Matilda is wearing a Voyagers Raincoat and Cow is wearing a Ruffwear Sun Shower.
Summer rain makes walking my dog a challenge.
It seems like at least once a week, we get a full day of flash flooding.
The downpour had us drenched in seconds and I don’t blame my dog for not wanting to go outside.
Once I got there, getting them to actually do their business was a whole different challenge.
Although Matilda understands that if she pees quickly, she can go straight back to the house.
But the heavy rain seemed to confuse the cattle. She would stop and squat down as if she was about to pee, but then change her mind. What a frustrating experience!
Luckily, as apartment dwellers for the past few years, we’ve found a way to make it work.
when to wait for the rainstorm to end
On rainy days, keep an eye out for the hourly forecast.
You might be able to alter your dog’s walking schedule to avoid the worst of the rainy days.
On rainy days, the peak of the storm can occur around dinnertime. So, I probably delay my dog’s dinner by about a half hour. That way, when we went for a walk after dinner, the sun was already shining again.
Sometimes, going out a little earlier than planned and encountering light rain can help you avoid the worst of the weather.
You can check the hourly forecast for your area through your phone’s weather app or by searching zipcode + hourly weather.
You’ll love the “rain stop in ten minutes” reminder. If your pup can last a little longer in the rain, they won’t need to go out for a walk in the rain at all.
Do Dogs Need Raincoats?
It can be difficult to keep a dog dry with just an umbrella, especially if it’s raining.
While it might seem like a hassle to put a raincoat on your dog before heading outside, it does help keep most of their body dry.
Belly-covering dog raincoats help reduce ground splashes, but these can be harder to find and wear.
A hooded raincoat can help keep a dog’s ears and neck dry, although many dogs hate wearing anything on their head.
While more coverage can keep your dog active, even a jacket that only covers their back can have surprising results.
Your dog’s raincoat should be thin and waterproof. No fancy, no layering required.
For simple things you can’t go wrong with A collapsible raincoat that stores in its own pocket. So convenient!
Not only can using a dog’s winter coat overheat them, especially if it rains in the summer, but the soft insulation can get wet and trap moisture near the dog’s body. Talk about being uncomfortable!
Can Dogs Get Sick From Being Outside in the Rain?
Even if your dog doesn’t mind a walk in the rain, it’s usually best to limit his outings to no more than fifteen minutes.
Rain alone won’t make your dog sick or catch a cold. However, staying cold and wet for long periods of time can affect a dog’s immune system.
But a more general problem is that moisture creates an environment where yeast and bacteria can thrive.
Dogs prone to ear infections (most commonly seen in dogs with floppy ears) and dogs prone to yeast infections with itchy skin may be more prone to inflammation if not dried out promptly after spending time in the rain.
When you return from the rain, be sure to dry your dog from head to tail, paying special attention to their ears, armpits, inner thighs, and between the toes, which are places where bacteria and yeast can fester. If your dog has wrinkles and curls, make sure to get into those crevices as well.
Are Thunderstorms Dangerous to Dogs?
Lightning just makes walking your dog absolutely terrifying, but it can also put you and your pup at risk.
Lightning can strike anywhere, but it tends to strike the tallest objects. We all know that open spaces are dangerous, although wooded areas can be too. If lightning strikes a tree, the current can actually travel along the ground. Ground currents can be fatal if you and your dog are within 60 feet of a lightning strike.
You can only hear thunder ten miles away – meaning if you can hear it, you’re probably in its path. Since thunderstorms only last about 30 to 45 minutes, there’s no need to put you and your dog at risk.
Are there alternatives to walking the dog in the rain?
In general, it’s safe to walk dogs in the rain, and as long as they’re completely dry indoors, they shouldn’t get sick.
But if you can avoid it, why not?
If you live in an apartment, consider setting up a dog potty area under a covered patio.
You can use the fake grass potty, which can be easily removed when your dog needs it, and then stored away when not in use.
Some dogs won’t use fake grass, but will Fresh Patch (check prices on Amazon) or Bark Potty (check prices on Amazon).
If you have a yard, you can set up a covered dog run or canopy so your dog has a potty area that’s protected from the rain.
You can also let your dog use the potty pad during a rainstorm. Puppy pads are fine for adult dogs, and as long as they are taken outside often, most dogs still prefer to get out and do things.
As for Matilda, we have a fake grass pot indoors that she can use whenever she wants. But really, she only uses it a few times a year, when the weather is particularly bad.
Should I let my dog tide over it?
Sometimes you have no choice but to let your dog out in the rain.
Most breeds have a double coat consisting of waterproof guard hairs and a fluffy, insulating undercoat.
A quick run into the rain might not even get past their guard coats—you might just have to pat them dry when they do.
Some dogs realize that the faster they do things, the sooner they can get in and dry off.
As for the cow, the harder the rain, the longer it took her to pee and poop.
Rain may wash away all familiar smells, so she may feel confused and scared. The wet grass makes her abs and hindquarters feel terrible when she squats.
Dogs may be animals, but they are also our babies.
Taking your dog for a walk in the rain can be unpleasant. But the fact that you’re there, getting wet with them, is what counts.
We’re going to have to get through this weather together until they build indoor toilets for our dogs.
she also uses her pet copywriting business Make sure to find the best pet products and services online with engaging copywriting and fun, informative blog posts.she also offers Product Description Writing Services for e-commerce companies.
As a dog mom to Matilda Wagyu, she spends most of her days on long walks and practicing new tricks, while trying to make the most of the little space in her bed most evenings.
You’ll also find her baking, making homemade pizza, laughing, painting, and shopping.
