We all wait for the monsoon, when the blistering heat is replaced with the gentle breeze and sprinkling of rain to cool the ground and bring a freshness in the air. Just like you, your pets enjoy the change in weather too. They absolutely adore the puddles they get to play in, the moist mud they tread in, and the fresh wet grass they get to roll in.
On the not-so-bright side, in many parts of our city, there is waterlogging, stagnant puddles and wet garbage that they need to trudge through on their daily walks. This makes it tricky to ensure your pets stay clear of unnecessary pests, viruses, and infections. This calls for a change in routine, including a fresh set of dos and don’ts to follow before and after every walk.
Quick Checklist: Monsoon Prep for Your Pet (Download & Save)
Check-ups:
Take your pet for a visit to the vet at least once during the monsoon for a routine check-up for tick/flea/ectoparasite prevention.
Ear cleaning:
Keep an eye on and check behind and inside your pet’s ears for ticks or infections. Keep vet-approved ear cleaner handy for weekly cleaning.
Paw health:
Keep your pet’s paws dry and clean: trim the fur between their paw pads, ensure they are dry, and apply vet-approved balm if you notice cracking.
Rain gear:
Invest in a spare leash and raincoat if you haven’t already. It is difficult to dry wet leashes and rain gear during the monsoons. So, invest in an extra set to keep your pet dry and comfortable during his outdoor walks or runs. Avoid walking through puddles/drains or stagnant water to avoid contamination and skin infections.
Spare towels:
It is going to get mucky after every walk. Keep pet wipes or towels at the door to wipe your pet after every walk, keeping them clean and comfortable and away from any itchiness or infections.
Regular baths:
A walk in the rain is not the same as a bath. Although it can be humid during the monsoon, try to bathe your pets twice a month to keep harmful bacteria, ticks, and fleas at bay. Ensure your dog is clean and dry after their bath, paying special attention to their paws and ears.
Vaccine/deworming records:
Keep all your pet’s medical documentation handy and up-to-date: It is important to confirm leptospirosis protection with your vet during your doggo’s regular health check-ups.
Why Monsoon Changes Pet Health in Pune
During the monsoons, your dog is prone to many fungal infections, like yeast infections, ringworm, which causes circular lesions on the skin, and systemic fungal infections, which are less common but can be life-threatening.
Due to moisture and excessive humidity during this time, there are skin flare-ups. Wet grass and mushy vegetation could lead to tick exposure, resulting in tick fever and anaemia. Waterlogging and contaminated puddles or soil have a high risk of leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease that can affect your dog’s health.
Hence, it is essential to wear closed shoes and wash and dry your pet’s paws thoroughly and check your pet for ticks after every walk outdoors.
Skin and Ear Problems: Spot Early, Treat Fast
Although the monsoon can give you respite from the heat, its cool, misty temperatures can be an invitation to numerous parasites and allergies that your pets can fall prey to with the change in weather. It is crucial to keep an eye on the changes in their habits and behaviour during this time.
You may notice a few signs, like excessive scratching/licking/chewing, hair loss around their bellies, ears, and paws, coughing, musty odours, and reddish-brown earwax, to mention a few
You wouldn’t want your dog to contract anything serious, so we advise that you follow a few do’s and don’ts during the monsoon as soon as you see any new signs within the first 24 – 48 hours.
Do’s
- Thoroughly rinse mud from their paws and pat dry, preferably using a towel and letting them air dry under a fan or cooler.
- Use vet-recommended medicated shampoos/wipes as prescribed by them.
- Keep their coat manageable; brush once dry.
Don’t
- Use human creams/powders.
- Pluck their ear hairs at home.
- Put cotton buds deep in their ears.
Overbathing your pet.
When to Visit the Vet
If there is a persistent itch/odour that lasts more than 48 hours. Check if there is a discharge from the ears, fever (hot spots), repeated head-shaking, crying, or wincing.
Ticks in Pune’s Monsoon: Prevention That Actually Works
In the monsoons, due to increased humidity and moisture, there is an infestation of ticks, as the weather makes it ideal to breed.
Ticks can be found in plenty in wet grass or thick bushes and even on other strays that your pet may come in contact with. They find refuge in your pet’s warm fur, behind their ears or in their paws. You can make a note of these 5 preventative steps to follow the next time you see a tick.
5-point prevention plan
Contact your vet: Contact your vet and follow their advice regarding oral, topical, or medical collars they recommend to prevent tick fever. Avoid human-based products at all costs.
Keep surroundings clean: Keep your pet’s surroundings clean, dry, and safe. This includes your bed, your pet’s bedding, sofas, and any other furniture they rest on. Regular vacuuming helps remove ticks and eggs.
Post-walk tick checks: Check your pet thoroughly for ticks after every walk. Run your fingers through the ears, neck, armpits, paws, and tail base, as these warm areas are common hiding spots. Use a tick remover if any ticks are found.
Brush and dry the coat: Brush your pet’s coat once it has dried after every walk. Keep the fur manageable and fully dry using a towel or cloth. Avoid frequent overbathing, as drying can be difficult during the monsoon.
Travel with caution: Be careful while travelling during the monsoon. Carry your pet’s tick preventatives and avoid letting your pet sit or lie on communal rugs, mats, or shared surfaces, especially if you spot ticks in the area.
Red-flag symptoms (visit a vet within 24 hours)
If you notice any of the following signs, seek veterinary care immediately:
- Lethargy or unusual weakness
- Pale or yellow gums
- Nosebleeds or bruise-like spots (in severe cases)
- Loss of appetite
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
- Fever
Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications, so do not delay a vet visit if any of these symptoms appear.
Leptospirosis: The Monsoon Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore
What it is and how pets catch it
- Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of rodents or livestock.
- Infection occurs when contaminated water enters cuts or scratches.
- Risk increases when dogs walk through puddles or floodwater during the monsoon.
Signs in dogs (call your vet the same day)
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Weakness or lethargy
- Increased thirst or urination
- Yellowing of the eyes or gums (jaundice)
- Abdominal or belly pain
How to Prevent you pet from Leptospirosis
- Vaccination: ask your vet about primary shots/boosters.
- Avoid exposure: Avoid taking your dogs near waterlogged zones; avoid puddle play; avoid areas with open garbage; and control rodents at home.
- Hygiene if exposed: gloves, soap-and-water cleanup, proper floor disinfection; keep kids away from pet urine.
If you suspect exposure
Call your vet for testing; don’t start leftover antibiotics; limit contact with other pets until cleared.
When to Call the Vet vs. When to Rush to a Hospital
- Call within 24 hrs: persistent itch/odour, small hot spot, one-off vomiting in an otherwise bright pet.
- Same-day/ER: breathing trouble, repeated vomiting with lethargy, high fever, pale/yellow gums, seizures, collapse, suspected poisoning, severe dehydration.
BCS Pune Helpline: 1800-419-9005 • Get Directions to OPD or visit a private vet.
Monsoon Month-by-Month Planner (Pune)
It goes without saying that keeping your pet’s surroundings clean, dry and comfortable, especially during the monsoons, is critical to prevent them from getting any infections. Let’s look at a few key checks to ensure they are safe from any harm during this time.
Pre-monsoon (May–June):
- Check your pet’s vaccine schedule (including leptospirosis) and ensure they are up-to-date.
- Start or confirm parasite (fleas, ticks, worms) prevention practices to keep them safe from unwanted bites and itchiness.
- Stocking up on first aid supplies is always a good idea for days when it’s difficult to reach a vet if the weather is bad.
- Keep warm towels and rain gear ready and dry for the best outdoor experience during the rains.
Peak rains (July–Aug):
- strict drying routine, weekly bedding wash, tick checks every walk.
- Follow a thorough and strict drying routine for your pet by keeping their bedding, leash, and fur clean and dry after every walk.
- Practice washing their beds, pillows, and other items that they use every week to prevent any bacteria from building up, and see that these items are dried well too.
- Run a thorough check for ticks after every walk, and keep an eye on any excessive itching to ensure no tick or flea bites.
- Air out the house and let enough sunlight and fresh air into the house. This keeps your home clean and prevents any fungal infections
Late monsoon (Sept–Oct):
- Check with your vet:
- For a refill of your pet’s preventive medications for parasites (flea, tick).
- For advice if your pet has any lingering skin, ear, or gastrointestinal issues
- For a deworming schedule review
BCS Pune Can Help
At BCS Pune, we provide routine checkups, vaccines, tick prevention medicines, and deworming medication, as well as the anti-rabies vaccine, which is available for free to all dogs and cats (pet and strays). You can walk in without a prior appointment during our working hours.
You can reach out to us on our helpline or by email at 1800-419-9005 or info@bcspune.org. For any enquiries, you can check the details mentioned below:
| Address | Business Hours | Keep In Touch |
| Blue Cross Society of Pune (BCS Pune)
Sr. No. 5, Sharad Nagar, Keshav Nagar, Mundhwa, Pune 411036. |
Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 6 pm
Fridays 12:00 pm – 06:00 pm SUNDAY CLOSED |
Helpline Number
1800-419-9005 Email: info@bcspune.org |
FAQs
Is leptospirosis contagious to people?
Person-to-person spread is rare. Reduce risk by avoiding contact with contaminated water and wearing waterproof footwear.
My dog has ticks despite spot-on treatment. What next?
Spot-ons kill ticks after they bite. Contact your vet if the infestation seems severe.
How often should I bathe my dog during the monsoon?
Once a week is usually enough. Brush daily and consult your vet if ticks are present.
What are the early signs of tick fever?
Lethargy, appetite loss, joint pain, coughing, or breathing difficulty.
Can indoor-only pets get leptospirosis?
Yes. Exposure can occur through rodents or contaminated water indoors.
How should I dry my dog’s ears after a rain walk?
Gently wipe with a soft, dry towel until completely dry.