Are you a new pet owner? Although it’s fun to take care of pets, especially during summer, it can be a bit challenging during the rainy season. Many pets love running around the rain, but it can be bad for their health, especially if they’re not used to it.
As a beginner in taking care of pets, you should know the right things to do in every situation your pet may encounter. One of which is dealing with the rainy weather. In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of keeping your pet safe during the cold, rainy weather.
1. Ensure Proper Shelter
Providing a proper shelter is easier if your pet lives with you. However, if they have a separate shelter outdoors, you should prepare it before the rainy season comes. Make sure it’s weatherproof, and fix damages, such as holes and broken parts.
Aside from fixing the foundation of the shelter, you should provide bedding that doesn’t get wet and is moisture-proof. Usually, beddings are recommended for bigger pets, like cats and dogs, but if you have a bird or a hamster, it’s ideal to cover the entire cage.
2. Invest in Rain Gear for Your Pet
Pets like cats and dogs need to go outside and play or walk for at least a few minutes. This is why investing in rain gear is essential. Wearing rain gear allows pets to move outside without getting dirty. If you want to double the protection for your dogs, you should also buy a set of boots to protect their paws.
3. Avoid Standing Water
During the rainy season, you can often see puddles and stagnant water that can be filled with bacteria. So, if your pet isn’t wearing boots and other protective gear, it’s advisable to prevent them from playing in the flooded area.
Or, if possible, schedule your walk or playtimes once there are no more puddles in your area. Being exposed to contaminated water may result in a low immune system which can cause diseases for you and your pets.
4. Dry Your Pet Thoroughly After Exposure to Rain
In some cases, your pet may be left alone in your yard or the rain suddenly pours while you’re walking together. When your pet gets wet, ensure to dry them thoroughly when you reach home. Since the weather is cold, keeping them dry is one of the things you should always to do prevent the risks of getting sick.
5. Monitor for Signs of Discomfort
Does your pet have some signs of discomfort? During these times, you should be more attentive and observant of how your pet is behaving.
For instance, if they’re unusually mischievous, there might be something wrong with them. At the same time, if they’re being too quiet, you might also want to check them. You can bring them to a vet clinic that has a great doctor and a reliable animal health solutions partner.
6. Watch for Slippery Surfaces
Another reason why rainy weather can be a risk when taking care of pets is because it creates slippery surfaces, including terraces, balconies, grasses, and sidewalks. If your pet may slip, it’s best to have them on lease or prevent them from going to areas that are too slippery and might hurt them.
In addition, if your pet can usually go outside on their own, lock the doors during the rainy weather, so that they won’t be able to run about the slippery yard.
7. Adjust Walking Routines
Aside from shortening the time of walks, it’s also recommended to change the time. During the rainy season, the time when heavy rain falls is usually the same every day. So, for instance, if the heavy rains usually happen in the afternoon, you should walk your pet in the morning.
Meanwhile, the best adjustment you can make is to create indoor activities that can be substituted for your regular walks.
8. Be Prepared for Thunderstorms
Heavy rain and thunderstorms go hand in hand, which is why you should prepare your pets in such circumstances. It’s best if you have a soundproof room, there are other alternatives to prevent your pet from being scared. Some of these things include using anxiety wraps, playing soothing music, and letting them play with their favourite toys.
If you’ve seen your pet acting strange during thunderstorms, you should try consulting with a veterinarian. Pets can have different ways to feel safe during these times, so it’s best to consult with a professional.
9. Keep Them Healthy
Keeping your pets healthy is another thing you should prepare for before the rainy season comes. Of course, they should be healthy all year round, but they should always be healthy during this time.
Don’t forget to groom them regularly, address health issues, and give them vitamins from well-trusted animal health solutions.
10. Keep Your Pet’s Environment Clean
Aside from keeping them healthy, make sure to take care of the debris and other clutter in your yard after the heavy rains. As you know, small branches, muddy areas, and random objects may harm your pets, so ensure to remove them first before letting your pets play outside.
We hope this article helps you get started with preparing your pets for the rainy season. If you want to share your experience about this, don’t hesitate to comment below!
