canine companions are exposed to moisture, which makes them susceptible to photodermatitis. Moisture in parks and wet streets weaken the follicles, which leads to skin inflammation in the paws. It is not advisable not to leave your dog's paws wet for long. Use blotting paper to wipe them clean time and again. Rinse with clean water and if possible, blow-dry the paws after every walk, if you have a long-coat pet, keep the fur between the paw-pads trimmed. Use anti tick powder between paws to keep them dry. Also, ensure their nails are not clipped too close to the skin to prevent bleeding and infection.
Wet weather makes them vulnerable to ear infections too. During the monsoons you need to clean their ears with a cotton bud every day. At other times during the year it is okay to clean them once a month. Do not use any oils for dog ears..
- Keep them away from frogs and lizards. Keep a close eye on your dog during the rains as frogs and lizards, which can be extremely toxic, crawl about randomly. "If you catch your pet with one in his mouth, induce vomiting by using vinegar or by placing salt on the back of their tongue to flush out the toxins.
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Keep them away from dirty, stagnant water. Like you, your pets can fall prey to waterborne diseases from contaminated and stagnant water. Common symptoms of a gut problem include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and appetite loss. Make sure they are drinking clean water, Feed them bland food (rice and curd) in case of a gut infection and the symptoms should subside within a few days. If the infection seems aggressive, visit your vet for further treatment.
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