Monsoon in India can be fluctuating every year- it is either too cold, moist or very harsh with storms. It is also the most popular season for humans to fall sick. But did you know that our dogs are also prone to getting sick during the rainy days?
The temperature usually drops during November across India, along with unbearable cold showers and winds. When you can see the climate changing, make sure to check for the following symptoms for common illness in your dogs, to avoid complications.
1) Frostbites: During monsoon, the skin of your pooches might swell and turn pale. In extreme cold, the body cuts off blood flow to the extreme edges of the body to keep the essential organs functioning. The reduced blood flow leads to the formation of ice crystals and hence, damages the tissues.
The symptoms of frostbites are discoloration – pale, grey or blue, brittleness of the area when touched, acute pain in the affected area, swelling and skin ulcer. Delaying treatment for frostbite could lead to bacterial infection and decay.
To treat frostbites apply warm water to the affected areas and refrain from offering any painkillers to your dog. Do not massage the areas, as it could cause more pain. Take him to your veterinarian for more assistance.
2) Hypothermia: Hypothermia is similar to the human conditions caused due to lower body temperature. This can happen due to exposure to frigid temperatures. Wet fur can be dangerous for dogs during cold seasons.
The rate of heartbeat and breathing might slow down, leading to other complications. It can leave a lasting neurological problem, kidney failure and frostbite, if not catered to. Symptoms of hypothermia are shivering due to wet skin, restlessness and lethargy.
You can check for hypothermia with a rectal thermometer for dogs. Wrap them closely in a warm blanket and consult a vet.
Consult with your veterinarian to know about the quantity that must be fed. Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index so if your dog has a diabetic history, please ensure if they can be included in their diet. The best way to start including sweet potatoes in your dog’s meal is to feed him with a small amount. The condition can also be avoided if you keep your pooches warm and ensure they are not exposed to cold temperature or rains for a long time. You can cover their paws and body warm with boots, socks or sweaters.
3) Arthritis: Arthritis causing pain and discomfort due to inflammation of joints is a common condition among both humans and dogs. But unlike us who voluntarily admit the pain, dogs tend to show grumpiness or laziness.
Arthritis is mostly found in older dogs, but it can occur in an earlier age too. In this condition the dog’s cartilage within a joint is damaged causing the bones in the joint to rub together. This leads to stiffness of joints and hence, the development of pain.
This condition cannot be diagnosed accurately. There are no proper preventive measures for Arthritis. If you find your dog limping, walking slow or unable to move around with comfort, take your dog to the clinic for tests and X-ray examinations. Weight control and exercise can be the best therapies for dogs suffering from arthritis.
Here at Oscar Daisy, you can find a range of nutritional diet plans, with natural ingredients and healthy recipes, curated specially for your furry friends. You can pick the meal package the suites your pooch after consultation with an in-house veterinarian, to keep their weight balanced.
4) Dog Sniffles: Just as we humans are prone to catching a common cold now and then, dogs too catch a cold often during monsoon. It is not a serious condition, but ensuring good care is important to avoid consequences.
It could be a slight cough, runny and wetter nose, sneezing or fatigue in dogs that indicate sniffles. If you find your dog suffering from cold, keep them in warmer conditions. Feed them warm and easily soluble food to increase energy. You can take your pooch to the vet if the condition doesn’t improve in a few days. Some stubborn sniffles require medications.
If you have other dogs or pets at home, try to isolate the sick puppy from the healthy ones to avoid transmissions.
5) Kennel Cough: Kennel cough is a respiratory sickness in dogs caused by different bacteria and viruses. Cold temperatures and poor ventilation are the possible reasons to contract the illness. They are very contagious and hence, it is best to take your dog to the clinic in the early stages.
If your dog struggles with a dry cough, runny nose, fever, eye discharge, loss of appetite or sneezing, it could be kennel cough condition. Mild cases are easily curable but if the infection spreads, medications will not be enough.
Nevertheless, isolate your dog from other pets to stop the spread of the infection and avoid using a collar. Keep your dog warm and in humid conditions with a cozy blanket. During rains, try to avoid letting your dog stay inside the kennel to avoid the growth of bacteria.
6) Pneumonia: Throughout the monsoon, many dogs experience pneumonia. It is a breathing problem caused by less airflow due to inflammation of lungs and airways. It can be caused due to deficient oxygen in the blood and viral infections in the respiratory tract.
Signs of pneumonia include lack of appetite, deep coughs, labored breathing, increased body temperature and high exposure to wet and cold atmosphere. It occurs as flu and can be treated within weeks but if it pertains, you have to take your dog to the clinic for better diagnosis. You can wrap your dog in a cozy blanket or provide them with comfortable clothes to keep them warm.
It is suggested that you provide ample care to your fur babies during rainy and cold season. Spending long hours in the cold, outside and poor maintenance of the atmosphere could cause our dogs various illness. Providing your dogs with proper food and warm shelters can keep them them safe from these common illnesses. Make it compulsory to have a thorough check up with your vet during monsoon season.