The Health Effects of Rain On Your Dog

Sometimes rainy days can be a wonderful excuse for sitting indoors watching TV and cuddling on the couch. But we often still need to go outside, especially when our dogs need to get some exercise and go potty. On sunny days it’s basically a walk in the park, but on rainy days it can be a totally different story. Their bodily functions don’t necessarily correspond with the weather. It could be pouring down and they have to go…NOW. After all, they don’t have the luxury of indoor plumbing like we do and when they need to go, they really need to go.

 

Tips for taking your dog out in the rain:

Some dogs don’t mind the rain and others will flatout refuse to step food outside the house. However, holding their urine or feces in too long can cause UTI’s and gastrointestinal distress. Having some of the best rain gear on hand to combat the weather can make it easier for them to relieve themselves.

  • Doggie rain boots
  • Rain coats
  • Leash umbrellas
  • Super absorbent towels to dry them off as soon as you get inside

If your dog does happen to mess in the house during the rain, don’t scold or punish them. Some dogs are really afraid of the rain due to trauma from previous storms. It’s healthier for them to not push it and try to minimize the issue. If necessary, buy puppy pads for rainy days and put them by the door on relentlessly rainy days.

 

Ward of indoor boredom

Rainy day boredom is a real thing and dogs that are full of energy can feel it pretty quickly. If your dog is used to taking long walks and playing in the yard all day, they can easily get bored being stuck inside. And that often translates into doggy mischief. Help them stay busy with a rainy day stash of toys and treats. Play safe indoor games with them like tug-of-waror hide and seek with treats.

 

Dangers of floods and standing water

  • Standing water sometimes can carry toxins that can make pets ill. Motor oil, lawn chemicals, and winter chemicals such as anti-freeze are hazardous if ingested. The more it rains, the more likely these chemicals are to spread.
  • Leptospirosis is a condition (caused by Leptospira bacteria) which can be serious and most commonly affects dogs. It can be caught from water in rivers, lakes, or streams, or standing water containing urine from other animals or wildlife.
  • Giardia is a microscopic parasite that comes from water contaminated by feces. Giardia can be contracted from untreated sewage water, or natural ponds soiled by wildlife. Flood waters can often cause this parasite to show up in places other than the sewer or ponds, leaving your pet at risk.

If there are floods or large amounts of standing water around your home make sure you keep your dog away from them. There are so many health risks involved. It’s best to keep your dog close to the yard and keep walks short where water is shallow and has been flowing.

Rainy days can provide a great opportunity to bond with your dog as long as you take care to make sure they are safe. Playing games, cuddling on the couch and braving the rain are all part of the rainy day adventures with your dog.

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