Bengaluru monsoon looks romantic on Instagram, but in the clinic, it’s a different story. As a vet, this is when I see the maximum cases of skin infections, ear infections, ticks, worms, upset tummies, and paw injuries, mostly from dirty water, damp fur, and all those irresistible puddle walks dogs love.

A lot of these issues are actually preventable with simple daily habits. That’s why I’ve put together this easy Monsoon Season Pet Care Checklist, specially for Bengaluru pet parents, so you know exactly what to do (and what to avoid) to keep your dog safe, dry and healthy all through the rains.

Quick Note: Monsoon pet care in Bengaluru means daily paw drying, ear checks 3x/week, anti-fungal shampoos, leptospirosis prevention, and keeping your dog away from puddles and drainage areas. Waterborne diseases like leptospirosis, ringworm, and otitis spike 180% in the rains, but all are preventable with the habits in this guide.

How To Prevent Waterborne Diseases in Monsoon?

Monsoon humidity and standing water create perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and parasites. According to the Indian Veterinary Association, waterborne diseases, including leptospirosis, ringworm, and otitis, increase by 180% during the monsoon compared to dry months.

The most dangerous of these is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that causes kidney and liver failure and carries a 10-20% mortality rate even when treated promptly. Rodents carrying the bacteria urinate near puddles and drainage areas, contaminating any water your dog sniffs, steps in, or laps up. To know more about leptospirosis and waterborne diseases, read on Leptospirosis in Dogs and Protecting Your Pets in Monsoons.

Here's What Helps:

• Limit outdoor time to leashed walks on concrete paths, never through grass, puddles, or drainage areas

• Avoid swimming or wading in any natural water source during the monsoon

• Wash paws immediately after outdoor time, especially between toes and paw pads

• Keep drinking water indoors only in closed containers; never allow drinking from outdoor sources

• Consider leptospirosis and Giardia vaccination if your pet frequents outdoor areas (consult your vet)

• Trim long hair around the genitals and anal area to prevent moisture retention

• Increase bathing once a week with anti-fungal shampoo if your pet has a history of skin infections
  

Fungal and Yeast Infection Prevention

Ringworm, the most common fungal infection during monsoon, is contagious to humans and other pets. Infection rates increase because fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. The condition appears as circular, scaly patches that cause intense itching. For a deeper dive, read: “How to Protect Your Pet from Ringworm” and “Monsoon Skin Issues in Dogs: How to Keep Your Pet Healthy.”


Ways to Prevent It:

• Check the pet's skin daily for red, circular patches or unusual hair loss

• Keep fur completely dry after bathing; use a towel and blow-dryer on low heat

• Increase bedding wash to once a week

• Change bedding immediately if wet; don't allow wet fabric to sit against the pet's skin

• Use anti-fungal shampoo (ketoconazole or miconazole-based) twice weekly if prone to infections

• Maintain a dry indoor environment; use a dehumidifier in humid rooms where pets sleep

• Separate the infected pet from other animals and sleeping areas until treated

• Sanitize regularly-used surfaces (food bowls, bedding) with diluted bleach (1:10 ratio)
  
  Vet Approved Skin Care:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Ear Infection Vigilance

Otitis (ear infection) is the #2 monsoon pet complaint in Bangalore. The warm, moist environment inside the ears creates perfect conditions for bacterial and yeast growth. Dogs with floppy ears or hairy ear canals (Poodles, Cocker Spaniels) face a higher risk.

Warning signs:

• Constant ear scratching or head shaking

• Foul smell or discharge from the ears

• Redness, swelling, or crusting inside the ear

• Head tilting to one side

• Balance problems or hearing loss (if severe)
  

What You Can Do:

• Check and clean ears daily during monsoon (twice weekly in other seasons)

• Use ear cleanser (ask your vet for a recommendation) 

• Never insert cotton swabs deeply; clean the outer visible area only

• Gently fold the ear flap and massage the base to distribute the cleaner

• Let excess drip out onto a paper towel

• Dry thoroughly after cleaning

• Consider short haircuts around the ears to improve air circulation

• Protect ears during bathing with cotton balls to prevent water entry

• Schedule an ear check with a vet if infection signs appear; untreated infections damage eardrums

Ver Recommended Ear Care Meds:

Paw and Claw Care During Monsoon

Wet conditions soften paw pads, making them prone to infection and inflammation. Moisture trapped between toes creates ideal conditions for bacterial and fungal growth, causing painful interdigital dermatitis.

Ways to Prevent It:

• Dry paws thoroughly after outdoor time, including between toes and under nails

• Trim nails every 2-3 weeks (weekly if you notice overgrowth)

• Trim long hair between toes closely, but don't cut skin

• Use anti-fungal powder between toes after cleaning if prone to infections

• Check paw pads daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or unusual odor

• If paws smell like corn chips (normal) versus a sour smell (infection), monitor closely

• Apply protective paw balm before outdoor exposure to create a water barrier

Bonus Read: Unhealthy vs. Healthy Dog Paws: Spotting and Treating Paw Infections

Digestive Health During Monsoon

Contaminated water and increased moisture affect digestive health. Giardia and other parasitic infections cause diarrhea, which is common during the monsoon due to increased parasite exposure.

Ways to Prevent It:

• Maintain consistent, high-quality food; avoid switching brands during season

• Ensure food is stored in airtight, moisture-proof containers

• Feed fresh food only; don't leave kibble sitting out longer than 1 hour

• Provide boiled and cooled water during the monsoon

• Add a vet-recommended probiotic daily to support gut health and improve stool quality

• Monitor stool consistency daily; loose stools can indicate infection

• Increase fiber with pumpkin puree (1-2 tablespoons daily) to firm stool

• If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, consult a vet (could indicate parasitic infection)

Vet Approved probiotics:

What Are The Monsoon Grooming Essentials For Dogs?

Standard grooming routines need an upgrade in the rain. Damp fur that stays wet is the single biggest trigger for skin infections, so drying time matters as much as bathing frequency. To know more about the importance of grooming, you can read - Keeping Your Dog Clean and Healthy in Monsoon, also  How to Bathe a Dog at Home.

Grooming Essentials:

•  Dog Brushes & Slickers: daily brushing removes dead hair and improves air circulation through the coat

•   Dog Shampoos & Conditioners: switch to an anti-fungal formula during monsoon months

•   Dog Grooming Supplies (wipes, towels, driers): keep pet wipes for quick drying between outdoor trips

• Dog Diapers & Wipes: handy for quick paw and belly wipe-downs after every walk

•  Dog Trimmers & Nail Clippers: keep ear and paw hair trimmed short during the season

Tick and Flea Prevention in Monsoon

Bengaluru's greenery explodes in the rains, and so does the tick population. Ticks not only cause itching and anaemia, but they're also the primary vector of tick fever in dogs, which can be life-threatening if caught late.

 Checklist to prevent Tick & Flea:

• Check your dog for ticks after every outdoor walk: run your fingers through the coat, especially around the neck, ears, between toes, and under the tail

• Use a vet-recommended monthly spot-on, oral tablet, or tick collar throughout monsoon - browse Dog Flea & Tick Products on Supertails

• Wash bedding on high heat weekly: ticks lay eggs in fabric (shop Dog Blankets & Cushions)

Bonus read: Getting Rid of Fleas and Ticks from Dogs and Cats | How to Identify and Remove Ticks from Your Dog

Explore Dog Flea & Tick Products:

Monsoon Gear: What Your Dog Actually Needs?

Beyond medicines and routines, a few practical items make monsoon walks dramatically safer and cleaner.

 
Summary: Your Monsoon Pet Care Checklist at a Glance 

Wrapping It Up

The rains bring so much joy, muddy runs, cosy afternoons, the smell of wet earth. Your dog loves it too. These simple habits mean they get to enjoy every bit of it, without the infections and tummy upsets that so often crowd my monsoon appointments.

If anything on this checklist raises a concern, our vets are here: book an online consultation, visit Supertails+ Clinic in Bangalore, or book an at-home vet visit in Bangalore. Stay dry out there.

FAQs

What diseases do dogs get in the monsoon in India?

Dogs commonly face leptospirosis, skin and ear infections, gastrointestinal upsets, tick and flea infestations, and respiratory infections during the Indian monsoon due to stagnant water, humidity, and parasites. These conditions can turn serious quickly, so early veterinary attention and preventive care are essential.

How do I protect my dog from leptospirosis in the monsoon?

Protect your dog from leptospirosis by keeping vaccinations updated, avoiding puddles and stagnant water, preventing contact with rodent urine, and offering only clean drinking water. Dry your dog thoroughly after walks and see your vet immediately if you notice fever, vomiting, or jaundice-like signs.

How often should I clean my dog's ears in the monsoon?

During monsoon, check your dog’s ears several times a week and clean them one to three times weekly, especially after baths or rainy walks, using a vet-recommended ear cleaner. Over-cleaning can irritate the canal, so adjust frequency based on your vet’s advice and your dog’s ear health.

Is ringworm from my dog contagious to me?

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that can spread from dogs to humans through direct contact with infected fur, skin, or contaminated objects like bedding and brushes. People with cuts, eczema, children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk, so strict hygiene and prompt treatment are important.

My dog's paws smell sour after monsoon walks - is that normal?

A mildly “corn chip” or sour smell can come from natural skin bacteria and yeast on damp paws, but a strong odour, redness, itchiness, or brown discharge suggests infection. In monsoon, always wash and dry paws thoroughly after walks and consult your vet if odour or licking persists.

Should I deworm my dog more often during the monsoon?

Monsoon increases exposure to contaminated soil, water, and intermediate hosts, so strict, timely deworming becomes even more important, though you should not exceed your vet’s recommended schedule. Follow a regular deworming protocol, stool checks when needed, and good hygiene to control worm load safely.