MANILA, Philippines – The rainy season provides many opportunities to enjoy indoor activities with canine and feline friends and there is no better time to learn about them than now. Rainy day fun with your furry friend may not be a problem, but keep in mind that pets are more susceptible to common diseases in this weather.

As part of the Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured Campaign to engage Filipinos in responsible pet ownership through good pet health and proper nutrition, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) shares some tips for you and your pet so you can still have fun in the wet season.

Play and learn

Being stuck inside the house provides a great opportunity for play-and-learn activities. Toys provide countless hours of fun and at the same time encourage your pets to get moving and build a better bond with you as you play. You may also use these toys for interactive games with your pet around the house. Practicing pet commands, teaching them new tricks, and playing learning games such as hide and seek, tug-of-war, tag and kibble hunts, will also stimulate both the mental and physical skills of your pet. These activities will not only provide exercise and entertainment, but also train your pet to have improved concentration and obedience, improved agility and flexibility, and better balance among others. You can also set a rainy day play date with your pet’s favorite friend or playmate. Having a friend to keep your pet company whilst stuck indoors will also provide good fun for both pets. However, pets are very active and they can get quite rowdy when they play, so be sure to set aside a safe play space, secure all valuables and put away any furniture or breakable items.

Good grooming

A rainy day indoors is also a good opportunity for you to groom your pet. Give them a relaxing bath, wrap them in a fluffy towel, trim their nails, clean their ears and teeth, lovingly brush their fur and even give them a massage. If your pet doesn’t enjoy grooming that much, offer it some treats to make the experience enjoyable. Always be careful in grooming your pet – stop at once when your pet is uncomfortable and soothe it by reassuring it with words and petting it softly. Grooming is an enjoyable bonding experience for both you and your furry friend, as long as it is done properly and gently.

Happy healthcare

As the temperatures drop and the humidity increases in this season, your pets become more susceptible to germs and viruses. Pay a visit to the vet to check up on your pet’s health. To help combat illnesses, increase your pet’s immunity by getting its vaccinations and deworming up to date. Watch out for respiratory diseases, hypothermia, fungal infections and skin diseases. Don’t leave your pet outside in the rain, and if it gets wet, dry your furry friend down with a towel or a dryer, if it has a thick coat, and brush its fur. Be careful not to blow hot air in your pet’s eyes and ears. Remember to dry between your pet’s toes as the paws are the most common area of infection. Your veterinarian can help you establish a washing and grooming routine for your pet, and may recommend a product to treat or to reduce the chance of a fungal infection.

After your activities, make sure that your pet is well rewarded. Feed them some treats but always give them in moderation. Make sure they always have access fresh clean water to keep them fresh and hydrated. Remember that rain or shine, your pets need to be kept entertained, and their physical and mental fitness must be in tip top shape too. An active pet lifestyle coupled with a complete balanced diet will make a happy and healthy pet, whatever the weather may be.

Be sure to keep dry kibble from getting wet, and refrigerate any uneaten canned pet food shortly after serving. Commercial pet food makers from the United States produce the most regulated products that provide good nutrition and health benefits for your pet.

As the voice of the United States pet food industry, PFI and partner organization Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) is committed to promoting and encouraging the Filipino pet owners to provide proper nourishment and care to their pets, striving to make them well-fed, well-nurtured cats and dogs.