Even when the weather is really bad, dogs still need to go out to do their business and to get their daily amount of exercise. But rain is one of the most common problems a dog owner encounters when the weather turns bad. Should you really go out in the rain? Or should you try skipping the regular walk and just play inside and quickly let your pup outside whenever he has to go potty? There is actually nothing wrong with a dog walk in the rain if done properly.

Find a good location

Some dogs really hate the rain, whereas others really love splashing around in every puddle they come across. One of the easiest ways to make the walk painless for both you and your dog is to look for areas with shelters that will block the rain. If you can find a covered area or an area with trees to block out some of the rain, a walk in the rain may not be that bad, as it will limit the amount of rain that your dog is exposed to.

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing

For a dog walk in the rain both you and your dog need to wear the right clothes and the right rain protection. A rainproof coat and some good old wellies and you’re good to go! If it’s not too windy, an umbrella is a must! But if the wind is too strong you’d be better off not taking one with you as it could end up being more of a hindrance than a help. Dog rain coats help your dog stay dry in the rain. A shower-proof dog coat is normally wind-resistant and waterproof, and come with velcro straps to help keep the coat in place. However, not all dogs like wearing a coat, so this is something that you need to check out first. If your pup doesn’t mind, it’s well worth investing in a rain-proof jacket with reflective strips on it so that other people and cars can see your dog through the rain.

dog walk

Avoid busy roads

If you have a dog that does not particularly like getting wet, then you should avoid walks along very busy roads when it’s raining. Not only will this reduce the risk of your dog being splashed by passing cars, but it will also help keep your pup less stressed out about having to go outside in the rain in the first place! Some dogs get very anxious and nervous when cars pass them by and water splashes up at them which means that walking next to busy roads can be very uncomfortable for them. Safety always has to come first when you take a dog out for a walk at any time, especially when the conditions are not as good as they could be.

After a rainy dog walk

After a walk in the rain, it’s really important to make sure your dog is well dried off. Use a clean towel and make sure that the paws are wiped and dried clean too. If you have a long-haired dog you may need to use a hair dryer to dry both the top coat and undercoat of your dog (keep the dryer on the lowest level and never hold the device too close to your dog’s skin.)

Dogs need to get their daily amount of exercise – even in the rain.