Should you let your dog out in the rain?
Most dog owners frequently inquires, “Should I take my dog for a walk when it rains?” Is rain harmful to dogs? What is the best way to take your dog out to pee in the rain? Your dog must be walked every day, but you cannot always rely on the weather to co-operate. Rain is the most common issue that dog owners face when their pets exhibit bad behaviour. Rain is the most common problem that dog owners face when their pets misbehave.
Rain is not harmful to dogs, but if you leave your dog in it for an extended period of time, he may become ill. When it’s raining outside, you should take your dog for a walk, but the first thing you should do when you get home is dry up your wet furry friend so he doesn’t get sick.
Dog can hear four times stronger than we can, meaning the sound of thunder and pouring rain is much louder to them. This increase in noise can cause some dogs to become nervous and overwhelmed. Penn State did a study and found up to 30% of dogs are afraid of thunderstorms. If your dog pants, paces, barks, or hides they are afraid and need comfort. There are special vests and jackets made for dogs to help comfort them, or you can use an essential oil like lavender or chamomile in a diffuser.
Most dogs, aside from labs and a few other breeds, hate getting wet. Baths are always a good way to introduce a dog to water, but most will run and hide. Starting baths at a young age will help a dog become more comfortable with water. When it rains everything becomes wet. The grass is wet on their paws and there are puddles everywhere. Some dogs hate having their paws wet and will refuse to go outside to go to the bathroom.
If your dog runs around the house looking for a place to hide as soon as it starts to storm, they may be experiencing static electricity in their coats. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior department at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells Rover, “that dogs may experience numerous shocks from static electricity during thunderstorms.”
Hopefully, this has helped you understand why Fido acts so weird when it starts to rain or storm. You can help him be more comfortable until the rain passes.
Most people are not excited about having to walk their dogs in the rain. This negative feeling is detected by our dogs and makes them associate rain with a negative feeling. Not to mention, they will not get their regular long walk if it is pouring rain outside. Fido will become bored, so it is important to play a game inside, or entertain him with a chew toy.
5) Rain Can Give Your Dog the “Zoomies”
Many dogs who get wet from being in the rain will start zooming around right after. Also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods, dog zoomies are simply periods of high activity that are fueled by an excess of energy.
Just like dogs go crazy after a bath, dogs may have a bout of zoomies after being out in the rain.
This can be your dogs way of celebrating the relief he feels if he hates rain or getting his coat wet, or simply his way of getting his coat dry quickly.
Why is your Dog Acting Weird?
Dogs of all ages tend to act differently when theres a thunderstorm or other active weather happening outside, but what causes it and what can we do?