How to Keep your Pup Safe in the Rain
When it’s raining cats and dogs…look out for your furry friends.
Although rain can often seem like a fleeting dream in California, wet weather season is here and making its presence known. With an increase in storms and damp days, it is important to think about the safety of your pets as they adventure in the outside world. They can’t hold an umbrella themselves, so it takes some extra steps to help keep them healthy during the changing seasons.
Below are some tips to help you prepare for rain and other damper environments with your pup.
Preparation is the best place to start!
Preparation is key in keeping anyone safe, especially your furry family member. Successful preparation also helps lower the stress a sudden change in weather can bring to your day.
Keeping your pet warm
Colder temperatures and damp fur never mix well. Believe it or not, your pet’s coat does not always protect them from lower temperatures! They can suffer from hypothermia and other weather related conditions when not properly dressed for Winter just like their human counterparts. The best way to prep your pup is a waterproof vest or jacket. These can help keep your dog warm and dry, a double whammy in weather protecting!
Stay Dry
Modern technology has made checking the weather a breeze. On days with poor weather, work with these apps to figure out the best times to walk with your pup. Pauses in a storm can be the perfect opportunity to get your pet out exploring without getting soaked. When there is no other option, look for cover. Trees and other shade options on a sunny day work as great rain covers when needed.
Don’t forget safety!
Storms often come with noises that can spook your pets. Thunder, lightning, heavy wind, and even heavy rain can startle a pet and cause them to run off. Ensure your pet is always supervised while outside during this kind of weather and make sure their ID tags are securely fastened to their collar. Making sure their microchips have up to date information can also help ensure their safety in rougher weather.
Information on Identification and Microchips
What about after the walk?
No matter how much you prepare, your dog can and will find themselves in wet situations. Bringing a wet dog inside can be a process for both you and your dog. No matter what, it is key to return your dog to their dry selves as quick as possible for their safety and your floors!
Wet fur
Dampness allows for the growth of bacteria and wet fur is definitely no exception. A towel or two at the front door is a great place to start when it comes to drying your pet after a wet adventure. If they will tolerate it, a blow dryer on the lowest setting is also a great tool to get your pet dryer faster.
Ears
When drying your dog, don’t forget the ears! A dog’s ears are a warm area where moisture can easily hide. Don’t let bacteria grow by ensuring to wipe the inside of their ears when toweling them off after a walk.
Paws
Cold feet are never ideal, but did you know mud and other debris can also cause problems with your dog’s feet? To help prevent problems, it is important to wash their paws with a warm wash cloth after muddy walks. Be sure to inspect their feet as well to ensure nothing is stuck between their paw pads. If your pup will tolerate it, booties are a great option to keep their feet safe from debris while walking.
Bedding
No one likes a wet bed, especially after a chilly walk! A dry bed can help keep it cleaner by preventing bacteria from growing when it is damp. Keeping your pet’s bed dry also helps them get warmer and dryer faster. Less smelly bed and a happier pup, a win-win!
At the end of the day, trust your gut and your pup
Use these tips to help you and your furry family members stay safe, but don’t forget to trust yourself. Look around and always be aware of the weather or scenarios around you. Changing seasons can bring with it changes in your surroundings and walking routine. Be sure to ask your vet if you have any further questions about weather or how to best keep you pup safe in different weather conditions.
Sources
Further reading on dog safety in the rain can be viewed with the links below.
https://www.aimss-sf.com/rainy-weather-pet-safety/
https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/identification-tags-microchips/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA5aWOBhDMARIsAIXLlkfkTwd28djEr4ZBnMdXZ7Kh-VnYj2pLN74MEqbSyT1pJp3gKpysSS0aAuEsEALw_wcB&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=Google
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/pet-safety-tips-for-cold-rainy-weather/2482279/
Written by: Shannon N. Newman
Shannon is a dog walker and writer for Dog Tired Adventures. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, and cuddling with her three cats.