RAIN, PAWS AND MAYHEM

Summer has officially switched to “drenched mode,” and every pet parent knows exactly what this means: muddy paws, soggy coats, insects with bad intentions, and animals suddenly auditioning for a drama series called “The Sky Is Falling.”

So today, we’re diving into what the rainy season does to our dogs, cats, and horses — physically, emotionally, and hilariously — and how you can help them stay comfortable, healthy, and (kind of) clean.

🐾 MUDDY PAWS, HAPPY HEARTS

How Wet Weather Turns Our Pets into Swamp Creatures

Dogs:
Rainy weather unlocks something primal inside them. Something ancient. Something chaotic.
Luna sees the wet garden and immediately turns into a one-dog excavation company. Meanwhile Harley steps outside, gets one raindrop on her head, looks offended, and marches straight back inside.

Cats:
Cats pretend they are above weather. Until they misjudge one puddle, sink halfway into the mud, and then return home looking like damp, angry toast.

Horses:
Valor stands at the fence like:
“I can’t possibly step in that mud… unless the good bushes are on the other side.”
And then he’s suddenly knee-deep, happy as can be, munching away.

🧼 Caring for Wet Paws, Coats & Hooves

A few practical tips to keep the mud from taking over your life:

• Dry paws thoroughly after walks to avoid bacterial buildup between the toes.

• Brush out wet coats — don’t let mats form under damp fur.

• Check hooves daily: Excess moisture softens them and increases the risk of thrush.

• Rotate towels because no single towel in South Africa can handle a rainy-day dog.

• For horses: Pick hooves more often in wet weather and keep an eye on frogs and heels for any softening or smell.

⚡THUNDER, PANIC & THE ART OF CALMING THE DRAMA LLAMAS

Storm Anxiety in Dogs, Cats & Horses

Heavy rain always brings a second guest: thunderstorms.
And with thunderstorms come dramatic pets.

Harley: Believes thunder = the collapse of civilisation.
Luna: Thinks thunder is just the universe playing fetch with sound.
Cats: Pretend they aren’t scared but disappear into the one cupboard that’s impossible to reach.
Horses like Valor: Stand with big wide eyes, pretending they’re fine, but every muscle says, “Nope.”

🌩️ How to Help Them Cope

• Make a safe den for dogs and cats: blankets, low lights, soft sounds.

• Play white noise — it softens sudden bangs.

• Natural calming aids help the nervous system settle. Our Chill Pup Potion, and Chill fur Real works like a bomb. (but not the noisy kind.)

• Keep horses in familiar surroundings during storms.

• Stay calm yourself — animals copy your emotional state more than you think.

• Distract with enrichment: lick mats for dogs, toys for cats, or alfalfa cubes for horses.

(And yes, whispering “it’s okay baby” to your dog 43 times does count as therapy.)

🦟 MIDGES, MOSQUITOES & FLY INVASIONS

Why Rain Makes the Bugs Go Wild

After the rain comes…
the insect army.

Standing water = breeding ground.
Warm air = hatching party.
Your animals = prime buffet.

Dogs start scratching, cats get twitchy, and horses start tail-slapping like they’re conducting an orchestra.

🪰 Protecting Your Pets From Post-Rain Pests

• Keep stables and kennels clean & dry — flies love moisture.

• Rinse mud from horses’ legs to prevent midge irritation.

• Use natural insect-repelling sprays (safe for pets). (Bug off Buddy, Bug off Kitty, and Swat Squad comes highly recommended.)

• Add garlic powder (horse-safe quality) or apple cider vinegar to horse feed to help deter biting insects.

• Check ears, armpits, groins & tails — flies target the soft spots.

• Repair fences because horses WILL break them to reach the “better grass” that midges happen to love.

🌿 THE RAINY-SEASON WRAP-UP

Your pets may come back inside looking like swamp monsters…
Your horse may break another fence panel in search of greener snacks…
And Luna may still insist every thunderclap is the apocalypse…

But the rainy season can actually be a healthy time for animals — fresh grazing, cooler weather, clean air, fewer dust-related allergies.

With a little extra care (and a LOT of towels), your four-legged crew will stay happy, comfortable, and safe until the sun returns.