Monsoon illnesses
- July 8th 2019
The monsoon is the time where life thrives – and we mean all life. That means diseases are more active in this season, and your canine is in more danger of falling ill than ever. Here’s what you need to look out for this monsoon season and how you can keep your dog in top shape during downpours.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis
is one of the most dangerous diseases your dog can contract during the rainy
season. It is an infection caused by
Leptospira interrogans, commonly known as Leptospires, which enter
your dog’s system through wounds or ingestion and spread through the
bloodstream. The disease affects the liver, kidneys, central nervous system and
more.
Leptospires thrive during the rainy season,
in muddy or marshy areas, and dogs can contract the disease through contact
with infected water or water. Leptospirosis also spreads through contact with
the urine of infected animals, mostly rats. It is a dangerous disease for both
animals and humans, and you should contact your vet immediately if you suspect
your dog is infected.
Symptoms and prevention: Leptospirosis causes fever, vomiting, sudden diarrhoea, depression
and coughing, among other symptoms. Treatment includes antibiotics usually, and
hospitalisation if your dog is severely infected (but this is rare). Prevention
is best, of course, and you should be careful when taking your dog out for a
walk. Always make sure that any cuts or wounds your dog may have are not
exposed to the air or mud, and keep your canine away from drinking puddle
water. Vaccination is another great way to ensure your dog is protected against
the disease this season.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis
refers to an inflammation of the stomach lining and the intestines. It becomes
more common during the rainy season and can range from a mild upset stomach to
more severe cases. It usually results in vomiting and diarrhoea, and symptoms
include loss of appetite, depression and lethargy.
Cause
and prevention: Gastroenteritis spreads through many channels. Your dog could
get it through parasites or by ingesting something toxic, or through different
diseases. It’s always best to take your pet to the vet to diagnose the exact
cause of the problem and how to treat it. Prevention usually involves
monitoring what your dog eats (especially when they’re out on walks), and
making sure their vaccinations are up to date.
Worm infections
Worm
infections generally refer to parasites that affect your dog’s intestines, the
most common of which being roundworms and tapeworms. Worm infections are
tricky, as some of them have symptoms – your dog starts losing their fur and
then their appetite, they start vomiting and start losing weight – but some
infections don’t have any symptoms at all and your dog can have a worm in their
intestine for a long time before you notice. Roundworms can usually be spotted
in your dog’s stool but hookworms are so small, they are usually impossible to
spot.
Treatment and prevention: If you suspect your dog has worms, it’s best to get a stool sample
tested at the vet. Prevention would include deworming your dog at regular
intervals and especially before the monsoon, when the incidence of worm
infections is high.
Skin diseases
The
damp weather this season is not great for your pet and it’s important to make
sure they are always dry. Wet fur can lead to skin diseases, which can develop
into infections if your dog scratches too much and creates a wound. Skin
infections can usually be spotted if the skin is red or swollen or if there is
a rash, but the clearest sign is always the most obvious – your dog is
scratching or licking themselves too much.
Prevention: Keeping your pet dry is crucial. Always remember to bathe them this
monsoon but make sure you blow-dry their fur properly. Dry shampoo is also an
excellent option in this weather. Take special care of the problem areas, such
as paws and ears (especially for dog breeds with long and floppy ears), as
these do not dry very easily. Keep checking their skin to make sure no rashes
appear – and treat them to a spa day every once and a while!
Water-borne diseases
Your
dog may love puddles but it can be your worst enemy. Water-borne diseases are
one of the most dangerous threats this monsoon season, and it’s important for
you to steer your pup clear of dirty or stagnant water. Keep a good eye on them
during walks to make sure they’re not drinking everything in sight. And keep
changing their water bowl at home, so that the water they’re drinking is always
fresh and clean.
Ticks
Ah,
ticks. This is a common affliction, but it does tend to get more problematic
during the rainy season. Prevention is always best with it comes to ticks, so
make sure you clean your pet’s bedding often and keep the house tick-free.
There are also devices you can attach to your dog’s collar to keep away fleas,
such as the
Tickless Cream Coloured Anti-Flea Collar Device, which works by emitting
ultrasonic pulses that keep away fleas.