Chile weather changes impact pet care routines

The arrival of heavy rains and the “Niño Godzilla” weather phenomenon in Chile has led to the declaration of preventive emergencies in several communes. These weather patterns are disrupting routine pet care, particularly walking schedules.

Veterinarian Axel Haleby, General Manager of Inaba Chile, notes that walks are vital for a dog's socialization, sensory exploration, and bonding with owners. To mitigate the effects of staying indoors, specialists recommend indoor activities such as dexterity games and using healthy snacks as rewards to reduce stress.

When weather permits, owners are advised to use raincoats for short-haired pets and to dry them immediately upon returning home. Additionally, the seasonal transition brings increased risks from parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes due to humidity, making preventative care and health checks for diseases such as leishmaniasis essential.