The rainy season can feel nice - cooler air, cuddly evenings, and greenery everywhere. But for pet parents, it also means wet floors, muddy paws, and that strong, damp smell from your dog’s fur.

Caring for pets during the monsoon is more than just cleaning dirty feet. It's about protecting them from infections, keeping their coat dry, and making sure they feel safe when the weather gets rough.

Why Pets Need Special Monsoon Care

Rain and mud cause a mess, but when pets are involved, it can lead to some serious health issues if not handled carefully, like:

• Skin infections due to constant moisture
  

• Ear fungus, especially in breeds with floppy ears
  

• Joint pain in older dogs who sleep on wet surfaces
  

• Stomach issues from licking dirty paws

These issues can easily be avoided with a few simple steps every day.

1. Keep Their Fur Dry and Covered

Wet fur can take a long time to dry, and staying damp for hours increases the risk of fungal infections and skin irritation. Using a raincoat or a lightweight shirt helps protect your pet from moisture during walks. Also, your pet won't smell musty after each outing! 

2. Always Clean their Paws after a Walk

Set up a small clean-up area near the door. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just practical. Keep things like:

• An old towel for drying

• A bowl or paw washer
  

• Pet-safe wet wipes

• A mat or rug where your pet can sit during clean-up

Wiping paws and drying off after a walk takes less than a minute, but it can prevent dirt, bacteria, and moisture from spreading across your home or into your pet’s body.

3. Try Not to Give Regular Baths

Having your pet bathed too often during monsoon can leave them with dry, itchy skin. Bathing once every 2-3 weeks is sufficient unless your pet is extremely dirty.

Between baths, dry shampoos, pet wipes, or just brushing, can help to keep your pet's coat in good condition. Brushing will also help with shedding, and keeping your dog’s coat light and dry to prevent it from tangling or hiding skin issues from you.

4. Pay Attention to Their Ears

Moisture trapped in or around the ears can lead to painful infections. This is common in breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, or Golden Retrievers with floppy ears.

After a walk or wash:

. Gently wipe around the ear with a soft cloth or cotton

. Ensure ears are completely dry

. Never allow moisture to get into the ear canal

If you notice any bad odor, redness, or your dog is consistently scratching, make sure you see a vet right away.

5. Keep Them Active Indoors

Rain can limit their play outside. But pets still require mental and physical stimulation/exercise to keep them healthy.

Try these indoor activities:

• Stuff peanut butter into a chew toy and freeze it

• Hide treats or kibble in different rooms for them to find

• Play gentle tug-of-war

• Teach simple tricks or commands

Even short play sessions can help release energy and prevent boredom or destructive behavior.

6. Check Their Bedding for Dampness

Beds that feel slightly wet, even if they don’t look, it can lead to joint pain or skin infections, especially in senior dogs.

Here’s how to keep beds safe:

• Place beds away from windows or balcony doors

• Use covers that are easy to wash and dry

• Check the bed daily to make sure it stays dry

• Add a soft fleece blanket if your pet gets cold easily

Final Tip: Prepare in Advance

Monsoon returns every year, and each season brings the same challenges. But pets don’t understand rainy skies or slippery floors. They rely on their surroundings to feel safe and cared for.

With a few simple changes like a towel by the door, a waterproof coat, a dry bed, and clean paws it becomes easier to keep them happy and healthy through the rainy months.