The care you should have with your pet in the rainy season

Although the rainy season brings new challenges for dogs (such as catching a cold if they stay wet for a long time), that climatic moment should not get in the way, for example, in your daily walks. “This activity helps a lot to avoid stress, relieves and regulates their energy, helps them feel more relaxed and sleep better,” says the lawyer. Bonne Moreno Chong, spokesperson for the Almanimal Foundation.

So what can you do to help your best friend weather the rains?

When taking them out for a walk, try to prevent them from stepping on places with a lot of dirt. “At this time, ticks and fleas reproduce much more”, warns Moreno, so he remembers that another way of taking care of them is protect them from these pests with products such as pipettes, pills, sprays, etc.

Protecting their pads (on their paws) and their skin is another mission. “Let’s remember that their hooves are always in contact with the ground and being wet all the time, they weaken and crack, causing pain in dogs, so it is advisable to keep an eye on them,” warns Moreno. It also suggests that if your pet got wet during the walk, dry it with a dryer in cold air to avoid damaging its skin and do not forget constant brushing (especially in long-haired pets) to prevent knots from forming and the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.

What if the plan is to let him play in the rain? Bonne warns that the ideal is not to exceed the time because it could cause bronchitis, but above all watch that they do not approach a puddle. “They can contract some diseases such as leptospirosis, which is caused by a bacterium. It is not necessary for the dog to drink the puddle water, it is enough that it wet its paws with that infected water and then he licks his paws to get infected that way, ”he warns.

scary sounds

Just like at the end of the year, the loud sounds of thunder can overwhelm and cause nervousness in some pets.

The advice of Dr. Miguel Pardo, Animal Friends veterinarian, is to give them emotional support. How? If you know that electrical storms affect them, allow them to be by your side. “Cassing and pampering them, because this helps a lot. If, despite being with us, they do not calm down, there are medicines that could appease these bad times and that must be strictly managed by a veterinary medical professional.

Is it advisable to clean their paws when returning from a walk? The specialist suggests doing it with a natural antiseptic solution that hydrates and cleanses at the same time. “I use one in particular based on neem essential oil. Alcohol or antibacterial gel should not be used, as this can cause irritation and be counterproductive for the pet.

And if the weather really prevents you from going for a walk on a certain day, any other type of interaction will do. One way for Pardo is to throw a ball and ask him to bring it back or resort to interactive toys, in which food or sweets are inserted and they try to get them. “But it should be emphasized that nothing replaces a good walk to release energy.” If the rain catches up with you during the walk, return home calmly and safely.

More recommendations

The specialists agree on some tips for a smooth ride.

• A safe walk should always be done on a leash, either with a collar or a bib, if possible do not leave the pet loose, unless it is a safe place, or with other known dogs, most accidents occur due to being left without a leash to the dogs.
• When taking them for a walk, try to get the dog to walk on the sidewalk, so we will avoid a car splashing them when there are puddles of water. We must also avoid at all costs that they drink that water from puddles and prevent gastrointestinal diseases.
• If it is strictly necessary to go out during the rain, the dog can be covered with a rain poncho or rubber to prevent it from getting wet, in the same way there are special booties to place on its legs to prevent it from getting wet.
• If our dog got wet during the walk, it should be dried very well when you get home, if possible with 2 or more towels, and if necessary and the puppy is used to it, use a dryer in warm or cold air, never hot. Attention should also be paid to symptoms that could announce a skin condition: if the dog begins to scratch more than normal, the skin turns reddish, there is an unpleasant smell of “wet dog” or even that it falls abnormally. hair.
• If the rain is very strong, it is preferable not to go for a walk. Another option is to reduce the duration of the walks, especially on days that are expected to be very rainy.
• Don’t forget that the best way to prevent them from contracting any dangerous disease is to keep their annual vaccinations up to date.

Sources:

Ab. Bonne Moreno Chong, spokesperson for the Almanimal Foundation (www.instagram.com/fundacion_almanimal)

Dr. Miguel Pardo, Animal Friends veterinarian. (www.instagram.com/animalfriends_ec)