The Monsoon Mood Shift (For Dogs Too!)

The smell of wet mud, steaming chai, and cooler evenings might make monsoons your favourite time of year — but for your dog, it can be a very different story. Wet walks, dirty paws, skin infections, and even thunder anxiety can turn the rainy season into a stressful one for both pet and parent.

Whether you're in rain-heavy cities like Mumbai and Chennai or experience sporadic showers in Delhi, Bangalore, or Hyderabad — monsoon dog care needs planning.

Let’s walk through a city-wise survival kit every Indian dog parent should have this season.

1. Raincoats That Actually Fit (and Work)

Let’s start with the most obvious and overlooked item — a dog raincoat.

Many Indian pet parents skip raincoats because they’ve had bad experiences: awkward sizing, poor waterproofing, or uncomfortable fabrics. But the right raincoat can make a huge difference.

What to look for:

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Quick-drying material
• Easy velcro or snap-on closures
• Coverage of chest (to prevent mud splash)
• Reflective strips for evening walks

City Tip:

• Mumbai & Chennai: Go for full-coverage raincoats with back flaps — rains are intense and often unpredictable.
• Delhi & Bangalore: A lighter version works if rain is occasional.

2. Paw Protection & Clean-Up Essentials

Rainy streets can expose your dog to harmful bacteria, sharp stones, and even hot spots.

Must-haves:

• Microfiber Towels: Fast-absorbent and soft on paws.
• Dog Booties: Optional, but useful in areas with poor drainage.
• Paw Balm: To moisturise cracked paws and form a barrier against infection.
• Anti-fungal Wipes: Keep these handy for a quick post-walk wipe-down.

City Tip:

• Hyderabad & Bangalore: If your area floods, invest in good dog shoes.
• Mumbai: Always wash and dry paws after every walk — fungal infections spread fast here.

3. Indoor Stimulation (When Walks Aren’t Possible)

Monsoon means cancelled walks and stir-crazy dogs. Especially for breeds that need exercise (looking at you, Indies, Labradors, and Beagles!).

Indoor boredom busters:

• Snuffle mats or homemade puzzle toys
• Tug-of-war or hide-and-seek games
• Frozen treat toys (like yogurt in a Kong)
• Short indoor training sessions for mental stimulation

Pro Tip: Set a rainy-day toy aside and only bring it out when it pours — instant excitement!

4. Skin & Coat Care to Beat Moisture Troubles

Damp fur can become a breeding ground for skin issues.

Watch out for:

• Foul smells
• Greasy coat
• Flaky skin or redness
• Excessive scratching

Solutions:

• Anti-fungal dog shampoos (use only when needed)
• Proper drying after walks or baths (use a hairdryer on low heat if your dog is okay with it)
• Regular brushing to prevent matting

City Tip:

• Chennai & Mumbai: Use antibacterial sprays on paws and belly areas for extra protection.
• Delhi: Dry weather in-between spells may mask symptoms — check under the fur regularly.

5. Thunder Anxiety & Monsoon Stress

Many dogs are sensitive to loud noises, and thunder can trigger anxiety.

Signs of stress:

• Hiding or shaking
• Whining or barking excessively
• Refusing food
• Destructive behaviour

Comfort ideas:

• Create a cosy den with blankets
• Use calming diffusers or vet-approved anxiety sprays
• Distract with treats, toys or gentle massage
• Stay calm yourself — your dog mirrors your mood!

City Tip:

• Bangalore & Hyderabad: Pre-thunder rain often builds slowly. Distract early if you sense it coming.

Bonus: Vet Visits & City-Specific Services

Rain = closed roads, traffic jams, and inaccessible clinics. Always be prepared.

Prep tips:

• Keep a list of nearby emergency vets with home visit options
• Stock up on regular meds and supplements
• Use tele-vet services for non-emergencies

City Tip:

• Delhi NCR: Use app-based vet services like Vetic or Wiggles.in for faster access.

Final Thoughts: Rain or Shine, You’ve Got This

Your dog may not understand the weather, but they trust you to help them through it. With just a few smart choices — a good dog raincoat, dry paws, fun toys, and lots of love — monsoon can become their favourite season too.

So let it rain. Patch the puddles. And let your furball enjoy every thunder, splash, and cuddle.