Essentials for Rainy Day Dog Walking

Taking your dog for a walk regularly, whether just to allow your pet to go potty or to have a bit of extra fun on the weekend, is an essential way of keeping them healthy. Dogs need to spend time outdoors to thrive, so even if the weather is unpleasant in the fall, you still need to spend some time squeezing in this activity.

But walking your dog safely in the rain depends on every situation. A light drizzle can’t be compared to an intense downpour, so you need to make sure that you and your pup are always protected.

5 Things You Need to Walk Your Dog During Rainy Season

Reflective accessories

Visibility is always lower when it’s pouring, so it is essential for you to keep your dog as safe as possible.

Fitting them with an ID tag attached to their waterproof Duramax Collar is an excellent idea in case they get lost, but if you want to be assured that you can keep an eye on your pup even when it gets darker, opt for a combo consisting of the Rufus & Coco Light Up Lead and Light Up Collar.

Poo bags

Even though rain is to be expected frequently in the autumn, that doesn’t mean that your responsibility as a pet parent to pick up your dog’s waste is any less important.

It might be a nuisance to do it in the pouring rain, but you can definitely handle the task if you use disposable gloves and our Do Good Compostable Poo Bags. They are eco-friendly and convenient, and they can even be kept in a Holder so that you always have them on hand.

A raincoat for short-haired breeds

Short-haired dogs are easier to care for in the sense that you don't have to take them to the groomer's as regularly as their long-haired counterparts. But when it comes to walking them in the rain, they can get drenched pretty fast. For this reason, a raincoat is a must if you don’t want your pup to get back home absolutely soaked and cold.

Make sure that the model you opt for allows for some degree of maneuvering so that you can fit your pet with an accessory such as our Sportflex Harness for extra security and hold on to them using the Shock Ease Lead for extra comfort.

Rain boots

Not all dogs adjust well when it comes to wearing booties, and the biggest problem that pet owners face is shopping for the correct size. Rain boots tend to get damaged easily and can often slip off the dog’s feet when you’re least expecting it.

But if you're lucky enough to find the right fit for your pet, you’re going to be surprised at how much of a difference they can make in terms of cleanliness.

Your dog’s feet won't end up soaked in that dreadful mix of water, dirt, and mud – you’ll also find it easier to wipe your pup’s feet off. If the booties fit right, you might not even need to wipe them off at all.

A drying towel

Whether you use one of your old towels or you decide to opt for our Bone Dry Chamois instead, you need to give your dog a nice little rub when you get back home. The sooner it happens, the better – especially if your pup is a long-haired breed.

With our Bone Dry Chamois, you can rest assured that most of the moisture is absorbed from your pet’s coat (it can absorb four times as much as a regular towel). Once you’re done, you can simply chuck it in the washing machine without worrying about damage.

Can dogs get sick from being walked in the rain?

Not all dogs are the same, which is why some might be more predisposed to catching a cold after a walk in a light drizzle, whereas others have better immune systems, so they can handle the cold and the wet weather without becoming sick.

If this fall is rainy, we suggest that you take several shorter walks throughout the day instead of two longer ones in the morning and in the evening. The less time your dog spends outside in the pouring rain, the better.

On the other hand, switching to using pee pads is not an option, especially if you’ve just finished training your dog to go potty outside. Take three to four 10-minute walks at different times of the day instead.

If you see any sign that your dog is sick, take them to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Regular colds affect healthy dogs, too, but sometimes they can catch more severe diseases, such as kennel cough, Canine Distemper Virus, or even bacterial pneumonia – so every little clinical symptom calls for a vet consultation.