Ruff Roaming is supported by its readers. If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links on this page, we may earn a small commission.

Walking Dogs In The Rain: A Guide For Wet Weather Walks

Introduction

Walking your dog is an essential part of their physical and mental well-being, but what do you do when the skies open up and rain threatens to dampen your plans? Don’t let the weather put a damper on your dog’s exercise routine. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective tips and tricks to make walking your dog in the rain an enjoyable experience for both of you. We’ll also take a look at the gear needed for a successful dog walk in the elements.

Should You Walk Your Dog In The Rain?

As dog owners, we’ve all had days where we’ve looked at the downpour outside from the comfort of our dry, warm house and thought “do they really need a walk today?” However, deep down, you already know the answer – you should still walk your dog when it’s raining, even if you don’t particularly fancy it.

Dogs need their daily exercise. Going for a walk is beneficial for them in a variety of ways, such as improved physical health, mental stimulation, and getting socialised with other dogs you might meet on your travels. Skipping walking on a regular basis can lead to health problems for your dog, as well as damage to your home – bored dogs can often display destructive behaviours.

But just because you have to go out in the rain, it doesn’t mean that the experience should be miserable. If you prepare correctly and are equipped with the appropriate gear, you’ll have a much better time.

As always though, there are exceptions to every rule, and this one is no different. There are certain instances where you shouldn’t go out in the rain with your dog. We’ll run through these at the end of the article. Firstly though, we’ll run through some strategies for making a success of your walk in the rain.

Tips For A Rainy Dog Walk

Check The Weather Forecast

Stay ahead of the game by checking the weather forecast before heading out. It might look miserable outside now, but if you wait an hour the rain might stop, and you’ll be able to walk your dog without getting soaked. Knowing what to expect allows you to prepare appropriately and adjust the length of the walk if necessary.

Shorten The Walk If Necessary

Consider a shorter route on rainy days, especially if your dog isn’t a big fan of wet weather. A quick outing is better than skipping the walk altogether.

You might find that taking a new route entirely is beneficial too, especially if the conditions underfoot on your normal route become a lot worse in wet weather. It sounds obvious, but it’s best to get home clean and in one piece. The alternative is getting filthy because you decided to go on your normal route through the park and ended up slipping down a muddy bank (yes, I am speaking from experience).

Be Mindful Of The Conditions

Rain and bad weather bring with it certain hazards that you need to be mindful of when you’re out with your dog. For instance, be cautious around puddles, as they may hide deep or slippery surfaces. Guide your dog around them to avoid accidents or injuries.

Don’t let your dog drink rainwater from these puddles either. They can be swimming with bacteria that can make your dog ill. If you’re going on a walk long enough for your dog to get thirsty, make sure to take a bowl and bottle of fresh water with you.

Rain can reduce visibility, so ensure you and your dog are easily seen by wearing reflective gear. Attach a reflective collar or leash to your dog or maybe wear a reflective jacket yourself. You can also get a reflective coat for your canine companion.

And as previously mentioned, rain-soaked pavements and roads can be slippery. Walk at a slower pace, especially on downhill slopes, and be cautious of your dog’s movements to prevent falls. Stick to surfaces where your shoes will have a better grip where possible.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable

Dogs’ senses are a lot keener than ours, so they are more affected by the new smells and noises brought about by heavy rain. Nervous dogs may find these sensations overwhelming. To combat this, use treats and positive reinforcement to associate rainy walks with something enjoyable. This can help your dog overcome any initial hesitations about venturing out in wet weather.

Dry Off Thoroughly After The Walk

Once you’re back home, take the time to clean and dry your dog thoroughly. Pay extra attention to their paws, ears, and underbelly to prevent discomfort and potential health issues. Leaving paw pads wet in particular can lead to problems with dermatitis.

To make this process easier, create a designated drying area near your door with absorbent towels and mats. Encourage your dog to wait here for a moment after each rainy walk to minimize the mess indoors.

The Right Gear For Rainy Days

Invest In A Quality Dog Raincoat

Ensure your furry friend stays dry with a well-fitted, waterproof dog raincoat. Look for breathable materials to prevent overheating and choose bright colours or a reflective material for added visibility.

As cute as you might find it, you should only make your dog wear a coat as long as it’s comfortable with one on. If it’s clearly in distress and trying its best to get the coat off, leave the coat at home and stick to using towels.

Waterproof Footwear For Paws

On a similar note, you can protect your dog’s paws from mud and moisture with waterproof shoes. These not only keep their feet dry but also prevent slips and falls on slippery surfaces. They can also be useful in protecting any medical dressings from the elements.

As with the dog coats, only make your pooch wear these if they’re comfortable.

Reflective Dog Gear

Ensuring your dog is visible is one of the best ways of keeping them safe on walks in heavy rain. You can do this by equipping them with reflective items, whether this is a collar, lead, or harness.

Not everything has to be a garish fluorescent beacon – the stretchy lead we use is in matte colours but has a reflective strip that is visible enough to keep you safe.

Dog Towels

Once you’re home, you’ll want a good quality towel to get your dog dry as quickly as possible. These microfibre towels do a good job of getting your dog dry, dry quickly themselves, and can be personalised to boot.

Alternatively, you can get super absorbent dog drying robes that your dog can wear for an extended period around the house while they dry off. These can be a good option if you don’t have the time to dry them down properly by hand.

Get Yourself A Quality Raincoat

After all, it’s not just the dog who’ll be getting drenched! Investing in a quality waterproof coat will make those wet walks so much easier. Look for something made from waterproof fabrics like Gore-Tex, as well as something that’s breathable so you don’t feel clammy while you’re out walking. A good hood design is important too – you want an adjustable hood that provides good coverage but that doesn’t impinge too much on your vision.

I swear by my Berghaus Maitland jacket – it’s lightweight and comfortable, there’s no leakage through the zipper or any of the seams so I stay nice and dry, and there are plenty of pockets for carrying dog treats and bags.

When Shouldn’t I Walk My Dog In The Rain?

As I mentioned at the start of the article, there are some circumstances when you should stay indoors. One would be when the weather is so bad outside that it’s verging on dangerous. If you have been issued weather warnings in your area, it’s best to follow the official advice and stay inside if necessary.

Another is when your dog is particularly reactive with regards to the rain and/or thunder and lightning. If your dog has an extreme fear of rain, then it’s cruel, irresponsible, and counterproductive to force them to go out on a regular walk. Dragging them along despite their obvious fear will only cause them further stress, and you risk losing control of them.

If you are in this situation, you can try and get your dog to slowly overcome their fear by using consistent positive association training. Start with baby steps at first – this could be as small as praising and treating them for standing in the back garden while it’s raining – and then progress from there to short walks once they become more comfortable.

On days when you’re not able to go out in the rain, engage your dog in indoor activities. Play fetch in a spacious room, teach them new tricks, or use puzzle toys to stimulate their mind. This will tire them out and help to prevent any negative destructive behaviours.

Alternatively, you could always get them a treadmill! This provides a controlled environment for exercise, allowing them to burn off energy without facing the elements.

Conclusion

With the right gear, preparation, and a positive attitude, rainy days don’t have to disrupt your dog’s daily exercise routine. Embrace the elements, stay safe, and make the most of your rainy day walks with your furry companion. Remember, a little rain can’t wash away the joy of spending quality time with your beloved pet.