tips for walking your dog in the rain

Spring is upon us! Soon the clouds will move in and rain showers will help our springtime flowers and plants grow. It’s a wonderful time of year, but it’s also a tricky time if you enjoy taking your dog for a walk. Wet sidewalks and grass make for muddy paws and dirty houses.  
 
In this blog post, we’ll go over ways to protect your furball’s feetsies (and subsequently your carpets and furniture), and how to keep your pet entertained inside.  

Tips for walking in the rain  

Check the forecast: Before you and your floofball head for the sidewalks or trails, it’s important to check the weather. The last thing you want is to get stuck in a storm with a scared pet.  
 
Invest in a doggy raincoat and boots: Yep, these brilliant doggy clothes exist and make your pet super cute to boot! A rain jacket can help protect their back and neck from getting rain soaked, and the boots will help with keeping those little mitts from getting too wet and muddy.   
 
Got a pet that doesn’t like wearing gear? Don’t force them if they’re uncomfortable. Start by letting them explore and feel comfortable around the clothing on the floor. Then introduce the clothing by putting it on them slowly. Continually praise them throughout this process so they connect the clothing with positive reinforcement (and maybe even a few treats), which could take some time. Always make sure your pet is wearing well-fitted clothing that doesn’t restrict their breathing or movement. But don’t hold off on walks until they’re used to their clothes, because that might take a while. 
 
Don’t let your pup drink rainwater: Puddles run the risk of containing chemical runoff or parasites and bacteria. So make sure your pup isn't thirsty before you take them out and watch them closely around puddles. 
 
Wipe ’em down: When you get home, have a towel or two handy so you can give your pup a good cleaning. Wipe those paws, their belly, armpits, tail, and anywhere else where water splashes. This not only protects your household from getting wet or muddy, it also helps keep your doggo clean. Make sure you plan ahead and have a good place to dry all the doggy rain gear you just invested in too — otherwise it’s just a different mess. 

Tips for keeping your pet active inside 

If going for a walk outside in the rain isn’t possible or is just too challenging, there are several ways to keep your pet entertained inside, including engaging them with puzzle toys, a game of indoor hide-and-seek, obstacle courses, and tug-of-war. We’ve got pointers here for how to create your own DIY pet games as well as additional tips for keeping your pet active indoors.