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Keep your pets healthy this monsoon

Some tips for the season of heavy rains that brings the need of extra care for your pets.

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Each year monsoon keeps veterinary doctors in the city very busy with surgeries, vaccine shots and sick animals. During the rainy season furry pets can often be victims to aggravated flea infections, rabies, gastro enteritis, feline flu, fungal infections that can be treated immediately. Immunization and vaccination are the two essentials your pets might require to tackle infections and health problems that wet weather can cause.

"Pets should be immunized with 7 in 1 or 9 in 1 vaccines and kept clean to avoid ticks, fleas and more serious problems like rabies, parvo virus, canine distemper, hepatitis A,B and C, Leptospira, Carona etc." said Dr. Nanadkumar Auradkar, a veterinary doctor.

Ankita Ravi Kumar, owner of a 4 year old stray who she adopted said "We get him the yearly vaccines but he is often prone to cold and fever during this season. Viral fever being most common, we make sure he is immunized."
Special measures that can be taken for cleanliness include timely baths, sponging and proper drying. Dr Gorhe cleared a myth about rains and baths for pets,  said "People end up keeping their pets unbathed because of the rainy season however this could in fact keep them unclean so regular baths with proper drying is recommended even in the monsoons.” She suggested that the use of special raincoats for dogs and cats helps to a great extent to keep them dry when outdoors.

Ravi Kumar added,

"Pets can get itchy when soaked in rain and mud so with our dog we often use a t-shirt on him when he is in the open and also towel-dry his ears and tail thoroughly.”

She further mentioned that paws are tricky to clean and they do not dry easily but that area needs attention. "Ample clean water and food should be given regularly as per the pet’s dietary recommendations however stale food, over and under feeding must be avoided at all costs." said Auradkar. A regular change of clean potable water is also recommended to avoid water Bourne diseases.
Dr Vinay Gorhe who owns a vet clinic and has seen several cases for gastro infections said that, "We see about 50% increase in the gastro enteritis and other communicable diseases among dogs and more than 20 pets come in for surgeries every day." She also advises to avoid getting a puppy in this season as they do not do well with change of diet as they are young and the slightest exposure can cause severe infections.  
Fleas are also very common in the self cleaning pet, cats as well as dogs. Anti fleas powder can be sprinkled all over the body of the dog/cat. Ravi Kumar also said "They use special shampoos and powders for getting rid of fleas which one use under the advice of a vet."

It is not only important to keep your pet clean and dry but also the kennels or shelter that your pet stays in, should be dry and away from the rain as it is most often the cause of infections.
When asked about birds, Auradkar said "Birds should be kept away from a bath as they end up getting sick.” He further added that there is no vaccination for birds but they should be given proper food and clean water in this season. Gohre advised, "Birds should be kept indoors when it rains and not even in the balcony."
Keeping the pet dry, vaccinated, immunized and having getting regular checkups at the vet will not only help your pet get through the monsoon without any trouble but also stay healthy and happy the rest of the year.


Some quick tips on keeping your beloved pet safe, healthy and infection free.
1. Regular baths with anti-ticks/fleas shampoo.
2. Keep them dry at all times and dust a little ant-fleas/ticks powder.
3. Avoid water near the face and ears should be absolutely dry as it could lead to infections and pain.
4. Keep their diet same and avoid over feeding.
5. Use of specially made raincoats, socks and shoes is advisable.
6. Mask the sounds of thunder and lightning with television or distract them.
7. Do not let them drink stagnant water as it is a breeding home for insects which could cause stomach problems and infections.
8. Puppies and other young ones should be handled with extra care.
9. Birds should be kept away from water and moisture.
10. At the slightest signs of itches, hair fall or an unusual symptom, contact a vet.
11. Keep them indoors during showers and give fresh water to drink.
12. Make sure their bedding is dry and warm.
13. Deworming should be done from time to time.
14. Oral supplements for Calcium and B-complex doses should be given to boost immunity.
15. Do not let them eat stale food and use clean utensils.

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