Parasites like mosquitoes, flies and fleas too attack the pets during monsoons causing infections and diseases like flea bite allergy, fever etc. As a responsible pet owner, we should ensure that the pets are treated with regular worm medication, tick and flea treatments during these seasons.
Dogs also have an uncanny habit of chasing wild creatures like lizards, frogs and spiders. Dogs love to either eat them or hold them in their mouth; these creatures are quite toxic and holding them has actually led to violent deaths of some of the dogs around the world. The best way to protect them from getting poisoned from eating lizards or toads is to be outside with them, inspect your gardens and surroundings regularly, and not to leave them outside unattended for very long.
It is important to realize that with monsoons come infections, especially from fresh meat like beef, 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 feed them with good quality prepared pet food, (international brands like Pedigree are widely available) which are 100% safe for your pet. Even the pet food needs to be stored in secure air- tight containers so that it is not exposed to humidity/moisture.
By Dr. Kallahalli Umesh, Director, Scientific Regulatory Affairs, South East Asia, Mars India.
