thane the heavy showers in the city have brought its share of ailments and diseases not only residents but also pets are suffering from various infections especially gastrointestinal and skin disorders the vets in the city have been witnessing a rise in the number of viral and respiratory tract infection cases also pets suffering from diarrhea is on the rise as compared to last month there is a rise in the number of cases this months due to the continuous rains the animals tend to get wet so they suffer from various skin infections everyday i attend to at least 15 to 20 animals suffering from gastro problems i have even come across strays who have got maggots not only cats and dogs but also turtles and birds are taking ill the low water quality has caused abscess in the ears of redeared slider turtles said dr karishma gupte a veterinarian meanwhile veterinaries have asked pet owners to take preventive steps and protect their furry friends from such viral diseases the owners must not let their pets get wet in the rain they must keep and keep them warm feed them warm soups etc to avoid skin infections the pets coat must be kept dry a dry shampoo can be used between baths to keep their skin clean one can even make a dry shampoo at home by mixing equal quantities of baking soda and cornstarch when it comes to turtles one must check the water in which they are kept said dr gupte the doctors have also warned pet owners not to take the animals in stagnant water puddles as the animals can get infected with leptospirosis if possible the pets must be vaccinated against lepto as bacterias are present in rats urine and they are around dirty water the animal can catch the infection if it has a cut or wound on its body if an animal acquires the disease then its urine colour will change to blood red accompanied by high fever and jaundice some pet owners have started taking adequate measures to avoid their furry friends from taking ill i keep my 3yearold milo which is an indian breed dry after we come back from a walk also i wash his legs with an antiinfective liquid i see to it that he is given boiled water and take him for a walk only in clean areas said khushbhu mascarenhas