The dog walk is an essential part of owning a dog. It’s what makes having a pup worth it. It’s one of the best things you can do for your dog, something that will make them happy and content. A dog needs regular walks to stay happy and healthy, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get out there with them when weather conditions are less than favourable. As much as we love our dogs, we don’t always love getting soaked and freezing cold for their sake. Keep reading this guide to find out how you can make going for walks safer and more comfortable for both you and your dog, even if it’s pouring down with rain.
Plan Ahead For The Weather
Before you walk your dog, make sure you plan ahead for the weather. Check the forecast and see what the weather will be like and how long it will last. If it’s going to be raining or snowing, or if the heat or cold will be extreme, then avoid going out, or at least try to plan your walk around the bad weather. You don’t want your dog to get sick or get hurt because you don’t want to miss a walk.
Prepare Yourself First
When the weather is bad, it’s important to be as prepared as possible before you go out. Wear the right clothing. If the weather is cold, make sure you’re wearing a warm jacket, a scarf, and gloves. If the weather is hot, wear light clothing, and make sure to have plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re out for a long time. Also, make sure you wear plenty of sun cream and a hat if necessary. If the weather is wet, make sure you have a good pair of shoes or boots and take an umbrella with you.
Keep Your Dog Warm With A Fleece
Even if you’re walking your dog outside in the winter months, you’ll want to make sure they’re well protected against the elements. If your dog is a short-haired breed that can’t tolerate the cold, you can do this by putting a fleece on them before you head out. Make sure your dog’s fleece is the right size by taking their measurements before you buy one. If the clothing is too small or too big, it will be uncomfortable and could slip during the walk, which will make it less effective at keeping them warm.
Keep Your Dog Dry With A Raincoat
If it’s raining heavily, your dog will get wet, but that shouldn’t stop you from going for a walk with them. If your dog is a small breed or a breed that’s prone to getting cold easily, a DoggySquad dog raincoat is essential for walks during the winter or rainy weather. You can find plenty of choices in the range from DoggySquad when you’re looking for the right dog raincoat for your furry friend. Dog raincoats come in a variety of styles, from full length to just covering their back and with hoods. Make sure you buy one that fits your dog well, so it doesn’t ride up or fall off, or is too tight or loose, which could be uncomfortable.
Protect Your Dogs Paws With Boots
If your dog walks on rough terrain, they’ll likely get their paws dirty, spattered with mud, or cut on sharp stones. These hazards can get into your dog’s paws and cause infections, so it’s important to protect them. You can get special dog boots to protect your dog’s paws from sharp objects as well as extremely hot or cold weather. Some dog boots also have a grip, which is useful on slippery terrain. Make sure the boots are the right size so they stay on your dog’s feet by measuring them first.
Ensure Your Lead Is In Good Condition
Before you head out on a walk, it’s crucial that you ensure your dog’s lead is in good condition and that it isn’t frayed or broken. If it is, you need to get a new one as soon as possible. A damaged lead could snap during your walk, which means your dog could get loose. This is more of a problem for younger dogs in training or dogs with anxiety, as they could run off if something spooks them.
Avoid Going For Walks In Extreme Weather
It’s important not to push yourself or your dog in extreme weather. If you’re walking during freezing cold or extremely hot weather, you’re putting your dog at risk of health complications, including frostbite and sunburn. You should avoid going for walks during extreme temperatures to keep your dog safe. If you’re in doubt about the weather conditions, you can always call your vet to find out if it’s safe for you and your dog to go on a walk.
Invest In Paw Balm For Dry Paws
If you’re walking your dog in the winter months and their paws are drying out, you can protect them from cracking with special paw balm. Paw balm is a moisturising cream that will protect your dog’s paws from the cold, keep them soft and moisturised, and can also help to heal cracked paws. You can apply this directly to your dog’s paws and let it soak in. If the cracks in your dog’s paws don’t improve, it’s best to take them to the vet to ensure they don’t have any other issues that could be causing their paws to dry out.
Ensure Your Dog Is Microchipped
If your dog ever gets lost or is stolen, they can be returned to you more easily if they are microchipped. When you take your dog on a walk, it is usually a fun and uneventful experience. However, if your lead were ever to break or you lose your grip, and your dog gets away from you, you will want to ensure they can be easily found. A microchip will make sure that if your dog is found by someone else before you, a vet or shelter can instantly find your contact information.