Not all dogs react in the same way to the rain, because while some enjoy wallowing in puddles, others experience a situation of fear and generalized stress, which in some cases even causes them not to want to get out of the house. How should we act then?
In this article on our site we will explain how to walk your dog in the rain, offering you some interesting tricks so you can give it an extra of comfort, but also what to do if your dog doesn't want to walk with rain or some he alth problems that can affect him if you don't take certain precautions, keep reading!
Is it good to take the dog out in the rain?
The walk is essential for our dogs, because in addition to socializing and exercising, this routine allows them to relieve themselves We must not leave that the dog urinates or defecates inside the house, since in addition to being an unhygienic behavior it causes negative effects on its well-being, even the appearance of behavioral problems. Therefore, even if it rains, yes we should walk our dog However, we will try to protect him from the cold and humidity with the methods that we will mention in the next section.
Waterproof clothes for dogs
A tip we offer to be able to walk your dog when it rains is to equip it in the best way. To do this, you can use raincoats, boots or even an umbrella. Next, we will tell you about them.
Dog raincoats
Especially when we talk about heavy rain, protecting the dog is highly recommended, even more so in puppies, sick or elderly animalsIn the market we can find all kinds of raincoats for dogs, more or less adapted to the cold, but all of them are waterproof. We will look for one according to your size, comfortable, comfortable and that allows you some freedom of movement.
Dog boots
Another option when it comes to taking the dog out when it rains is to do it with dog boots. This accessory protects their paws and pads from the cold and the humidity of the ground, so it can be a very good alternative. Even so, we must take into account the comfort and sensitivity of our furry friend, since in some cases it can be too uncomfortable for them.
Dog Umbrella
There are also other options on the market, such as umbrellas for dogs. However, as we have mentioned, there are certain utensils that can be annoying for our dogs, so it is better to bet on a functional product rather than an aesthetic one.
Is it bad for a dog to get very wet when it rains?
The combination of water and cold can cause the appearance of certain he alth problems, such as:
- Resfriado: A cold in dogs is an infection that originates in the upper respiratory tract. The dog can manifest various symptoms, such as congestion, cough, malaise, fever and loss of appetite. It usually remits in a few days if we offer good care to the dog.
- Problems in the pads: continuous moisture in this area of the body can seriously damage our dog's pads and favor the appearance of fungi and sensitivity. It will be essential to thoroughly dry the pads when you get home, as well as other areas of the body that may be wet, with the help of a towel and dryer if necessary.
- Knots and tangles: It is common in medium-haired and long-haired dogs. Fortunately, there are many home remedies to untangle the dog's hair.
- Dermis problems: Continuous contact with water without any type of protection can cause long-term dryness and skin problems. dog skin. That is why it is so important to protect them.
- Bad smell: It is completely normal for the dog to smell bad after coming into contact with the rain. The use of a raincoat or perfumes can help prevent this, however, it is important to point out that we should not abuse the bathroom, always respecting a minimum of 7 days between washing and washing.
If we observe the appearance of various abnormal symptoms in the dog, it is advisable to consult the veterinarian to explain the situation and go to the clinic if necessary.
My dog is afraid of the rain, what do I do?
While not all dogs are afraid or stressed by rain and thunder, many do. That's when the crying and generalized anxiety appear that prevent them from going down to the street and walking normally. Next, we are going to mention some recommendations to know how to take the dog out when it rains:
In no case will we force the dog to go down or force him to go out if he does not want to, because uncontrolled exposure to the stimulus that causes fear can cause the condition to worsen and even new behavior problems to appear, in addition to breaking the bond with the tutor.
Ideally, use positive reinforcement so that the dog associates rain with tasty food, affection and a positive attitude on our part. We'll encourage you to come down with dog snacks, small bits of frankfurter or pellets of dry food. Another way to get this positive reinforcement is through words of congratulations and motivation, as well as caresses, cuddles and hugs. However, if your dog still doesn't want to go out, we will stop insisting to take the dog out when it rains
Another option to prevent your dog from being exposed longer than necessary to adverse weather conditions, we can reduce the walk time a little bit. This way, he can perform his basic needs and go back home.
Finally, the ideal is to work on the fear of thunder and rain with the help of a specialist so that, progressively, our dog stops experiencing anxiety, fear and inappropriate behaviour. Meanwhile, we can improve the atmosphere with light, relaxing music, toys and recreational bones, for example.
What to do when it rains with your dog?
We end this article on tips for walking a dog in the rain by remembering that, even at home, we can spend great moments with our dog. We can take advantage of these situations to work and remember the basic commands for dogs, essential for their safety and communication
We can also carry out mental stimulation exercises to keep your mind active, essential for adult and elderly dogs, as well as homemade scent games for dogs, encouraging the use of one of their most important senses.
If you want ideas for homemade Smell Games for dogs or Intelligence Games for dogs, don't hesitate to read these articles that we recommend.
