7 Essential Tips on Walking Your Dog in the Rain

Dogs require a sufficient amount of exercise every day. Sometimes playing indoors does not cut it, especially with dogs with high energy levels. Therefore, taking dogs on walks are necessary. 

Unfortunately, this time of the year, it rains quite a bit, as a result of which many dog owners refrain from taking their dogs on walks. 

However, there is always a way around tough situations such as having to walk your dog on a rainy day. In order to overcome such obstacles, here are some tips for walking your dog while it is pouring outside.

1. Get the Right Attire for Your Dog

Dogs once used to live in the wild, but they’ve long been domesticated. As a result, they tend to get sick in the rain, just like us humans. Therefore, you need to make sure that your dog has the right attire for a walk in the rain – quite like you would! 

Small dog raincoats, for example, could be something to consider. Most people might think that they are just cute outfits but they have a practical side too. 

For example, it acts as a barrier to protect your dog from anything harmful.

2. Avoid Busy Streets

Busy roads with cars whizzing by over puddles will leave chances for small splashes to occur. And the last thing you would want is for your dog to get splashed! 

Besides, your dog might try to drink the fuel-and-dirt infused contaminated water and get sick. So, where to take them for a walk? Well, parks are always an option!

3. Protect their Paws

The paws are a part of animals we usually overlook and often don’t consider how to take care of. Paws are in fact an important and sensitive part of dogs – they sweat through them, are sensitive, and are prone to cracking. 

There are different ways to care for them in the rain. You could try putting dog boots on them which would protect their feet. However, it is hard for them to get used to shoes. 

On the other hand, you could try applying dog-friendly wax on their paws and regularly wiping them.

4. Keep them on a Leash

Many dog owners have established a disciplined relationship with their dogs and have also raised extremely obedient canines. 

However, while it is raining you will notice that the streets are a bit more chaotic than usual – cars splashing water, people running to find shelter, and not to forget the pouring rain and/or thunder. 

All of these sounds could potentially trigger your dog. They might get scared or get excited to the point of running awry. So, even if it is just for walks on rainy days, you should keep them on a leash.

5. Wear Reflective Gear

During the rain since everything tends to get dark, reflective leashes and collars can save your dog’s life. Wearing bright and reflective colors will alert vehicles and other people of your dog on the streets and may even avoid life-threatening accidents.

6. Shorten Your Walks

During the rain, your pet might be prone to different types of hazards such as infections, bug bites, water-borne diseases, and even frostbite if the weather is cold enough. 

So, you should keep your walks short for the well-being of both you and your dog.

However, walks cannot completely be replaced. As you shorten the walks, however, you will have to find other ways for your dog to burn energy. You should play some indoor games with them or you could teach them new tricks. 

7. Wash and Dry

Slightly rinse your dog off before you enter your home in order to wash off any residual mud and germs. You should also dry them off with a towel or blow dryer to make sure they do not catch a cold.

However, if you walk your dog frequently in the rain then frequently washing and drying them might dry out their skin. 

In such cases, take them to an open area and get them to shake off the moisture and dirt. Dogs’ fur usually is slick and do not hold onto dirt.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, you should not be afraid to walk your dog on rainy days. At the end of the day, dogs are tough animals and a little rain should never stop them from enjoying a little bit of time outdoors.

Furthermore, taking them on regular walks will help you two bond thus, making it a stronger relationship.