Tips for Walking Dogs in the Rain
It’s time for your dog’s favorite part of the day. It’s time to go on a walk! Today is like any other day except for one major detail. It’s raining. How will you be able to give your dog an opportunity to exercise or use the bathroom while it’s raining? The answer is simple: Go for a walk in the rain!
The most important thing to consider is your dog. You know your furry friend best, so your dog may dislike the wet weather. On the other hand, your dog may be thrilled to get out in the wet world. Make sure listen to your dog so your walk will be as enjoyable as possible. Below are some tips for walking your dog in the rain.
First Time Walking in the Rain?
Your dog may be hesitant to walk in the rain the first time. You can start by going for walks while it’s only lightly raining so your dog can adapt to the weather. After some time, you dog may be ready to go on walks in heavier rain.
If your friend is still scared or a little stubborn, you can drive to your destination first and go for a walk when you arrive. This will give both you and your dog a quick escape if the rain is too unenjoyable.
Wet Weather Gear
Pack an umbrella. Staying as dry as possible will make your walk more enjoyable. Since your walk will be rainy, make sure you and your dog are covered from head to toe, or paw. Cold, wet skin can be as uncomfortable for your dog as it is for you. If your dog has a thick coat, like a Labrador Retriever it likely won’t be as bothered by the sensation as a dog with a thin coat, like a Boston Terrier.
If the rain starts blowing or coming down harder, an umbrella alone may not provide enough protection to fit the needs of both you and your dog and it may become dangerous. Buy your dog a rain jacket to safely shield your furry friend from the unenjoyable feeling of wet skin and fur. Rain jackets are available in a variety of sizes and degrees of protection. Pick the one that suits the needs of your pooch the best.
If you were going for a walk in the rain, you wouldn’t just wear a rain jacket, you would wear rain boots too. You can buy waterproof booties for your dog if it doesn’t like wet paws.
Safety and Location
Now that you are shielded from the rain, think about your safety and location. When it rains, it can become dark quickly. Keep yourself safe by wearing a reflective vest or reflective patches to stay visible.
If the rainfall is light or medium, you can try a sheltered walk. Walking under the trees can provide additional coverage from the rain. If the rain becomes hard or windy, it is best to stay away from tree-covered areas. This can become a safety hazard.
Steer clear of busy roads in the rain. The roads can be slippery and put you and your dog in harms way. The busyness of the roads in the rain may also scare your dog if it is sensitive to noise. Plus, staying away from roads will keep you safe from splash back as cars drive by. You don’t want you or your dog to get covered with dirty water from the roads.
When it’s time for your wet adventure to come to an end, it is important to clean up. If you drove your dog to your destination before your walk, keep a towel or too in your car. This will keep your car dry and will keep your dog from getting too cold on the drive home.
When you arrive back home, start by drying off your dog’s paws. Wet paws can create symptoms similar to athlete’s foot in human over time. First, soak the excess water from your dog’s paws and then the rest of its coat with a dog towel. You can even use a hairdryer on a low heat setting if your dog is comfortable with the noise and blowing sensations.
Your pooch may give off the dreaded wet-dog smell after the walk. This is due to yeasts and bacterial than dogs naturally carry. You may need to give your dog a bath to eliminate the aroma.
Stay safe and have fun!