Everyday care DogsCats
Monsoon pet care: keeping dogs and cats healthy in the rainy season
The rainy season brings leptospirosis, skin and ear infections, ticks and tummy upsets. How to protect your pets in Bangladesh's monsoon — and after floods.
Key takeaways
- Keep the leptospirosis (L) part of the dog vaccine up to date before the rains.
- Dry pets thoroughly — damp skin and ears breed infection.
- Keep ticks and fleas under control through the season.
- Only clean water to drink — no puddles or floodwater.
On this page
The monsoon brings relief from the heat — and a predictable wave of pet health problems. In North Bengal, where the Teesta, Dharla and Brahmaputra flood many areas, the rainy season is when we see the most leptospirosis, skin disease and tick-borne illness.
1. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis bacteria live in the urine of rats and other animals and spread through floodwater and puddles. In dogs it can cause fever, vomiting, jaundice (yellow gums) and kidney or liver failure. It can also infect people.
Protect your dog: keep the DHPPi+L vaccine current — leptospirosis protection lasts about a year, so time the booster before the rains. See the dog vaccination schedule.
2. Skin and ear infections
Constant damp means fungal and bacterial skin infections, hot spots, and yeast in the ears. Cats are prone to ringworm in humid months — read our ringworm guide.
- Dry your pet thoroughly after rain or baths — between toes, under the collar, in skin folds and ears.
- Keep bedding dry and wash it often.
- Bring your pet in for red, smelly or itchy patches, or ear shaking.
3. Ticks and fleas
Warm, wet weather is peak season. Keep year-round prevention going for dogs, check for ticks daily, and treat the home too. See ticks and fleas in Bangladesh.
4. Stomach upsets
Pets that drink from puddles or eat spoiled food get diarrhoea and vomiting. Give only clean drinking water and don’t leave food out for long.
5. Floods
If your area floods:
- Move pets to a dry, raised space early, with food and clean water for several days.
- Keep a carrier or leash ready.
- After flood exposure, watch for fever, weakness, vomiting or yellow gums for the next two weeks — and see a vet if they appear.
- Don’t let pets drink floodwater.
6. Thunder and fear
Some pets panic during storms. Give them a quiet, enclosed hiding place, stay calm, and ask us about options if the fear is severe.
Quick monsoon checklist
- Dog vaccine (DHPPi+L) up to date
- Tick & flea prevention current
- Deworming on schedule — deworming tool
- Towels by the door for drying
- Clean water only
- A dry, raised space if you’re in a flood-prone area
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If your pet is unwell, call us or visit a registered veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
What is leptospirosis?
A bacterial infection spread through the urine of rats and other animals, often via floodwater. It can cause kidney and liver failure in dogs and can infect people. The DHPPi+L vaccine protects dogs.
My dog keeps scratching its ears in the rainy season.
Damp ears are prone to yeast and bacterial infections. Dry them after baths or rain, and bring your dog in if there's a smell, discharge or head shaking.
Should I bathe my dog more in the monsoon?
Not necessarily — frequent bathing without thorough drying can worsen skin problems. Towel and air-dry well, especially between toes and in skin folds.