How To Walk The Dog When It Rains?
It is not always easy to walk the dog when it rains. Some animals are so restless and playful that they don’t mind running around in the rain, through puddles and lightning.
But others show fear, anxiety and even go into hiding because of the thunder. The problem is that, regardless of the weather, you always have to let your friend out two or three times a day.
If you are wondering how to walk the dog when it rains , know that you will need to organize yourself, so that it can move and fulfill its needs.
If it is a dog that does not show any fear, it will want to go for a walk in any weather. In this case, your only concern will be to protect it from the cold and humidity of the rain.
Tips for walking your dog when it rains
It is necessary to make sure that walking the dog when it rains is a pleasant experience for the animal.
You will avoid unexpected behavior due to bad weather and sudden changes in the climate. Dog trainers suggest never protecting the animal too much, nor making it walk if it doesn’t want to.
Although the decision to go out depends on your dog’s behavior, here are a number of strategies that will help you to buffer any discomfort:
- Choose well where to walk : if the dog does not like to get wet, choose covered places, such as buildings or wooded areas. It is also very useful to opt for landless areas, so that it does not get more dirty than necessary.
- Use positive reinforcement : Dogs love treats and tend to satisfy every request from their owners if they can get them. A good tactic might be to offer a reward at the end of the walk.
- Show a good mood: it is vital that you transmit tranquility to the animal, even in the midst of a heavy downpour. This will help him to live serenely even less pleasant situations.
- Don’t neglect it : even if it seems obvious, under no circumstances should an animal be exposed to the elements in an excessive way.
- Dry the dog after the walk : once at home, prepare a cloth to dry your dog, especially if it is long-haired. Pay particular attention to the pads of the paws, as they may remain moist.
- Reduce baths : in periods of high humidity it is not advisable to wash the dog too frequently. Some breeds take a long time to dry out and can get disease. It is best to use hypoallergenic soaps for dry cleaning.
Walking the dog when it rains: does it need clothes?
Today, in pet stores, you can buy a whole range of clothing and accessories that will protect your dog from the rain.
In order not to have problems, here are some tips related to canine clothing, in case of rain :
- Waterproof suit : it must be breathable, but above all it must offer comfort and freedom of movement. Using it reduces the classic bad smell of wet dogs.
- Waterproof : most of them have Velcro to adapt to the animal’s skin. The reflective strips improve visibility and are designed to protect the dog from storms.
- Boots : prevent the accumulation of water in the folds of the legs and pads, which can become irritated by the cold and humidity. Many dogs can’t stand them and will try to take them off, but you need to get used to them. They can be plastic or neoprene.
- Caps : will prevent water from coming into contact with the dog’s eyes. They are very similar to those used by fishermen and are available in different shades, both latex and plain plastic.
- Covered trailers : fit on bicycles and are wheeled carts that can be fitted with a rain cover.
- Umbrella : it does not weigh too much and is very practical, as you can attach it to the harness.
Diseases that the dog can contract in the rain
Walking your dog on a rainy day shouldn’t cause any problems. If he is vaccinated, eats well, is in good health and is full of energy, he will endure the rain without problems.
However, older or too young dogs may have some problems if they are not given proper care. For instance:
- Pneumonia. When it gets too cold, overexposure to the outside environment can cause severe inflammation in the lower respiratory tract and lungs.
- Bearing problems. While they look sturdy and can support any terrain, the bottom of the feet are very sensitive. Repeated accumulation of water promotes the proliferation of bacteria and can cause irritation.
- Knots in the fur. If the animal has long and abundant hair, habitual contact with water will favor the appearance of knots. The best remedy for this situation is to brush it regularly.
- Skin diseases. Fortunately, dogs have a natural fat layer that protects their skin. In case of excessive exposure to rain, this defense can be weakened, causing dryness of the epidermis.
After reading these tips, walking your dog when it rains will no longer be a challenge.
