Help your dog during wet weather dog walks
It rains more than we might like in the United Kingdom and, as much as the wet weather might make you want to hide away in the house, your dog still needs walking! Not only is the idea of you and your dog getting wet unappealing, the wet dog smell that comes with it can also be a turn off. However, walking your dog in the rain can be just as enjoyable as on a sunny day, it is just a matter of being prepared! Here are some things you might consider before embarking on a wet weather dog walk!
Change Your Route
You shouldn’t give up on your walk altogether just because it’s raining, but you might consider making the walking route a little shorter. If you usually walk your dog on grass, you might consider changing to a route with roads or pavement to minimise how muddy you and your dog get.
Keep Your Dog On The Lead
Many dogs are like young children in the way that they cannot resist splashing in a puddle. Though this isn’t necessarily a bad thing in itself, it can be dangerous for your dog to run around off lead if there are cars around. What’s more, you never know how deep a puddle is, which can be dangerous for smaller dogs! Similarly, if your dog is afraid of the rain, keeping them on a lead can help them feel a little safer.
Invest in Waterproofs
This goes for you and your dog! Just as you would prefer to go out in the rain with an umbrella or raincoat, so might your dog. Investing in a specifically- designed doggy waterproof will not only keep your dog from getting wet, helping to prevent the dreaded wet dog smell, it will also help to keep your dog warm in the cold weather. Be sure you buy the correct size for your dog: too small and it may be uncomfortable, too big and it may be difficult for them to walk in.
Dry Them Off Quickly
Not only is a damp dog a smelly dog, it can also be a cold dog. Dry off your dog with a towel as soon as you get in from your walk to keep them from getting too cold or, if you drive your dog to your walking destination, keep a towel in the car and pat them down before the journey home. It may also be an idea to keep a dry blanket in the car to wrap them in for the journey home, too.
Rinse Them Off
Though rainwater won’t necessarily irritate your dog’s skin, the mud and dirt that is more likely to stick to them in wet weather might do. As a result of this, you should try to rinse your dog as soon as possible after their walk and, if you’re using any shampoo, make sure that it is specifically formulated for dogs!
Some dogs do find wet weather walks stressful, so as a dog owner it is up to you to decide what is best for your dog. However, following these guidelines may make wet weather dog walking just a little bit easier!