10 Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy During Rainy Days

Though the rainy season brings lush greenery and cozy vibes, it also comes with its own set of
problems for the pet parents.
This season can cause a host of health issues among pets. Therefore, their diet is going to be
extremely important in order to keep them as healthy and happy as possible during the
monsoon season. Pet parents need to focus on food with basic nutrients that boost their pets’
immune system as well as including warming and hearty food to keep seasonal depression at
bay. (Yes, the gloomy weather can also make your pets feel a little low.)
Here are some diet tips and key nutrients to keep your pet in top shape during the rainy
season:

 

1. Hydration is Key

Even though this sounds logical, despite being the season when there’s water all around, your
pet still needs to stay hydrated. A common mistake pet parents make during the monsoon is not
replenishing or refilling their pets’ water dish. However, an adequate amount of water is really
needed for their survival and health. Make sure they have fresh and clean water available at all
times. Another way to keep them well hydrated is with some stock or soup mixed into their dry
food. Additionally, adding fruits and vegetables that will help in the hydration process, such as
cucumber and watermelon, is a great way to keep them hydrated.

 

2. High-Quality Protein

Proteins are considered to be the building blocks of any living body and play an important role in
the growth of a healthy immune system. Add high-quality protein sources such as chicken,
turkey, fish, or similar lean meats to your pet's diet. If you are going vegetarian, there are egg
and milk byproducts that could be excellent sources of protein. Ensure the protein supplied is
well-cooked to eradicate any chances of contamination. Also avoid raw milk as it may cause
digestive issues and tofu or soy derivatives, as your pet may be allergic to them.

 

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and help in maintaining skin and coat health,
especially at a time when skin rashes are exacerbated due to the damp and moist surroundings.

Good sources include Krill, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and the flesh of fatty fish like salmon, sardines
and mackerel. These essential nutrients also help in maintaining joint health; this is rather
significant during the monsoon period characterized by dampness and cold when older pets
may feel lethargic or sluggish. If given regularly, this supplement will help decrease the potential
for skin infections characteristic of increased humidity.

 

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants help in fighting free radicals and support a healthy immune system. Add some
antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots, and spinach to your pet's diet.
They can be added to regular food or given just as treats. Since antioxidants also allow the body
to detoxify itself, it is especially important during this time of year when pets are more likely to
ingest a lot of toxins from puddles and damp environments in general.

 

5. Probiotics

Pets are sometimes exposed to contaminated water in the rainy season which can affect their
gut biome. Probiotics promote healthy gut flora and improve digestion, keeping woes like
diarrhea or GI tract infections at bay. Yogurt and kefir are good sources; specially formulated
pet probiotics are also recommended. Furthermore, probiotics are crucial year round because a
healthy gut acts as a defense against many common infections and illnesses.

 

6. Vitamins and Minerals

Providing a balanced diet rich in a mixture of fundamental vitamins and minerals for your pet is
important during the monsoons. Vitamins C and E boost the immune system at a time when
colds, fevers and the flu are common, even in humans. Vitamin C is found in oranges, broccoli,
and green leafy vegetables, while vitamin E comes from nuts and seeds. Other essential
minerals include zinc and selenium; these are found in meats and seeds such as flax and
pumpkin. However, ensure you grind or process these seeds to prevent choking. Essential
vitamins and minerals will enhance your pet's resistance to infections naturally during the
monsoons.

 

7. Avoid Allergens

Monsoons are the time when pets have a greater tendency to develop allergies. Avoid food that
causes allergies in your pets. Common allergens are certain grains, dairy products, and artificial
additives. In case your pet has a history of allergies, then switch over to hypoallergenic pet food.
The damp weather can worsen these conditions, especially in the case of skin or topical
allergies. So, monitor your pet for such signs.

 

8. Moderate Carbohydrates

Carbs are needed for energy. But much carbohydrate intake tends to accelerate weight gain,
particularly as pets reduce their levels of activity in the rainy season. Switch to complex
carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oats for a steady, slow release of energy in
their bodies without sudden spikes in blood sugar. Also, avoid giving your pet too many treats or
high-carb snacks to encourage activity when they feel sluggish, instead opt for lean treats like
chew sticks or meat jerky.

 

9. Fresh and Natural Food

Whenever possible, opt for fresh and natural food instead of something processed. Homemade
meals can be a great way of making sure your furry friend is getting all the necessary nutrients
without harmful additives. Consult your vet for balanced homemade diet recipes. Fresh foods
are not as likely to include preservatives or other artificial ingredients that can be harmful to your
pet's health.

 

10. Balanced Meal Portions

Ensure adequate portion sizes to avoid overfeeding and underfeeding pets in the monsoon.
Some pets become less active during the rainy season, hence a reduction in caloric intake is
essential. Monitor body weight and food intake especially for obese or overweight pets. Portion
control can help maintain optimal weight by avoiding obesity-related health issues during the
monsoon.

Conclusion

A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to managing the healthy life of your pet during this
rainy season. Keeping your pet well-hydrated with good protein sources, supply of omega-3
fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals not only keeps them immune to
ailments but also happy and active. Consultation with a vet before major changes in their diet
will ensure that it suits their specific needs. By following these tips, your furry friend can enjoy this monsoon season to its fullest while being healthy and safe.