As the season changes from summer to fall, so do the walking conditions for our beloved fur buddies. Our dogs need a good amount of exercise to stay healthy and fit. For some dogs, just playing indoors is not enough, so taking the occasional walks outdoor is a must. However, at around this time of year, it could rain for days, even weeks, nonstop. So what can dog owner do to make their dog walking experience in the rain more enjoyable for their pups? We've got 5 tips for you!
What? Should dogs be used to walking bare in the rain? Well, now that your dog has been domesticated, they can also get sick from being in the rain just like their human owner. So, just as you would wear a raincoat or some kind of protective outfit to keep the rain off of you, it would be good to consider finding the perfect sized raincoat for your dog. They not only look cute on your pup, but they are definitely handy & practical for your dogs during your rainy day walks!
Sometimes it can be easy to neglect and forget about maintaining our dog's paws or we simply don't know how to maintain them. However, the dog's paws are very sensitive and can become dry and crack from repetitive use. For some dogs, you can help care for their paws by giving them dog shoes/boots to wear. However, some dogs may not be used to wearing those and may not walk comfortably in them. If that's the case, then you can do some research and find a suitable dog-friendly way and apply it onto their paws to keep them from cracking. Also, when they come back into the house after a walk in the rain, it is good practice to help wipe them and keep them clean.
Especially on rainy days, it is a good idea to avoid busy streets as cars speeding by can send waves of splashes both onto your dog and you. You wouldn't want to start your walk on a wet note. Plus, if you and your dog take a walk in a soaked condition and in the cold, it could be easier for either one of you to get sick. In addition, if your pup tries to drink from the puddles along the streets, which may be contaminated by fuel and other hazards, they could also get very sick. A safe location would be to take your dog to the nearest park for a walk.
Sometimes when the rain is pouring too hard and the weather is foggy, walking your dog could be dangerous as drivers cannot easier make out who or what is on the road. That is why it is would be wise to make sure that both you and your dog wear bright colors and reflectors so that vehicles driving by can easily spot. Also, if possible, avoid taking your dogs on walks during the nights, and if you must, stick to paths that are well lit to avoid any life-threatening accidents.
Give your dogs a simple rinse and pat down to remove any harmful germs or mud from them. When the weather is fairly cold, make sure to dry them off well so that they don't catch a cold. If you walk your dogs often in the rain, frequent washing could potentially dry out their skin. So in that case, you can just pat them clean or look for a moisturizing shampoo/soaps/lotions specific for dogs.
Trying out these 5 simple tips can help make your rainy day walking experience with your dog more enjoyable and safer! In this way, your beloved pup can still get the exercise he needs!
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
