Chapter 5: The Drier Months — Making the Most of Outdoor Time
During the drier stretches of the Southwest Monsoon, take advantage of kinder weather for outdoor activity — but stay sensible. Early mornings and evenings remain best; midday heat is still dangerous. This is a good season for longer walks, park visits, and outdoor training, which helps prevent weight gain in apartment-bound pets. Watch for haze periods, when air quality drops: keep strenuous exercise short, keep windows closed, and watch for coughing or eye irritation, especially in brachycephalic breeds and pets with heart or lung conditions. Check paws after outings for cuts and thorns. Use the season to establish a grooming and parasite-check routine that will carry you through the wetter months. If your pet seems lethargic or off food for more than a day, consult your vet.