How To Walk Your Dog On A Rainy Day

The main thing is to use common sense and maintain an attitude that does not cause nervousness to the dog, but rather security; It is also necessary to equip the pet with specific clothing that prevents it from getting wet

Whether or not it is good to walk your dog on a rainy day will depend on his character; some are so restless and playful that they don’t mind running through the storm. But others get stressed, scared, or angry.

In practice, in some way you have to comply with your daily walk, among other things to relieve yourself, especially if it is difficult for you to do them at home.

If it is a dog that is used to going out, it will be anxious and restless. In that case, all you have to do is take action to protect it while you enjoy the ride in the rain.

General guidelines to enjoy the ride on rainy days

It is necessary to guarantee pleasant experiences for the dog to avoid unexpected behaviors in the face of inclement weather. The trainers suggest not to overprotect the animal, nor to force it to walk if it does not want to. Although the decision is up to him, strategies can be applied to reduce potential discomfort.

• Choose the place well: if the dog does not like to get wet, choose roofed places such as buildings or wooded areas; It is also very useful to opt for areas without land, so that it does not get more dirty than necessary.
• Use positive reinforcement : dogs love treats and tend to please every demand of their masters if they can get them. A good tactic may be to offer your favorite treat as a reward for being guided on a rainy day.
• Show good attitude: it is vital that the owner transmit tranquility to the animal, even in the midst of a heavy downpour; you have to learn to enjoy every minute.

• Do not neglect it : although it seems obvious, under no circumstances should a pet be left exposed to the elements or in the rain.
• Dry the dog after the walk: once at home, it is essential to have a towel to dry the dog, especially if it has a lot of hair. Special attention should be paid to the foot pads, as they store liquid without being noticed.
• Reduce baths: during times of higher humidity it is not advisable to bathe the dog frequently. Some breeds take too long to dry out and can contract diseases. It is best to resort to hypoallergenic dry cleaning soaps.

Clothes to walk the dog on a rainy day

The dog industry has endeavored to design a selection of suitable garments to keep the dog warm from the rain. Little by little you can expand its equipment with these items:

• Waterproof suit : it must be breathable, but above all it must provide you with comfort and freedom of movement. Using it reduces the bad smell characteristic of a wet dog.
• Raincoat : most have velcro to adapt to the animal’s skin. Those with reflective strips improve your visibility and are special to safeguard them from blizzards.
• Water boots : prevent the accumulation of water in the folds of their feet, which can be irritated by cold and humidity. Many dogs dislike them and will try to remove them, but it is necessary to get used to them; there are plastic or neoprene.

• Hats : they will prevent water from getting into the dog’s eyes. They are very similar to those used by fishermen and are available in different shades, made of latex and plastic.
• Trailers : they adapt to bicycles and are wheeled carts that can be fitted with rain protectors.
• Umbrella: it  does not weigh too much and is very practical, since it is attached to the harness.

Diseases that the dog can contract

Walking your dog on a rainy day shouldn’t be a problem. If you are vaccinated, eat well, are energetic and in good health, you will not be affected by getting wet.  However, older or too young dogs could develop pathologies if they are not given due care.

• Pneumonia. When the environment is too cold, overexposure of the dog to the environment could cause severe inflammation of the lower respiratory tract and lungs.

• Damage to the pads. Although they appear robust and able to withstand any terrain, this bulging portion of skin is very fragile. The repeated accumulation of water turns them into a nest of fungus or irritation.
• Knots in the hair. If the animal has a long and abundant hair, the habitual contact with the water will promote the appearance of knots. The best remedy for this situation is to brush it regularly.
• Dermis diseases. Luckily dogs have a natural protective layer on their skin. However, excessive rain causes its rupture and dryness appears.