Most dogs we have encountered, and it is many, have preferred to walk when the sun is shining, and the earth is dry and not too hot. However, the reality is that it on average rains around 100-150 days per year in Western Europe, so many dog walks do in fact take place in rainy weather. Below we have gathered 5 reasons your dog could benefit from a raincoat.
Relieve themselves when needed. We have all been there, time has come when your dog needs to relieve themselves, but it is raining. You try to lur your dog outside, but your dog hesitates when reaching the door, looking at you with doggy eyes “mummy I can wait”. And although your dog likely can hold their bladder for several hours, delaying bathroom breaks can lead to health issues and anxiety, so it is immensely important your dog can relieve themselves when needed and feel good about it. We have found that our dog has no issues stepping outside in the rain when she is wearing a raincoat. It is important the raincoat is not too tight and can be adjusted to fit her daily form.
Staying Dry and Clean: Dog’s generally don’t enjoy being wet from rain, even though they may love to play in water on their own terms. A raincoat helps keep your dog dry. Your dog will become significantly less wet and muddy from a walk, which will make it easier for you to cleanup your dog, when you get back home from a dog walk. This can also help prevent your home from getting dirty after rainy walks with your dog.
Temperature Control: Wet fur can quickly lead to a drop in body temperature and many dogs don’t like to feel cold as it makes them feel uncomfortable or even distressed. This is particularly the case for dogs with short coats, for example short-haired dachshunds, Danish Swedish farm dogs Bulldogs and Beagles, or dogs with a lower body fat percentage such as for example Chihuahuas and Whippets. But also, older dogs may feel uncomfortable in rainy weather even if they loved it when at a young age. A raincoat helps keep your dog warm by keeping them dry and preventing wind chill.
Skin Health: When a dog’s skin remains wet for extended periods, it becomes more susceptible to bacterial and fungal growth. Damp, warm environments especially in skin folds or areas with dense fur allow bacterial and fungal growth to multiply which potentially can lead to skin infections. Moreover, when a dog’s skin stays wet, it can become soft and fragile. This makes the skin more vulnerable to injury, which can lead to abrasions, cuts or irritation, allowing pathogens to enter. For dogs with pre-existing allergies or dermatitis, exposure to rain may worsen symptoms by triggering more inflammation, itchiness and sensitivity. A raincoat helps to keep your dog dry during rainy walks.
Sensitive dogs: Some dogs, regardless of breed are just more sensitive than others. For such sensitive dogs getting wet may make them feel highly uncomfortable and anxious. A raincoat may help these dogs feeling more comfortable on rainy walks, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors without the stress.
We wish you great walks also on rainy days.
See our selection of raincoats here.
For more stories about life with dogs click here.
