Rainy Season Is Here: How to Keep Your Pets Safe, Healthy and Comfortable

Kenya, 2 November 2026 - The rainy season presents several challenges for pet owners. Heavy rainfall, flooding, muddy surroundings and prolonged dampness can expose dogs and cats to health risks, making preventive care, proper hygiene and adequate shelter especially important.

Contaminated water and soil are among the major concerns, as they can expose pets to diseases such as leptospirosis.

According to Rosebella Ochango, Veterinary Professional and Business Developer at PetStore Kenya, Damp conditions may also contribute to skin irritation, fungal infections and ear problems, while parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms remain a concern.

“My advice to pet owners is to prioritise preventive healthcare, maintain appropriate vaccination schedules, and keep up with parasite-control schedules,” Ochango says.

She recommends using appropriate flea, tick and deworming treatments, selected according to the animal's species, age and weight. Owners should follow product instructions and seek veterinary guidance when choosing treatments. She particularly cautions against using dog products containing permethrin on cats, as the substance can be highly toxic to them.

Environmental hygiene is equally important. Pet owners should keep sleeping areas clean and dry, dispose of animal waste promptly and prevent pets from drinking stagnant water or floodwater. Persistent itching, skin lesions, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or loss of appetite should prompt veterinary assessment.

Most healthy dogs and cats do not need an automatic diet change during the rainy season. According to Ochango, nutritional requirements depend on an animal's age, body condition, health and activity levels.

Some dogs may exercise less when outdoor walks are limited, potentially reducing their daily energy expenditure. However, owners should assess their pets individually before changing food portions.

“Rain itself does not directly reduce a dog's nutritional requirements,” she explains.

“Any reduction is more likely to result from a sustained decrease in physical activity.”

Owners should monitor body condition, measure food portions and maintain adequate protein and essential nutrient intake. Puppies, pregnant or lactating animals, underweight pets and those recovering from illness may require specialised feeding guidance.

Food hygiene also matters. Uneaten wet food should generally be removed within two hours at room temperature, or within one hour when temperatures exceed 32°C, to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Owners should follow manufacturers' instructions where they specify shorter periods.

Dogs and cats need sheltered sleeping areas with dry bedding, away from leaking roofs, draughts and wet floors. Owners can raise pet beds above cold floors and add blankets inside kennels or sleeping areas. Bedding should be washed or replaced whenever it becomes damp.

Puppies, kittens, elderly animals, underweight pets and those with certain medical conditions may need additional protection from cold temperatures. Some short-coated dogs may benefit from suitable clothing, but it should remain dry and fit comfortably. Cats generally do not need clothing.

“A warm pet is not simply one wearing a sweater; it is one with a dry resting place, appropriate bedding, adequate nutrition, and the freedom to move to a comfortable area,” Ochango says.

She also warns against placing pets near open flames, hot charcoal stoves or unprotected heaters because of the risk of burns and other injuries.

Reduced outdoor activity should not mean that pets become inactive. Ochango recommends short walks during breaks in the rain, alongside indoor games such as fetch, hide-and-seek, scent activities and food puzzles.