When it comes to our four-legged companions, their well-being is always a top priority. But what happens when it's raining cats and dogs outside? Should you stay indoors, or is it better to take your pup for a walk? In this article, we'll explore the topic of to provide you with some helpful information and guidance.
Rain or shine, you and your dog can enjoy a walk together with the right preparation and mindset.
Walking In The Rain
The level of exercise a dog requires varies from breed to breed, however, all dogs must have at least one decent outing a day.
Living in Britain, it can be challenging to manage to always to this in the dry.
While some dog breeds and individual dogs may be more sensitive to the cold and moisture, regular exercise is essential for their physical and mental health.
If in any doubt, we recommend researching your dog’s breed or getting more specific advice from your vet about their possible sensitivities.
In any case, knowing how to overcome the main challenges or elements that put us off venturing out in the wet can help keep us out no matter the weather. Here are our top solutions:
1. Pick The Right Route
When deciding to walk your dog in the rain, choose a suitable route. Opt for dryer paths where possible and avoid long grass that your dog will get soaked in.
Having the right walk planned out for the weather will encourage you to get out when it’s less appealing plus avoids the chance of having to cut your pups walk short due to conditions.
You can even go a step further by having pre-planned routes for different weather conditions so you've always got a suitable walk, rain or shine.
2. Choose Your Moment
When contemplating a walk in the rain with your dog, the first thing you should do is assess the intensity of the rainfall.
Light drizzles are usually manageable, but heavy downpours might not be suitable for your dog. Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or anxiety in your pup and seize opportunities for lighter rain when you can.
Many weather apps such as the default iPhone one have a handy minute-by-minute rain forecast for the next hour, use it to pick your departure time wisely and avoid a soaking.
3. Proper Pup Attire
Depending on your dog breed and whether they mind the rain or not, they might need some extra protection from the wet.
If your dog is sensitive, invest in a doggy raincoat that fits comfortably without rubbing on sensitive areas and is easy to get on and off.
This will help keep your furry friend dry and prevent them from getting too cold so they can stay out having fun for longer.
4. A Decent Waterproof Coat
Yes, it might seem obvious, but having an effective rain coat that keeps you dry will make you feel indestructible against the british weather.
We recommend finding a jacket that has both a high waterproof rating but also high breathability to keep you comfortable on walks. Choosing one with a decent sized hood will limit the need for an umbrella allowing you to keep your hands free for leads, poop collections and treats dispensing.
5. A Pair of Wellies
Nobody likes to experience wet feet, so to keep you out there with your pup, get yourself a comfortable pair of wellies. Going the extra mile in terms of quality and price make the difference when it comes to protecting your feet. Not only that, you'll feel rather virtuous having faced the rain.
If you’re sensitive to the cold, we recommend getting welly liners to keep your tootsies nice and cosy while you’re stomping through the mud.
Reawaken the child within you and head out to jump in puddles with your pup.
6. Dry Off After Walkies
Although exercising your dog must be a priority, it’s not good for their skin and coats to stay wet for long periods of time. After returning from your rainy stroll, take a few minutes to thoroughly dry your dogs coat off.
Towel-dying with a large absorbent towel or a gentle blow-dry can help prevent your dog from getting cold and uncomfortable.
Or, for a quick and easy solution, invest in a Dog Drying Bag that makes drying your pup stress-free and cleans off the mud in the process.
7. Make It Fun
Remember, walking your dog in the rain can be an enjoyable experience if you approach it with a positive attitude. Once you’ve overcome the main challenges, such as staying dry and tackling the muddy wet dog on the return, walking in the rain can be surprisingly refreshing and enjoyable.
Embrace the change in weather and seize an opportunity to create wonderful memories with your furry friend, and an excuse for a nice hot bubble bath at the end!
Conclusion
Walking your dog in the rain can be a delightful experience if done right. By considering things like where and when you walk, what to wear and how to keep your pup comfortable you can ensure that both you and your pup have a fantastic time, no matter the weather. Get yourself prepared and head out into the rain to enjoy countless wet, wagging tail experiences.
If you buy one things this season to help you embrace wet weather walkies, we cannot rave about our Luxury Dog Drying Bags enough. They literally transform damp, muddy walks forever.
