Rosebella Ochango, a veterinary professional and Business Developer at PetStore Kenya

Pet owners have been urged to step up preventive care and protect their animals from infections, parasites and flooding as the rainy season exposes dogs and cats to increased health and safety risks.

Wet conditions, muddy environments and poor drainage can create favourable conditions for some parasites, while prolonged exposure to moisture can cause skin irritation, fungal infections and ear problems, particularly when animals are not properly dried after outdoor activities.

“Parasite control should be maintained throughout the year. Rain does not eliminate fleas, ticks or worms, and environmental conditions may increase exposure to certain parasites,” Ochango said.

She cautioned that pets exposed to contaminated water and soil could contract diseases such as leptospirosis, while puppies and unvaccinated dogs face particular risks from serious infections such as parvovirus.

She advised owners to maintain veterinarian-recommended vaccination and deworming schedules, use appropriate flea and tick prevention products, and keep animals away from stagnant water, floodwater and poorly drained areas.

Ochango also warned against using livestock dips or human products on pets without veterinary guidance, noting that some flea and tick treatments formulated for dogs contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats.

Beyond parasite control, she said proper grooming and hygiene were important in preventing infections and other complications associated with prolonged exposure to damp conditions.

After walks, owners should rinse muddy paws with clean water, check between the toes for trapped debris and dry them thoroughly. The belly, ears, skin folds and armpits also require attention because moisture can accumulate in these areas.

“Grooming becomes particularly important during the rainy season because moisture, mud and debris can accumulate in the coat and contribute to irritation, matting and skin problems,” she said.

She recommended regular brushing to prevent matting, using pet-specific shampoos when bathing is necessary, and checking animals for wounds, ticks, unusual lumps and skin lesions.

Pets experiencing persistent itching, skin irritation, unusual ear odour, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or loss of appetite should be taken for veterinary assessment rather than treated at home.

Maintaining nutrition and comfort

The rainy season can also affect pets' feeding and exercise routines, particularly when prolonged rainfall limits outdoor activities.

Ochango said changes in weather did not necessarily require owners to change their animals' diets, but feeding routines should reflect an animal's age, body condition, activity level and health status.

Dogs that exercise less during extended rainy periods may require modest adjustments to their food portions if their activity levels have consistently declined and they begin gaining excess weight.

For otherwise healthy adult dogs, a reduction of about five to 10 per cent in daily food intake may be considered, depending on their activity and body condition. However, this should not be applied automatically to puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, underweight animals or pets recovering from illness.

Food hygiene is also important during humid weather, when improperly stored food can spoil or become contaminated.

Owners should keep dry food in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original packaging inside an airtight container. Uneaten wet food should be removed within two hours at room temperature, or within one hour when temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius.

Opened tins should be covered and refrigerated, while feeding bowls should be washed regularly and supplied with fresh drinking water.

Providing a warm and dry resting area is equally important. Pets should have access to dry bedding in sheltered areas away from leaking roofs, draughts and cold floors.

Additional blankets can be placed in their beds or kennels, particularly for puppies, kittens, elderly animals and short-coated breeds.

Ochango cautioned against using open flames or charcoal heaters to warm pets because of the risk of burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.

She also encouraged owners to maintain exercise and mental stimulation when heavy rainfall limits outdoor walks.

Short walks during breaks in the rain, where conditions are safe, can be supplemented with indoor activities such as fetch, hide-and-seek, scent games, food puzzles and short obedience-training sessions.

Cats can also benefit from indoor enrichment through interactive toys, scratching posts, climbing structures and elevated resting spaces.

Flood preparedness and emergency care

Apart from health complications, heavy rainfall can expose pets to the danger of flooding, particularly in residential areas prone to water accumulation.

Ochango urged owners to assess their animals' shelters and ensure they can be moved to safety if conditions deteriorate.

Outdoor kennels should have strong, waterproof roofs, raised sleeping surfaces and adequate drainage to prevent water from collecting inside or around them.

Owners should also inspect fences, gates and roofing structures, as flooding and damaged barriers can increase the risk of pets escaping.

Animals should never be tethered in areas where rising water could trap them or left in enclosed spaces vulnerable to flooding.

“Preparedness is essential. Owners should identify a safe place to move their pets if their homes become vulnerable to flooding and ensure that animals can be transported safely when necessary,” she said.

She recommended preparing an emergency kit containing pet food, clean drinking water, essential medication, vaccination records, waste bags and a leash or carrier.

Identification tags and updated microchip details, where applicable, can also help reunite owners with pets that escape during storms.

Ochango further encouraged pet owners to keep their animals' health records accessible through PetVault, an application powered by PetStore Kenya that allows users to organise and retrieve their pets' medical information.

The records can help owners share important health details with veterinary professionals, particularly when seeking treatment during emergencies.

Thunderstorms can also cause fear and anxiety in some animals, with loud noises and flashes of lightning triggering distress.

Owners are advised to create quiet, secure spaces where pets can retreat, close windows and curtains to reduce noise and flashes, and use gentle background music to mask sudden sounds.

Frightened animals should not be punished, while pets with severe or persistent noise-related anxiety should be assessed by a veterinarian for appropriate behavioural support or treatment.

Ochango said preventive healthcare should remain a year-round responsibility, with rainy-season preparations starting before heavy downpours arrive.

“At PetStore Kenya, we believe that responsible pet ownership begins with informed decisions. Our role goes beyond providing pet products; it includes helping pet parents understand their animals' needs and make appropriate choices about nutrition, preventive care and general wellbeing,” she said.

She urged owners to prepare early by securing food supplies, maintaining vaccination and parasite-control schedules, identifying safe shelter and keeping veterinary contacts readily available.

“Prepare early, keep your pet dry and protected, and seek veterinary advice whenever something does not seem right,” she said.