The first showers of monsoon are here to provide respite from the soaring temperature. While we have been counting the days, the season brings problems for our pets. Therefore it is imperative that we keep our little furry creatures well sheltered from the harmful impacts of monsoons. There are some of the key hazards that we, as pet owners, need to be aware of. During monsoons, thunder and blowing wind can frighten even the calmest of animals making them scared and wanting to escape. Interestingly, some pets may suffer from storm anxiety and can get pretty distraught.

Their symptoms can range from mild to severe- shaking, pulling out their own hair, hiding, biting, and excessive chewing. In case your pet does escape and run away, proper and current identification is one of the only ways you can help ensure his safe return. There are anti-anxiety drugs available with vets to help to ease their stress and fear during a thunderstorm.

Parasites like mosquitoes, flies and fleas too attack the pets during monsoons causing infections and diseases like flea bite allergy, fever and many more. 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, to inspect your gardens and surroundings regularly, and to not leave them outside unattended for very long. It is important to realise 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 per cent 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. We all love our pets, so why not make a little bit of an effort in creating a safe and comfortable environment for them.