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Should I Walk My Dog In The Rain?

Should I Walk My Dog In The Rain?

dog walk in rain

There’s nothing wrong with a good old stroll in the rain with your dog however majority of people and their pooches alike collectively agree that staying nice and snug, warm and cozy at home is much more appealing. But your dog needs walking everyday and that should not depend on the weather being cooperative right?

So should you walk your dog in the rain? Yes, you should walk you dog in the rain if it’s not an extreme weather event. Put a dog raincoat on your dog and walk with an umbrella. Alter your route so it’s mainly undercover. It’s a good opportunity for your dog to exercise and to go to the toilet.

So whether it’s sprinkling or bucking down, or your dog loves or hates the rain, here are reasons for and against taking your dog on a walk in the rain.

Pros and Cons Of Walking A Dog In The Rain

ProsCons
Exercise for dogs and humansDog becomes wet and cold
Opportunity for your dog to go to the toiletWet dog smell afterwards
RewardingDog could get sick
Some dogs love the rainSome dogs hate the rain 

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Your Dog In The Rain

How do I keep my dog dry in the rain? Put a dog raincoat on your dog while walking in the rain and walk with an umbrella. Some people even put booties on their dog’s paws to keep them dry. Additionally, try to plan your walking route so it is mainly undercover.

Best Raincoats For Dogs

How do I dry my dog after a walk in the rain? You can use a microfibre and hypoallergenic dog towel to quickly dry your dog after a walk in the rain. There are even wrap-around dog towel robes that you can make your dog wear. Alternatively, use an ordinary bath towel to dry your dog.

Best Towels For Drying Your Dog

How do I keep my dog clean in the rain? Put a dog raincoat on your dog while walking in the rain and walk with an umbrella. Avoid going to grassed areas where it could be muddy or walking along footpaths that have lots of puddles. Put booties on their dog’s paws to keep them clean.

Our Top Picks: Must Have Dog Products!

The Best Dog Car Hammock: QINGTI Dog Seat Cover
The Best Dog Crate: Diggs Revol Crate

Can I walk my puppy in the rain? If your puppy is fully vaccinated and is allowed to go on walks, you can walk your puppy in the rain. It is a good experience to get your puppy used to wet weather so they are not reluctant to walk in the rain in the future.

Can dogs get sick from walking in the rain? Dogs do not become sick from just walking in the rain. If your dog is healthy and you fully dry your dog after a walk in the rain and ensure that they are warm while walking, they shouldn’t get sick from walking in the rain.

Why won’t my dog walk in the rain? The main reason why dogs won’t walk in the rain is from a lack of exposure to rain as a puppy meaning that they are not used to the feeling of getting wet. Negative experiences in the rain e.g. getting scolded also contributes to a dog not liking the rain.

Tips For Walking In The Rain With Your Dog

man and woman walking with dog

1. Walk Undercover

Choose a dog walking route with the most shelter. This could be under trees or under shop awnings. This will reduce the amount of water your dog and yourself have to endure. 

2. Stock Up On Dog Wet Weather Gear

Put On A Dog Rain Coat

Keep your dog dry by buying your dog a raincoat. Raincoats for dogs are generally made of polyester and feature velcro straps under their belly to keep it on. You can get a really adorable yellow one here

The Best Dog Rain Coats
1. RUFFWEAR Sun Showerâ„¢ Dog Rain Jacket

Find Out The Current Price On Muttropolis Here

2. Ellie Dog Wear Yellow Zip Up Dog Raincoat with Reflective Buttons

Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here

3. Frisco Clear Vinyl Dog Raincoat

Find Out The Current Price On Chewy Here

Make Your Dog Wear Dog Gumboots

To further keep your dog dry buy him/her some doggy gumboots. Dry paws are important for dog health so if your dog is willing it is a good idea to put on some shoes.  There also won’t be any wet paw prints throughout your house when you get home! 

The Best Dog Gumboots
1. XSY&G Dog Boots

Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here

2. Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots, 12 count

Find Out The Current Price On Chewy Here

Put A Dog Vest Underneath A Raincoat For Warmth

If the conditions are particularly cold you can put a vest or jumper on your dog underneath the raincoat. This will keep your dog warm and dry. 

1. Color-Block Puffer Dog Coat

Find Out The Current Price On Muttropolis Here

2. Powder Houndâ„¢ Dog Jacket

Find Out The Current Price On Muttropolis Here

Use A Dog Umbrella

Another alternative to a raincoat is a dog umbrella. I recently saw a youtube video with a dog walking with a doggy umbrella. You can check that out here. These umbrellas are generally clear and either come with a lead that goes through a hole at the top of the umbrella or attach to your lead. I don’t think these umbrellas are very effective for heavy rain however it should work well for light rain weather conditions or even purpose as a dog sun umbrella. You can purchase one here.

The Best Dog Umbrellas

Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here

It’s important to use dog gear to keep your dog warm as excessive exposure to cold and wet conditions can lead to hypothermia in your dog. 

Read Also: The Best Lightweight Dog Raincoats!

3. Go to the Dog Park By Car

This is a really good method of reducing your exposure to the rain. Drive your dog to a local dog park and let him run around. You can either find a sheltered area or stay inside the car keeping a good eye on your dog. If you go to the park it’s bound to be muddy so make sure your bring plenty of towels to clean and dry your dog before he/she gets back inside the car. 

4. Skip Streets with Heavy Traffic

Unless you like the thrill of a cars zooming past and potentially splashing puddles of water all over you. (I have experience with this and it’s not pleasant) 

5. Increase Your Visibility 

Wear a reflective collar when going on dog walks in the rain because visibility is often low because of clouds and fog. This will keep you and your dog safe when crossing the road. You can find reflective collars in pet stores or online here. If you don’t want to buy a special reflective collar you can simply add reflective tape to your dog’s existing collar. I also suggest a reflective harness and leash as well.

Try and choose a good time to take your dog on a walk when it’s raining. More times than not it is a lot darker outside and visibility is important. 

See Also

6. Go On A Shorter Walk

Walking around in the rain isn’t always that pleasant. Don’t feel guilty about cutting your dog’s walk short if conditions worsen when you are out. Your safety is your number one priority. You can always substitute some walk time with some play time at home with your dog. 

7. Beware of Puddles

Sometimes dogs do things that are disgusting, such as drinking out of a muddy puddle. Keep your dog on a short leash when walking past puddles. Rain carries dirt, debris and oils around and these substances often end up in stagnant puddles. If a dog drinks from a puddle there’s the chance they might contract leptospirosis (an infectious bacteria disease) or other diseases. 

8. Prep your Entry Area.

Have Towels Ready (and maybe a hairdryer)

Probably the worst part of taking your dog on a rainy day walk is the clean up.

Before you leave, you should prepare the entry area of your house with:

  • A few towels
  • A washable rug
  • A hairdryer (if your dog isn’t scared of them)

When you get home put the rug on the ground and make your dog stand on it to avoid muddy footprints throughout the house. Then gently towel dry your pooch. If your dog has long-hair with an undercoat and topcoat, you can blow dry his/her fur on a low heat setting to dry both layers effectively. 

If your dog gets particularly muddy on the walk you can use a portable dog paw washer. It pretty much is a device that is shaped like a cup with silicone bristles. You simply add some water, put your dog’s paw inside, twist and then dry. This will keep the mud out of your house. 

What Should You Do If Your Dog Hates The Rain?

long-coated brown dog

1. Don’t Go On A Walk

Just don’t go out on a walk. Missing one day of exercise won’t hurt your dog. You can play dog games or do some training instead inside the warmth and comfort of your own home.

2. Coax Your Dog Outside

If you live in a rainy region or it has been raining for days you can’t deprive your dog of a walk for that long. It can cause problems for his/her health and sanity.

3. Introduce Rain At A Young Age

Get your puppy used to rain as soon as he/she is allowed to adventure outside after his/her last set of vaccinations. This will make a rainy walk normal and get your pup comfortable with the new environment. 

4. Take Your Dog Out To Toilet To Introduce Them To Rain And Then Gradually Increase The Length Of The Walks 

If your dog hasn’t been introduced to rain at a young age you can start by taking your dog out on short walks with the purpose of going to the toilet. Walk until your dog does his/her business and reward him/her with a treat. Even if these initial walks are only a few minutes long, you can gradually increase the length and walk for a few extra minutes after he/she has toileted until your dog is used to walking in the rain.

What Dog Breeds Can Walk In The Rain

Can I walk my Husky in the rain? Yes, you can walk your Husky in the rain however don’t put a raincoat on him. Huskies are a cold weather dog that have a high density coat meaning rain gear can significantly reduce her ability to cool down. Rain won’t cause a Husky discomfort.

Can I walk my Frenchie in the rain? Yes, you can walk your Frenchie in the rain unless it’s an extreme weather event. Put a dog raincoat on your Frenchie to protect him from the wet and cold. Additionally, try to change your walking route so it is mainly undercover.

This is a great raincoat for French Bulldogs…

Find Out The Current price On Muttropolis Here

Can I walk my Labrador in the rain? Yes, you can walk your Labrador in the rain unless it’s an extreme weather event. Put a dog raincoat on your Labrador to protect him from the wet and cold. Additionally, try to change your walking route so it is mainly undercover.

Our Top Picks: Must Have Dog Products!

The Best Dog Car Hammock: QINGTI Dog Seat Cover
The Best Dog Crate: Diggs Revol Crate

Further Reading

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