Persistent wet weather is bothersome to our pets
Many parts of the United States have suffered from very wet winter weather. The Pacific Northwest has been particularly hard hit with some areas having more than 30 straight days of drizzles and downpours.
Hydroelectric dams are full, future forest fire risks are diminished and farmers smile with prospects of a bumper crop. But while some animals, like waterfowl and amphibians, probably enjoy the deluge, persistent wet weather in any part of the country can put our companion animals at risk.
When asked about wet weather, many think of Seattle, so I interviewed veterinarian Dr. Sandra Coon, owner of Broadway Veterinary Hospital and Laser Surgery Center in Seattle, about the top four rainy-risks for pets.
Ear ye, ear ye: The increased humidity and heat indoors increases the risk of ear infections, especially in dogs that are most at risk: dogs with very narrow ear canals like pugs, dogs that like to get, and stay, wet like Labrador retrievers, or dogs with excessive ear wax like cocker spaniels. If you have a dog that is prone to ear infections, ask your veterinarian for an ear drying agent or something to remove excessive ear wax.
Funky feet syndrome: Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors have an increased risk of pododermatitis, or inflammation of the skin on the foot. This is almost exclusively a problem of breeds with heavily furred feet such as Newfoundlands. To prevent problems, get into the habit of drying off the feet every time the dog comes indoors or have a groomer shave the hair from between the toes.
Fur fungus: If you thought a wet dog smelled bad, take a whiff of the all-body stink from the fungal growth on some of the densely double-coated dogs like briards, dogs that never dry out after a drenching. If possible, have a groomer clip the dog close to reduce fur and aid in drying. Bathing with an antifungal medicated shampoo can help resolve the situation. Then to prevent repeat occurrences, keep dogs shaved during wet weather and invest in a raincoat that also covers the belly. Raincoats really do make a big difference.
The other thing to do is to watch outside carefully and be flexible about when you walk your dogs. Coon noted that while Seattle has had a lot of rain, they have had beautiful sun-breaks most days. When the sun comes out it is quite delightful to be outside, the air is fresh and clean and signs of spring are everywhere.
Gotta go, don’t want to go: Today’s pets are pampered and the thought of going pee-pee in the rain for some, is well, unthinkable. Especially at risk: cats who normally do their business outside, don’t want to go out in the rain, and are resistant to trade the wide open spaces of their kitty-privy for a cramped indoor cat box with the funny stuff in the bottom of it. Coon recommends a very large box about one-and-a-half times the length of the cat and filled with sand or garden soil.
Coon also sees an increased rate of bladder infections in dogs jokingly assigning these dogs the title of the “prince or princess allergic to rain.” To prevent bladder problems, try to read your dog and what it is she is wanting different. Some do not like wet feet, and a pair of doggie boots is the solution. Some do not like the rain, and a rain jacket or sweater is the solution. Of course when these dogs are walked, and they are clearly not wild about the wet, it is very important for owners to maintain a very upbeat emotional tone and happy-talk their dogs into accepting the wet-weather as a normal part of life.
The above recommendations are aimed at indoor pets, but we can’t forget our outdoor pets that face hypothermia from wet fur and increased caloric needs if they’re cold. You must provide all outdoor pets with a warm, dry place to sleep, and extra food as needed.
Wet fur loses its insulating properties, as does a dirty coat. “Pet owners mistakenly believe that bathing dogs in the winter is not advised,” said Diana Mohler, a pet industry consultant and writer, “when actually the opposite is true.” Clean coats trap air and keep the pet warmer.