How to protect my dog ​​from the rain?

Rainy days can be a challenge for both dogs and their owners. While some canines enjoy splashing around in puddles, others certainly prefer to stay dry. Regardless of your pet's preferences, knowing how to keep your dog safe from the rain is essential to keeping him healthy and happy during the wet season.

In this guide, we'll explore the reasons why it's important to protect your pet from the rain and provide you with practical tips on how to do just that. From choosing the perfect raincoat to after-walk care, discover what you need to know to tackle rainy days with confidence.

Why is it important to protect dogs from the rain?

Owners need to keep an eye on their pets and take precautions when it rains heavily , especially if it rains for a whole day or several days in a row. Wet seasons bring health risks and inconveniences to the comfort of dogs. It is important to prevent them from getting sick.

• Rain can cause respiratory problems (cold, bronchitis, cough, etc.) or dermatological problems under the fur and on the paw pads (irritations, scratches, fungus, etc.)

• Puddles and stagnant water can cause infections if dogs drink directly from them. Remember to deworm your pet regularly and take water with you on walks, even if it doesn't seem natural because the weather is so humid.

• Some dogs are afraid of water , most of them thunder and lightning. If you leave your pet alone at home, make sure he has a toy or treat to chew on to release stress, to avoid any destruction. If your dog gets very stressed by rain or wet ground, try to shorten the walk as much as possible and keep him indoors.

During walks, you can use a dog raincoat or dog boots , essential accessories for pets in the rainy season to limit damage.

For all these reasons, you need to make sure that your dog doesn't stay wet outside of his outings: he especially needs to sleep in a dry place to avoid developing any problems related to humidity or cold. This is an essential point if he sleeps outside.

The essential accessories to protect your dog from the rain

A good raincoat is a must to protect your dog's coat . Boots are optional, recommended for dogs that have sensitive paw pads and have been trained to tolerate them. For others, if you dry the paws properly upon returning, you should have no problem.

To choose the best dog raincoat, consider the following criteria : size and fit , durable material , design and functionality . These are the guidelines with which we designed the EPIC Poncho , the perfect middle ground between a raincoat and a rain poncho , as functional as it is aesthetic. Its adjustable design adapts perfectly to your dog's body, ensuring freedom of movement and maximum comfort.

If your dog is nervous, does not let himself be “dressed” and you are wondering how to get him used to wearing rain gear , remember that it is essential to introduce them gradually , with positive reinforcement. The method is as follows and should take several days: show him a canine accessory to sniff and reward him . Put on the raincoat or a boot without fastening it, give a reward. Never introduce more than one accessory at a time. If you find it too difficult, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian or an ethologist for advice.

Extra care during rainy walks

Ideally, you should avoid taking your dog out in heavy rain , but sometimes you don't have a choice. If you can choose a route that is more sheltered from the rain, with trees or roofs, go for that. Don't hesitate to dress your dog in his raincoat, poncho or trench coat. Avoid crossing puddles , look for roofs, keep an eye out for signs of stress or discomfort in your pet to shorten the walk if necessary.

Your dog will most likely come home wet: think about leaving a towel at the entrance to your house for your return . It is essential to dry him properly to avoid any cold or skin problems. If he is not wearing boots, dry his pads very carefully. If they are very dirty, from mud for example, you can clean his paws with water and a few drops of a suitable shampoo . Think about making sure his ears are dry too. At the end of the process, remove his harness or collar so that they can dry without making him cold.

If rain is stressful for your dog, consider rewarding your pet with treats before, during and after the walk so that he associates this type of moment as a positive experience. Similarly, if he doesn't tolerate the process of washing/drying his fur and paws well, it is useful to have treats on hand.

According to weather forecasts, in 2024, the wet season will last until November 30th , so we should prepare to walk with our dogs in the showers for quite a while yet! Fortunately, it is possible to have a more pleasant experience by having the right reflexes and the right accessories to protect our pets from the water . In short: dry the dog as best as possible every time he comes back inside, insisting on his paws, rewarding whenever necessary and discover our EPIC poncho which, in addition to protecting against the rain, is a very stylish raincoat!