The rainy season is here. Rains not only affect us humans, but also our pets. Their walk & potty schedules get disrupted; being stuck indoors can also affect our dogs’ mental health; worst, typhoons and floods can bring diseases and pose a danger to them.
Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your fur babies safe at home during this season.
If you live in a flood-prone area:
- First, bring your pets inside the house to keep them safe and dry. Make sure they have their collars and tags on for proper identification in case they get separated from you.
- Keep your pets on high ground to prevent them from getting wet, or worse, swept away by flood waters. High ground can be the second floor of your home (if applicable); or on top of tables, shelves, countertops.
- Unplug appliances to prevent electrocution.
- Prepare emergency go bags for you and your fur babies. Pack their essentials: extra collar and leash, food, medicines, water, doggy boots, raincoat and swimvest (if they have).
How to keep them comfortable during the rainy season:
- Again, bring your pets inside to keep them safe, dry and warm.
- Keep them away from the window. If not possible or if they like to sleep by the window, close it to prevent rain and wind from coming in. Check for leaks in other parts of your house and keep your pets away from leaks.
- Provide warmth to your fur babies by wrapping them in a blanket or hoodie, especially if they are senior dogs with arthritis. Cold weather can worsen arthritis in elderly dogs.
- Create a safe space for your pets especially if there is a thunderstorm. Most dogs are afraid of thunder. Their safe space can be under the bed, a corner, in the bathroom. Make it comfortable with rugs, towels and your dog’s favorite toy. Wrap your dog in a thundershirt to keep them calm.
- Make sure your pet’s vaccination shots are up-to-date. Leptospirosis is often spread through the urine of an infected animal (usually rats). Dogs can catch leptospirosis from contaminated floodwaters. Leptospirosis in dogs can be prevented by getting shots (ask your veterinarian), making sure your pet doesn’t have open wounds, and immediately cleaning their paws thoroughly after they go potty outside. This is also a reminder to always keep your home and surroundings clean and free from rodents and pests.
- Designate an area so that your dog can go potty indoors during this time. Have a stash of pee pads to maintain your home’s cleanliness. If your dog must go outside for potty breaks, keep them short. Doggy boots and raincoats can help them stay dry in the rain. Be mindful of strong winds as there could be flying debris.
- Keep them active and entertained at home. Rainy days mean no pawsyals and that can make your dog sad and bored. Play with them, and keep them busy with enrichment toys such as lick mats with dog-safe peanut butter without xylitol, puzzle toys, and by hiding their treats all over the house for them to sniff out (my dog’s favorite game!).
Remember that pets are family and they make a house a home. We are wholly responsible for their safety and welfare. If you need to evacuate, please bring your pets with you. You are all they have. In cases of floods, please untie them and release them from their cages so they can have a fair chance at survival. Keep safe and dry, everyone!
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