What you need to know about walking a dog in the rain

When we surveyed 250 dog owners in September 2022 more than half said their dog either disliked or hated walking in the rain. Only 16% liked it and 15% loved it.

Although many owners know their pets don't like a wet walk, is there anything they can do to coax their dog out in a shower?

Here, we answer if dogs like the rain, how to prepare for a wet walk and "is it okay to walk a dog in the rain?"

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Do dogs like walking in the rain?

It honestly depends on your dog. Some dogs, like Springer Spaniels, are in their element in wet weather. But your short-coated Chihuahua might have a different opinion.

You can convince some dogs to like it if you prepare. Things like putting a coat on smaller, short-haired dogs. It’s similar to preparing for cold weather, really.

So, we can’t fully answer this question. Some dogs like it, others don’t. Observe and adapt to how your dog behaves in wet weather. You can try asking your pup for their thoughts on the matter if you'd like, too.

Why some dogs don't like the rain

Dog's senses are stronger than humans. It means they can be more sensitive to sounds and smells associated with rain. This can make a walk in the rain overwhelming. The sound of the rain hitting the ground and other surfaces can make dogs nervous and even cause ear pain. Unfamiliar or strong smells can also frighten or disorient them.

Dogs that are afraid of thunder may have negative associations. If they’ve associated thunder with rain, they might expect noise when it gets wet. Often, they'll seek a safe spot to retreat to.

Some experts believe dogs can sense changes in air pressure and electricity. It's why some believe dogs can 'predict' bad weather before it happens.

Most importantly, they may dislike getting wet. Even though dogs descend from wolves, domestication has made some reluctant to tolerate the elements.

Should I walk my dog in the rain? 

Of course. You won’t be doing a lot of walking in Britain if you never go out in raining weather! We recommend that you make proper preparations, though.

Before walking, if your dog struggles in the rain, make sure you’ve got a:

• Raincoat

• Durable lead

• High-vis, if it’s dark

Make sure you dry your dog off properly when you come back in. As mentioned, dogs can’t get ill from the rain, but you should dry them off. Being wet for too long does carry some risk, especially if they have an underlying health issue.

Always consult a vet if you notice symptoms, like coughing, sneezing or general tiredness.

Can a dog get sick from being in the rain?

Overall, walking a strong, healthy dog in the rain does not inherently cause them to become sick.

If your dog has a thick coat it will keep them warm and protect them from getting soaked. A dog with a thinner coat is likely to get wet quicker so you might want to consider a weatherproof dog jacket.

But as long as your dog is not exposed to wet, cold weather for too long, and is dried off when you get home, they should be ok.

In fact it's much more dangerous to walk your dog in hot weather than in the cold or rain.

It's worth noting that very young or old dogs, or dogs with a weaker immune system, are at greater risk of becoming ill.

Depending on where you live, stagnant water in puddles might sometimes host pathogens that cause illnesses, like leptospirosis and giardia. If your dog exhibits signs of being ill, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, shortly after walks or lays in puddles, it might be worth mentioning it to your vet. You should also make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date to protect them on wet, wintery walks.

One of the most important things to consider when deciding whether you should take your dog out for a walk is their preference. Some dogs will flat-out refuse to go out in the rain – 17% of our survey respondents had this problem with their dogs – some love it, others are indifferent. If you have a strong healthy dog, it’s safe to let its preference guide your decision.

If your dog hates the rain and refuses to set a paw outside, you might need to seek an alternative to make sure they get enough exercise and the chance to relieve themself. 

What to do if your dog refuses to go out in the rain

You could play with their dogs indoors to help them burn off energy when it's raining. Some owners told us they let their dogs run around the garden and go to the toilet there.

Playing with your dog is a great way to ensure they don't miss out on exercise on rainy days spent indoors. But if you don’t have a garden, the problem of going to the toilet remains.

You can use indoor toilet pads but that might confuse some dogs on where it's ok to relieve themselves. You might be able to prevent this confusion with good training but toilet pads might not work for all dogs.

Some dogs struggle to go without a walk and will hold it for as long as they can, until they no longer can, and have an accident in the house. In that case, the best thing to do is to find a covered area outdoors to walk around for a bit so that your dog can relieve itself.

But there are things you can do to help your dog feel more comfortable in the rain.

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How to train a dog to walk in the rain

You can train a dog to become more comfortable with the rain by using praise and treats. You can begin with short intervals of being out in the rain. Talk calmly to your dog to soothe its anxiety and give it plenty of praise. Prolong the time spent outside gradually.

You can give them treats when they relieve themself and when you go back home. Eventually, your dog will begin to associate a walk in the rain with the pleasant experience of getting praise and some tasty treats.

You can use dog ear muffs if your dog tolerates them to make the surrounding noises more bearable. Some pet owners use them to help dogs stay calm during thunder.

Doggy rain gear can also help. Raincoats and booties are a great way to help your dog stay dry.

In fact, almost a third of our survey respondents said that wet paws in the home or the car were the worst thing about rainy dog walks. Dog boots and coats could keep pet parents happier too.

A huge 40% of people said wet dog smell was the worst thing about walking their dog in the rain, so what's the answer to a pongy, puddle-obsessed pooch?

A large umbrella that you can hold over both yourself and your dog might also be helpful. But you may not always be able to use one if it’s too windy, so it’s best to help your dog get used to the rain. You should give them somewhere to get themselves warm and dry as soon as you get home to give your nostrils a break.

If you're worried your dog might not be healthy enough to go out in the rain, speak to your vet for advice. If you need further help training your dog to go to the toilet in the rain, consult an animal behaviourist.

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