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 its much more dangerous to walk your dog in hot weather than in the cold or rain.
Its worth noting that very young or old dogs, or dogs with a weaker immune system, are at greater risk of becoming ill in general.
Depending on where you live, stagnant water in puddles might sometimes host pathogens that cause leptospirosis and giardia. Although most dogs splash in puddles without getting ill, if your dog exhibits signs of being ill, such as vomiting and diarrhea, shortly after walks or lays in puddles, it might be worth mentioning it to your vet. You should also make sure your dogs 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.
How do I stop my dog from getting wet in the rain?
Before taking on a new canine client, speak to the pet parents about what to do if they get wet. Some pet parents have waterproof doggy jackets for their fur-baby to wear to avoid getting wet when on a walk or playing outside.
You should avoid putting a waterproof jacket on a dog without asking their pet parent first. Most dogs dont like wearing clothes, and trying to put a coat on an unwilling dog could end badly.
If a dog spends a lot of time outside, there may be a shelter set up outside where they can get some respite from the rain. Remember: a travel crate is not considered an adequate shelter for a dog in the rain. Again, you should consider how long the dog has been outside, the temperature, and how heavy the rain is when a dog is in a shelter.
If youre ever unsure of the best course of action, check with the pet parent in advance so that you can provide the best “pawssible” service.
Pet insurance for many more moments together
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Irina is a former content marketing executive for ManyPets. She has contributed to a number of personal finance sites, including Loot Financial Services and Claro Money.
This article was written by ManyPets. We were not paid to write it but we will receive commission if clicking on a link to one of the named insurers results in a reader taking out a policy with that insurer. We also charge for advertising space so a particular insurer may be highlighted in the article and, where insurers are listed, it can dictate where they appear in the list.
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For new dog sitters, the devil’s in the detail. Pups are notoriously mucky — they love to roll around in the mud and make a splash in the ocean. While many dogs love getting wet, they dont enjoy being stuck outside in the rain for long periods. For new dog sitters, its important to know when you should bring your canine client in from the cold.