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Questions
- Should you walk your dog every day?
- Should you walk a dog in the rain?
- Do dogs like rain?
- Is it safe to walk your dog in the rain?
- Can dogs get sick from walking in the rain?
- Benefits of walking your dog in the rain
- Where to walk a dog when it’s raining
- How to prepare your dog for a rainy walk
- How much should I walk my dog when it's pouring rain?
- How do you keep your home clean after walking your dog out in wet weather?
- Indoor activities for rainy days: alternatives to outdoor walks
Every dog parent has been there, looking between the sheets of rain hitting your window and your dog who is waiting expectantly for walkies! Maybe they look a little bit hesitant or maybe that’s your own wishful thinking, but the last thing you want to be doing is layering up and braving the weather!
We’ve all had the dilemma of “should I walk my dog in the rain?” - trying to decide if it's better to take them out or skip a walk and have a hyperactive pup in the evening. Before you give up all hope, there are plenty of ways to keep warm and still get them the exercise they need. Afterall, it’s not just you who has the option to put on a nice, thick winter coat!
Should you walk your dog every day?
Walkies are an important part of your dog’s everyday life, and whilst the length of the walk needed depends on their breed, age and health, they should still be walked every day. Fitting walkies into your schedule may be challenging at times, but as long as your pooch is getting some exercise everyday, it’s always better than nothing!
Should you walk a dog in the rain?
The short answer to whether it’s ok to walk your dog in the rain is yes, it’s absolutely fine.
However, there is a big difference between walking your dog during a light shower and taking them out mid-blustery storm. You can walk dogs in the rain, but whether or not your dog minds being walked in the rain is another matter entirely.
Do dogs like rain?
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In theory, there is nothing stopping you walking your pooch in wet weather, but tell that to a short-coated Staffordshire Bull Terrier or a Chihuahua when puddles are up to their elbows! But do dogs like rain? That’s your next dilemma to address, and whilst it’s dependent on each individual dog, breed characteristics also play a part.
Do dogs like walking in the rain?
If you have a Labrador or a Spaniel who are bred to work in all conditions, then you might have never faced the issue of having a dog who refuses to walk in the rain. More sensitive breeds like short-coated dogs and toy breeds are often a little more delicate about going out and getting wet.
There are always exceptions to the rule, you might find a Labrador who walks around puddles instead of rolling in them, but generally speaking, their breed will give you a clue.
Why is my dog scared of the rain?
Have you noticed your canine companion shrinks away or shows signs of distress when it starts to rain? A fear of the rain in dogs is not uncommon, and there’s a couple of reasons as to why they may have this fear:
- The sound of rain: a dog’s hearing is far more sensitive than a human’s and the sound of a downpour (or association with thunder or lightning) will be quite overwhelming.
- Changes in atmosphere and smell.
- Previous traumatic experience in the rain.
Is it safe to walk your dog in the rain?
Whilst it’s typically safe to walk a dog in the rain, they might take a little coaxing! It’s helpful to have a pocket of treats to encourage their bravery, or if they’re short-coated, a waterproof jacket might help fix all of your problems.
If it’s torrential rain and you know you’re going to come back from a walk feeling like you’ve been doing laps of a swimming pool, your dog will feel the same. Choosing your walking times on rainy days is important, so try to find breaks in heavy rain and go out when it’s a little more bearable for you and your pooch.
Essential tips for walking dogs in the rain
Sometimes, you simply have to work your walkies around the weather! Whilst it can be a pain for your schedule to be at the whim of the wet weather, if it’s for yours and your dog’s comfort it’s definitely worth it.
As a guideline, here’s our top tips on walking your dog in the rain:
- 10 minutes is better than nothing!
- Coats for you, coats for your pooch.
- Warm towels waiting at home.
- Positive reinforcement and treaties – good doggo!
- With wet weather comes darker days – make sure you and your dog are being safe by being seen (think reflective walking gear).
Keep reading for our raincoat recommendations, an essential for any wet-weather walkies…
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Can dogs get sick from walking in the rain?
Just like humans, dogs can get sick from walking in the rain. The cold temperature and wet conditions can have an impact on their immune system and leave them prone to illness. If you have a two-year-old, robust dog then they’re much less likely to get sick from a soggy walk. There are times when dogs are more prone to getting poorly when they go out in the wet which include:
· Elderly dogs
· Very young puppies
· If they have underlying health conditions
· Underweight dogs
If your dog falls into any of these categories, then you should take some extra precautions to keep them warm and dry or even skip a walk entirely. When you get home, make sure to dry them off to limit the time they have wet fur, which will help to avoid any illness.
Benefits of walking your dog in the rain
Routines, in particular exercise-based ones, are super important for your dog’s health and happiness, so braving the rain contributes to their overall wellbeing. Make sure to reward your dog from a young age when walking in the rain to create positive associations with the weather! This will make your pup much more willing for a wetter-than-usual walkies.
Where to walk a dog when it’s raining
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When the weather gets bad, you might have to change up your normal dog walking routes to find areas that are less open to the elements.
Where you walk your dog when it’s raining is going to differ a little from their summer walks. During nicer weather, you might enjoy a trip to the beach, but they have very little cover to protect you from the harsh rain.
Ideal locations when it’s raining are areas with more shelter, like places with a lot of cover from trees. During the winter, lots of popular dog walks can become boggy and harder to walk through so finding quieter walks that haven’t been trampled as much can really save your feet and your dog’s paws. It can be as easy as finding new paths on walks you often go on or going out and exploring to find new, less populated walks.
How to prepare your dog for a rainy walk
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From the right gear to positive re-enforcements, it’s important to make sure you and your pooch are prepared for a wet walkies!
The best dog walking rain gear to keep your pooch dry
One of the most important factors to consider when walking your dog in the rain is how to keep you both as warm and dry as possible.
One of the most important factors to consider when walking your dog in the rain is how to keep you both as warm and dry as possible.
You’ll need dog-walking rain gear to make the experience more pleasant for both you and your pup. If you have a long-coated dog, you may need a thin, waterproof layer to keep the water from soaking into their fur. Shorter-coated dogs may need some extra protection and warmth from a padded winter jacket.
Rain usually means mud, which your fluffy friend is likely to bring back home with them. You will want to make sure you have plenty of shampoo to give them a nice bath and don’t forget to dry them off after their bath! You might even want to consider some nose and paw balm to protect them from getting dry and cracked skin from the cold, wet weather. Your pooch may learn to love rainy walks if they get pampered every time they get home!
Dog raincoat recommendations
On the hunt for a raincoat? Rufus & Rosie have a stylish selection of wet-weather friendly coats and jackets, perfect for any adventures this season. Whether you’ve got a furry fashionista on your hands or a pooch that prefers to keep everything no-fuss and simple, Rufus & Rosie have coats, jumpers and waterproofs galore!
How much should I walk my dog when it's pouring rain?
If the rain is heavy and you’re worried about your dog getting cold, make sure they’re wrapped up in a Rufus & Rosie coat for a 10 minute stroll! 10 minutes is better than no walk at all, but minimises the risks of catching their cold. You may find that if your dog hates the rain, you won’t even be able to get 10 minutes of walking time, but it’s worth a try if they’re willing.
How do you keep your home clean after walking your dog out in wet weather?
We know our canine companions can make a right mess after a muddy walk thanks to the great British rain! That’s why it’s important to have a post-walkies routine that banishes muddy pawprints trailing through the house. Keep a towel and dog-friendly wipes near the door so you can dry your pooch off and spot-clean any muddy patches if they’re not quite ready for bathtime.
Indoor activities for rainy days: alternatives to outdoor walks
If the weather is really looking unbearable (or your canine companion is cowering from the door) there’s a couple of fun alternatives to beat the boredom and keep them entertained:
- Tug of war (extra bonding time with you, too!)
- Interactive dog toys like a Kong to make mealtimes interesting.
- Lickimats or snuffle mats are tasty and time consuming.
- Indoor agility course – we promise this can be less messy than this sounds.
- Indoor-friendly fetch (just mind the lamp).
For more indoor enrichment ideas for dogs, read this article.
Making sure your dog stays nice and dry on their winter walks will not only coax them out of the door, but make sure they stay healthy and comfortable throughout the winter. We have plenty of products available to make sure the change in weather is not stopping you or your dog from enjoying your walks during the colder months.