The rainy season in India can be a bit challenging for us dog parents. From sudden shedding and itchy skin to tick flare-ups, muddy paws, and restless pups stuck indoors!
Hence, in this guide, I’ve covered simple, practical tips to get you through the monsoons. From monsoon skin care, tick & flea protection, easy immune-boosting dog diet, to ways to keep your dog entertained when walks take a backseat.
I’ve also added a few rainy-day gear suggestions that’ll make quick outdoor trips a lot easier. So let’s dive in.
What Is Monsoon Shedding In Dogs?
The damp monsoon weather can make your dog’s coat weaker and more prone to shedding. Further, fungal infections and skin allergies are also common during this season. These can cause itchy skin and patchy hair loss if not addressed on time.
Why Monsoon Grooming Is Essential For Dogs?
Some dogs, like my Rottweiler, genuinely enjoy the rain and love splashing around in muddy puddles.
While it might look adorable, a constantly wet coat can quickly lead to that musty dog smell, fungal infections, and skin allergies.
Moisture trapped in the fur creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, especially around the ears and paws. If not dried properly, this can also cause itching or skin irritation.
Easy Monsoon Grooming Tips For Dogs
1. Towel-dry your dog after every walk. For long-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, or German Shepherds, use a blow dryer on low heat to prevent moisture buildup in the undercoat.
2. Clean muddy paws using lukewarm water, antiseptic wipes, or a paw cleaner. Keep nails trimmed to avoid dirt and bacteria getting trapped in the gaps.
3. Use an anti-fungal powder on paws, folds, and belly areas to prevent skin infections. You can also switch to an anti-fungal or tea-tree oil based shampoo during this season.
4. Brush your dog regularly to prevent matting, remove dead hair, and catch any signs of skin irritation early.
5. Avoid skipping ear care. Clean your dog’s ears weekly with a vet-approved ear cleaner and keep an eye out for signs of yeast infections like redness or bad odor.
Protection Against Ticks & Fleas During Monsoon
Ticks and fleas thrive in humid weather, making the monsoon season a high-risk time for tick infestations, especially in India. These pests aren’t just annoying, but they can lead to serious health issues like tick fever.
Start early with a vet-recommended topical tick and flea treatment: be it a spot-on, fipronil spray, or tick powder. Keep your dog’s bedding clean and sun-dry it whenever possible. After walks or playtime in grassy areas, run a quick hand check through their coat, focusing on the neck, ears, and under and in between the paws.
You can also use natural tick repellents like coconut oil or apple cider vinegar. However, these are only effective as gentle preventive measures and do not work as a treatment for tick infestations.
Caution
Most vet-recommended topical tick and flea treatments are generally safe for long-term use. However, be cautious with chewable anti-tick medicines containing ingredients like sarolaner and fluralaner. These should only be given during an active infestation and strictly under your vet’s supervision.
While effective, some of these chewables list side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or nausea in dogs. Always read the label and discuss any concerns with your vet before starting a new treatment.
Monsoon Diet To Boost Your Dog’s Immunity
During the rainy season, dogs are more prone to increased shedding and mild skin flare-ups. Also, occasional digestive issues are another monsoon headache. This usually occurs if your dog takes a sneaky sip of contaminated water from muddy puddles during their walks.
Hence, it is crucial to add the right foods and supplements that can help support a healthy coat, reduce inflammation from allergies, and gently boost your dog’s immunity and gut health.
So in this section, I’ll share some monsoon-friendly superfoods that I personally add to my dogs’ meals, along with two easy homemade recipes I often cook for them during this season.
Here’s a list of 10 dog superfoods to add to their diet during the monsoons:
- Fish and fish oil (Omega 3)
- Eggs
- Blueberries
- Liver
- Chicken
- Curd or Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin
- Sweet Potatoes
- Turmeric and Coconut oil paste
- Shiitake Mushrooms
Homemade Monsoon Dog Food Recipes
1. Beef Liver, Pumpkin & Carrot Power Meal
This one’s a hit in my house. Even my fussy eater finishes every last bite, including the veggies!
What you’ll need:
- Beef liver (cleaned and cut into small bite-sized chunks)
- Pumpkin and carrots (cut into big chunks, you’ll mash them later)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- A pinch of black pepper (to activate the curcumin in turmeric for extra anti- inflammatory and antioxidant benefits)
- A few drops of coconut oil (natural source of Vitamin E)
- Water
How to prepare:
Add the liver, pumpkin, and carrots to a pressure cooker. Sprinkle in the turmeric and black pepper, drizzle the coconut oil, and add enough water to cover everything. Pressure cook on medium flame for 10–15 minutes.
Let it cool completely. Mash the veggies into a smooth pulp along with the broth, then mix in the liver chunks. Serve fresh!
Note To Paw-Parents
Beef liver is a dog superfood. It’s highly rich in Vitamin A, protein, iron, Vitamin B, and essential minerals like zinc & selenium, that support skin, coat, and overall health. However, it should be served in moderation. Stick to once a week, as too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity over time.
2. Fish Treats for Monsoon Shedding In Dogs
Small fish like sardines and anchovies are rich in Omega-3, making them ideal for reducing shedding and supporting skin health during the monsoon.
What you’ll need:
- Sardines or Anchovies (250 gms)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- A pinch of black pepper
How to prepare:
- Clean the fish and marinate with turmeric and a pinch of black pepper (no salt).
- Boil on low flame for 5–7 minutes.
- Let it cool, then serve as a soft, chewable treat.
Pro-Tip
Save the broth as it is packed with nutrients! You can add it to homemade meals, pour it over kibble, or serve as a warm, nourishing drink on rainy days.
Watch the quick recipe video at the end of this article.
3. Monsoon Chicken Meal to Boost Gut Health
This warm, nourishing recipe supports digestion and replenishes nutrients which is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs during the rainy season.
What you’ll need:
- ½ cup brown rice
- Boneless chicken breast
- Pumpkin & carrots (chopped)
- ½ tsp turmeric + a pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Plain curd (to add later)
How to prepare:
Wash the rice and chicken thoroughly. Add everything except curd to a pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles (about 10 mins). Cool the mixture, then top with diluted curd before serving.
Why it works:
Turmeric and coconut oil soothe inflammation, curd adds gut-friendly probiotics, and pumpkin supports healthy digestion.
Fun Indoor Dog Games To Beat Rainy Day Boredom
With fewer walks and less outdoor play, monsoon days can leave your pups feeling restless. And that often leads to them finding their own (unwanted) adventures. The easiest way to keep them happy and out of trouble is with fun indoor games that keep them engaged and mentally stimulated.
One of our favourite indoor dog games is a treasure hunt. We hide treats all over the house: in the couch crevices, under the mats, and behind the doors. The dogs have to sniff them out, and the excitement on their faces is priceless. It’s fun, engaging, and keeps them happy during the rainy days.
Tug of war is another all-time favourite. Our dogs could go at it for hours until they finally tire out. With four dogs in our house, they often turn it into a team match among themselves, which is even more entertaining to watch.
And when we want to mix things up, we do some indoor obedience training. Rainy days are perfect for teaching new tricks. It keeps them mentally sharp, burns off extra energy, and most importantly, keeps them out of trouble.
Monsoon Essentials Every Indian Pet Parent Needs
While rainy days are perfect for indoor fun, but your pup will still need their walks and a bit of fresh air, every now and then. That’s where the right monsoon gear comes in.
A few rainy day dog essentials that I currently use are waterproof leashes and collars, non-slip dog boots and comfy raincoats. I also stock quick-dry towels for post-walk clean-ups to prevent wet-fur smell.
I’ve put together a detailed Monsoon Essentials Product Guide on our Dog Product Review page to help you choose the best ones for your dog, so you can enjoy the season without the stress.
Pawsitive Takeaway
The monsoon season can be a tricky time for our pups, but with the right care, it can also be one of the coziest. You can tackle heavy monsoon shedding with regular grooming, and stay ahead of ticks and fleas with proper protection.
Also, a balanced monsoon diet with our easy homemade recipes can help boost your dog’s immunity and keep them healthy during the monsoon season. For those no-walk days, try our fun indoor games to keep them active, and when it’s time to head out, gear up with our monsoon essentials guide for safe, stress-free walks. Explore each guide to make this rainy season extra special for your pup!
