Barsaat Ka Mausam: Your Pet’s Monsoon Safety Handbook 🌧️🐶

The monsoon season (barsaat ka mausam) brings relief from the heat, but it also brings mud (keechad), humidity, and a spike in health risks for our pets. From fungal infections to waterborne diseases, the challenge is real!

It’s our job as responsible pet parents to step up our dhyaan rakhna (vigilance) to make sure our furry family members stay dry, comfortable, and healthy during the rainy months.

 

1. The Dry Zone (Sookha Ghar): Shelter & Bedding

Humidity is the enemy here. Constant dampness can quickly lead to painful skin and fungal infections.

• Keep it Dry: Ensure your pet’s sleeping spot is completely dry and warm. Avoid keeping their bed near any damp walls or floors where moisture can seep in.
• Waterproof Protection: Place a plastic sheet or old newspaper underneath their main bed or blanket. This stops moisture from the floor from chilling them or dampening their bedding from below.
• Cleanliness: Wet blankets and beds are breeding grounds for germs. Wash and thoroughly dry your pet’s bedding more frequently during the monsoon.

 

2. The Paw Patrol (Keechad Se Bachav) & Grooming

Paws and skin are the main points of contact with mud and germs.

• Paw Wipe Protocol: The moment your pet steps back inside from a walk, wipe their paws and legs immediately with a dry, clean towel. This removes mud, street water, and unseen germs. Check their paws regularly for any small cuts or cracks.
• The Flap-Eared Challenge: If your dog has floppy ears (like a Beagle or Cocker Spaniel), moisture can get trapped easily, leading to ear infections. Keep the ears dry and clean after every outdoor trip, or even use vet-approved cleaning drops weekly.
• Coat Care: Brush your pet daily. This helps air out the coat, removes trapped moisture, and prevents painful matting (which traps dirt and creates hot spots for infection).
• Anti-Fungal Powder: If your pet is prone to skin infections due to high humidity, ask your vet about using a safe anti-fungal powder gently dusted onto their skin folds and armpits.
• Drying is Key: If they get soaked, dry them completely using a soft towel and a pet-safe dryer on a low, cool setting. Leaving them partially damp is an open invitation for skin bimari (disease).

 

3. Internal Health & Safety Measures

The biggest monsoon threat comes from invisible dangers like parasites and contaminated water.

• Avoid Stagnant Water: Never allow your pet to drink from or walk through puddles, drains, or standing water. This water is often contaminated with serious waterborne bacteria like leptospirosis, which can affect both pets and humans. Ensure your pet only drinks fresh, clean water that you provide.
• Parasite Battle: Ticks and fleas love humidity. Ensure your pet’s flea and tick prevention (spot-on treatment or chewable) is up-to-date and effective. Check their body daily for hitchhiking ticks after they come back inside.
• Exercise Safely: On days of heavy rain, stick to short walks and use a pet raincoat. Supplement their exercise with indoor games (like fetch in the hallway or puzzle toys) to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
• Vet Check: Ensure your dog’s leptospirosis and other core vaccinations are current, as the risk of these diseases is highest during barsaat.

 

4. Dealing with Thunder Anxiety

The loud claps of thunder (bijli ka garajna) and heavy rain can be frightening.

• Create a Safe Den: Re-emphasise the quiet, internal room (like a closet or bathroom). Turn up the background white noise (TV or soft music) to mask the sudden thunderclaps.
• Stay Calm: If your dog is trembling or hiding, maintain a calm, normal demeanour. Sit with them and offer quiet, gentle petting. Avoid over-coddling, as it can sometimes reinforce their belief that they should be scared.

By being extra vigilant about dryness, grooming, and parasite control, you can ensure your dog stays happy and snug while enjoying the pleasant coolness of the monsoon.