The monsoon season can wreak havoc on not just our pets at home, but also the countless strays outside. This is also the time when our social media accounts are flooded with tips on how to protect them.
All across the city, citizens are doing their best to keep strays comfortable. For instance, inhabitants of an apartment in West Marredpally have constructed a shed right outside the compound to prevent strays from getting drenched. Puppies especially bear the brunt of the monsoons as they are neither big enough to go searching for food nor for a place to hide.
“A few people came forward and built a small shed for the puppies to take shelter,” says Harini Vemuri, a resident of West Marredpally, adding, “To maintain such sheds, we need the continued support of the residents.”
But it is not just the strays that have it rough during the rains. Pets are also prone to allergies, stomach infections, loss of fur, boredom etc. Some of the infections may even be transmitted to humans, making it imperative to keep our pets clean.
“I have got my dog Kookie a pair of customised waterproof boots to control the amount of germs that enter the house, especially since animals carry most of their germs in their paws. Praveen Vemuri my husband and I make sure that we keep her paws clean. Since we have a three-month-old baby, we also make sure she doesn’t climb the baby’s bed,” adds Harini.
Amala Akkineni, the founder of Blue Cross says, “Vaccinate strays just like pets — don’t just feed them.”
She offers some other tips too. “Create a shelter to protect them from the rain and sun. If they are weak and lying on the streets, or have collapsed and are wet, dry them with a soft cloth and wrap them in a bubble wrap to keep them warm. Introduce them to the neighbourhood so that they are not afraid of people. Even kids in the neighbourhood should be taught how to behave/play with strays. Give a dog love, and it protects you till the end,” she says.
Veterinary doctor R.P. Singh says, “Dogs are prone to diarrhea and gastritis in the monsoons. Skin infections are also common, but it affects purebred dogs more than mongrels. It is advisable to give boiled or mineral water to dogs in this season. If any dog is found vomiting or having loose stools, you must take them to the doctor immediately as it can lead to dehydration, kidney failure or even death.”
