How to make your fur babies monsoon-proof

Tick fever, fungal infections, soggy coats, restless pets — monsoon brings with it a storm of challenges for pet parents. In such a scenario, prevention is the buzzword. Groomers and vets recommend routines that prioritise hygiene, immunity, and indoor engagement. Here’s how Kolkata’s pet parents can easily keep their fur babies safe during the rainy season:"Monsoon means humidity, so I brush my fur babies to prevent knots around ears & paws. I keep the home clean, treating them like babies, as hygiene is key"– Trina Saha, actressMonsoon strolls often end in slush. But rinsing your pet after every outing can do more harm than good. The new rule is to wipe, not wash. Paws, underbellies and tails should be cleaned with alcohol-free wipes and dried using microfibre towels. Many salons now include blow-dry sessions in their seasonal grooming packs, especially for thick or double-coated breeds. Ears, especially the floppy kind, need regular checks too, since moisture build-up can lead to infections. Using paw butter helps prevent cracked pads from prolonged dampness."We never recommend washing a dog’s paws with water every time they step out in the rain. Alcohol-free pet wipes are a gentler, safer way to keep the paws, underbelly, andtail area clean "– Attreyee Chatterjee, canine behaviourist and groomer“If my dog goes outside during the monsoon, I make sure to clean his paws thoroughly when he returns home, as any residue can cause fungal infections. Fleas and ticks are also a concern during this season, so regular grooming and consulting a vet are a must. Even for stray dogs, it's important to ensure they have proper shelter and food.”– Anindya Chatterjee, actor Tick trouble is rising — and prevention is the only way to winTick and flea infestations spike during Kolkata’s monsoon, thanks to the city’s humidity, which creates ideal conditions for parasites to thrive. Once infected, pets, especially dogs, can contract tick fever – a condition that’s often tricky to diagnose and can even be fatal if left untreated.This makes prevention non-negotiable. Vets are prescribingfull-spectrum protection: monthly spot-on applications, oral meds, and anti-parasitic shampoos. Stray animals, common areas, and shared peeing spots can easily become transmission zones.Indoors matter too — immunity and engagement are keyWith fewer outdoor runs, pets, especially active breeds or young ones, can get under-stimulated, anxious, or restless. Indoor routines using puzzle toys, stair games, food mazes, or just extra bonding time, go a long way to reduce their anxiety. Some salons even organise play dates or brunch socials for pets and their humans. A fibre-rich diet also help pets stay resilient against seasonal infections. Water intake also needs attention, as it’s important to monitor if your pet is drinking enough."Keep your pet’s ears clean and dry, especially during the rains. Moisture and wax can easily lead to ear infections – more so if the pet has floppy ears"– Dr Reshmi Ghosh, veterinarian