JOIN USPet peeves: Rain, rain, go away!
While we have been counting the days to the monsoon, the season brings problems for our pets that are a dampener to enjoying the rains. We must do our bit to keep our furry friends safe and happy.
Dr Kallahalli Umesh, Waltham Scientific Communication Manager, Mars India, says there are some of the key hazards that those who have pets need to be aware of. Thunder and rain can frighten even the calmest of animals.
Some pets may suffer from storm anxiety and get pretty distraught. Their symptoms can range from mild to severe shaking, hiding, biting, and excessive chewing.
Ensure proper and current identification of your pet; it’s a sensible way to help ensure his safe return if he runs away, terrified by the sound and fury of a storm.
There are anti-anxiety medicines available with vets to help ease the pet’s stress and fear during a thunderstorm. Please ask your pet’s vet about them. Parasites like mosquitoes, flies and fleas attack pets, causing infections and diseases like flea bite allergy, fever etc. As a responsible pet owner, you should ensure that your pet has regular worm medication and tick and flea treatments.
Dogs also have a habit of chasing wild creatures like lizards, frogs and spiders. They love to either eat them or hold them in their mouth. But these creatures are toxic and holding them has actually led to violent deaths of some dogs around the world. The best way to protect your dog from getting poisoned by eating lizards or toads is to be outside with them, inspect your garden and surroundings regularly, and not to leave them outside unattended for long periods of time.
It is important to realise that with monsoons come stomach infections, especially from beef or chicken or any meat that you would be feeding your pet. Ensure that you buy meat from shops which maintain very high hygiene standards, or give your pet good quality pet food. Store pet food in air-tight containers so that it is not exposed to humidity/moisture.
We love our pets, so why not create a safe and comfortable environment for them?