Your Pet Is More Likely to Get These Diseases During the Rainy Season

Our pets have saved us in more ways than we can imagine, especially in the past year and a half. They have kept us company, put structure into our days, and simply made quarantine life more tolerable. That’s why when it comes to their health and wellbeing, pet owners should keep an eye on even the smallest of details.

The rainy season, for instance, has been known to affect our pet’s health, and make them more prone to diseases. To help pet owners prepare this time of the year, below are the common diseases and symptoms to watch out for, and ways to help address them:

Fungal Dermatitis
Ever wondered why your pup keeps dragging its butt across the floor? As funny as it sounds, it might actually be trying to scratch his butt because of fungal dermatitis. This season’s damp, humid conditions increase the chances of yeast in your pup’s ears, skin, and anal area to grow out of control and lead to an infection.

Among the telltale signs to watch out for are compulsive biting, scratching, and licking, as well as rubbing its body against furniture, dragging its butt across the floor, and shaking its head vigorously.

You’ll know the infection has worsened if you see common symptoms, such as ear discharge, sores from scratching, red, irritated skin or rashes, darkening or thickening of skin, and discoloration of nails.

To prevent fungal dermatitis, ensure regular ear care for your pet, and check if your dog has environmental or food allergies, fleas, or mites since these can also trigger the condition.

Canine Leptospirosis
This is a bacterial infection that spreads throughout your pup’s bloodstream once it enters its body. If your dog likes to jump into puddles or lap rainwater, better keep a close eye because leptospirosis often spreads through direct contact with urine from an infected animal.

Once your pup gets infected, it might show any of these symptoms: fever, reluctance to move (usually because of sore muscles), shivering, weakness, lack of appetite, increased thirst and urination due to dehydration, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Lepto can be serious. If you’re worried about your pup, consult with a vet right away. Lepto is zoonotic and can spread across species, which means your pup can get you sick too and vice versa. Vaccines are the best way to keep both you and your pup safe.

Intestinal Problems
Critters and parasites abound during the wet season. And if your dog drinks rainwater or eats anything that has these parasites, chances are it will experience intestinal problems.

Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss are among the symptoms to keep an eye on. If you spot these symptoms, you might have to check in with a vet. The treatment for intestinal problems depends on their cause, so your pet will need a proper diagnosis. One preventative measure you can do at home, however, is to stop your pet from eating items you think might be contaminated, like its poop.

Fleas and Ticks
Rain creates the perfect breeding ground for insects, so expect these fleas and ticks to be more rampant this season. You know your pup has a problem if you see any signs of biting, scratching, or licking an area, flea eggs on their coats or skin, scabs, and hair loss.

Prevent this by using vet-approved dog flea shampoo and through regular grooming. Be sure to also refrain from taking your pup to areas that might be infested with parasites.

Parvo
This disease attacks your pet’s stomach and intestines. The tricky part: they might not show signs that they’re infected until it worsens. Pups and dogs that are unvaccinated or have incomplete shots are most vulnerable to this infectious viral disease. They can catch it through direct contact from infected dogs or indirect contact through objects contaminated with the parvovirus.

Vaccination helps prevent this disease. If your pet doesn’t have its shots yet, limit its interactions with other dogs until it gets vaccinated. Lastly, make sure it doesn’t try to eat other dog’s poop, which can contain this virus.

If you’re worried about something or just want to make sure your pet is in top shape, you can always check with a vet.

Fortunately, Royal Canin is offering free vet checkups to the first 20,000 pets registered via the Royal Canin Club. As of writing, 8,000+ more slots are available.

To get a slot, download the Royal Canin Club app on Google Play or App Store, and complete the profile page for you and your pet. Redeem your free vet checkup by going to “Vet” under “Store Locator” in the main menu. Choose your nearest participating clinic where you can redeem your voucher. Take note to call and schedule an appointment before going.

Your voucher is valid for 30 days, and appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. When you get to the clinic, just show them your QR code. You’ll find your voucher when you click “Used Points” under “History.”

To learn more about Royal Canin, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.