Your dog needs to be walked every day but you can’t always depend upon the weather being cooperative. Rain is one of the most common problems a dog owner encounters when the weather turns bad.
Should your dog be walked in the rain or should you try skipping the dog’s regular walk and just let it outside for a few moments to take care of its biological functions?
Almost every veterinarian will agree that there’s nothing wrong with walking your dog in the rain if you take certain precautions. Sometimes your dog has to go potty and there is no other option.
Most dogs do not appreciate taking a stroll in the rain, particularly if the downpour is heavy. Most humans won’t appreciate it either.
Some dogs do love the rain, especially if they are retrievers or other dog breeds used to water, but most dogs want to avoid the rain and skip the walk. If you really want or need to walk your dog in the rain (if you live in an apartment or home where there is no yard to let the dog out into), you’ll need to make the experience as comfortable as possible for your dog.
If it’s raining and the weather is cold, you’ll need to be sure your dog is protected from the rain as much as possible and remain warm. Excessive exposure to a cold rain can result in hypothermia.
Always ensure your dog stays warm enough if the temperature outside drops to a really cold level.
One of the easiest ways to make it painless for both you and your dog when you have to walk in the rain is to look for areas with shelters that will block the rain. If you can find a covered area or one that has trees that block out some of the rain, it will limit the amount of rain that your dog – and you -have to endure.
If you live where it rains a lot, you might consider purchasing some rain protection for your dog that can make walking in the rain more tolerable for your pet.
Dog rain coats help your dog stay dry in the rain. These coats are usually made from vinyl and are wind-resistant and waterproof, and come with Velcro straps to help keep the coat in place.
Dog rain boots will help keep your dog’s legs and paws from getting wet, although many dogs will refuse to wear them.
Pet umbrellas are not as common but they attach to your dog’s collar and will keep your dog protected from the rain.
After walking your dog in the rain, be sure to dry it off thoroughly using a towel. If you have a long-haired dog you may need to use a hair blower to dry both the top coat and undercoat of your dog.
Deciding whether to walk your dog in the rain is a personal decision, but if done properly and with the right apparel, it can be painless and easy for both of you, and your dog may even learn to enjoy an outing in the rain as much as it does on a dry day.
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