Monsoon pet care tips: How to keep dogs and cats safe, healthy and infection-free

WoofhappyI have two dogs a male German Shepherd Zeus and a female indie Kiki As German Shepherds have a double coat I have found that tick sprays and medicated shampoos do not work well I give him a tick prevention tablet once every three months During the monsoon a raincoat is essential to reduce the risk of rainwaterrelated allergies and infectionsSharon BraganzaOnce we return home I wash their paws with diluted antiseptic and blowdry them thoroughly to ensure no moisture remains Their diet includes a skin and coat supplement with boneless fish and fish skin offered occasionally On rainy days I walk them in the parking area of my housing society instead of taking them outUnfortunately thunderstorms canrsquot be controlled and make my indie anxious Try keeping the windows shut avoid force feeding if they refuse food and focus on keeping them as comfortable as possible A small amount of sugarfree ice cream helps as wellSharon Braganza 27 wedding designer ThaneFeline goodIf your cats are mostly indoors like mine were and dislike water they are unlikely to venture out during the rain However that does not mean you can let your guard down Even if they are vaccinated watch for injuries from stray animals or the possibility of them eating something unsafeUrvashi RathoreOne of my rescued cats had open wounds infested with maggots after an alleged dog attack and a severe intestinal worm infestation My cat Guddu developed a fungal skin infection that caused itchiness and patchy fur It is also important to clean and wipe their paws regularly especially after they have been outdoors Use a dry shampoo regularlyUrvashi Rathore 21 student VashiChecklist for monsoonsPic courtesyPawsindiaDonrsquot let the rain put an end to your dogrsquos evening walks This hooded 360degree raincoat features an adjustable fit and easy Velcro fastening to keep your pet dry and comfortable whateverthe weatherLog on to pawsindiacomCost Rs 1049 onwardsSave yourself the postwalk cleanup With an antislip sole lightweight design and waterproof EVA shield these boots help keep feet dry through puddles and wet streetsLog on to tiltingheadscomCost Rs 2999Pic courtesyHeads up for tailsKeep unwanted hitchhikers away with this handmade natural organic and vegan antitick spray infused with lemongrass and geranium A few sprays behind the ears under the tail near the elbows and around the feet offer added protectionLog on to headsupfortailscomCost Rs 500Pic courtesySupertailsDry your furry friends in minutes Made from ultrasoft highly absorbent fabric this towel quickly soaks up water after baths rainy walks swimming or grooming helping keep your home and car clean and dryLog on to supertailscomCost Rs 399Pic courtesyRuseStay visible on super gloomy evenings Designed with a reflective strip and padded inner lining this collar improves visibility during walks in heavy rain while remaining comfortable to wearLog on to ruseinCost Rs 750Vet knows bestgtgt Stay on schedule Keep vaccinations flea and tick prevention and deworming up to date to reduce the risk of infectionsgtgt Inspect skin regularly Check for redness scratches wounds hot spots or excessive licking and address them earlygtgt Maintain hygiene Clean bedding and bowls regularly keep ears dry and always wash and dry paws after rainy walksgtgt Support immunity Feed a balanced diet to promote healthy skin wound healing and overall immunitygtgt Act on wounds quickly Clean minor wounds prevent licking and consult a vet if you notice swelling discharge pain a foul odour or loss of appetitegtgt Always avoid selftreatment Skip home remedies and human medicines complete prescribed antibiotics and donrsquot delay veterinary care if symptoms persistBy Hemant Thange chief veterinarian at Petsvets Thane