Rainy Days and Dogs: How Weather Affects Our Canine Friends

Rainy Days and Dogs

We humans often find ourselves reaching for a cozy blanket and a hot cup of tea or glass of wine when rain starts to fall. But, with recent remnants of post-tropical cyclone Debbie pouring over the CT Shoreline, I’ve been thinking about how rainy weather affects our canine companions. In my experience as a professional dog walker, our furry friends can experience a range of emotions and reactions to the wet stuff, especially over prolonged periods. Some love it, some hate it, and there’s a lot of in-between. Let’s discuss rainy days and dogs: how rain affects our canine friends.

Rainy Day Blues

Dogs are far more attuned to their environment than we might think. Many can sense changes in barometric pressure, which often precede storms. This heightened awareness can manifest in various ways:

• Anxiety and Fear: Some dogs experience genuine fear of rain and thunderstorms, often exhibiting trembling, panting, pacing, or hiding behaviors. The loud pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof, roar of thunder, and snaps of lightning can be very distressing for sensitive dogs. I mean, strong enough storms can rock just about anybody!
• Lethargy: For some dogs, rainy days mean a decrease in energy levels. Just like humans, they might prefer to curl up for a nap when the weather is gloomy. Their bodies may ache too. More on that later…

Some dogs despise the rain. The wet ground and air can be downright unpleasant to them. These pups usually refuse to go outside, are hiding under the bed when we arrive, or exhibit other signs of distress as mentioned above.

Rainy Day Adventures

On the other hand, there are dogs who absolutely love the rain! I’ve seen some dogs become overly excited by the change in weather. This energy burst might be attributed to the stimulation of new scents carried by the rain or simply the novelty of the situation. This is especially true when it snows!

They’re the ones splashing in puddles, chasing raindrops, and generally having a blast. These adventurous souls are extra excited when we arrive to take thm on a rainy day romp. While we are happy to indulge their enthusiasm, our team is mindful of the potential dangers of walking dogs in heavy rain.

Rainy Day Precautions

While a little rain won’t hurt most dogs, prolonged exposure and related weather events can lead to health issues and potential hazards. Following are some of the most common issues dog parents should have on their radar:

Contaminated Rain Water & Flooding

Walking your dog in contaminated rainwater can expose them to harmful bacteria and parasites. Stay tuned to local news outlets during heavy rains and floods and dry your dog thoroughly after each walk. Always be on the lookout for signs of illness, especially during inclement weather events.

Down Power Lines

Heavy rains that are accompanied by heavy winds are a recipe for disaster because down power lines can cause the following hazards, among others:

Chilly Rainy Days

Cold, wet conditions can cause hypothermia in small breeds or dogs with thin coats. Dogs should not be left outdoors during rain events.

Rainy Day Enrichment

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored. There are plenty of indoor activities to keep your furry friend entertained. Try playing fetch indoors, teaching new tricks, or giving them puzzle toys to solve. You can also create a cozy indoor space for your dog to relax and unwind.

As professional dog walkers, we usually shorten walks during downpours. We’ll take dogs out to potty for as long as it takes and then back indoors for dry-off and playtime. Once inside, we have lots of options for the remainder of our visits. A popular option for dogs is trick training (with treats, of course) and belly rubs. Believe it or not, there are dogs that will let us pet them for half an hour but we like to mix it up to ensure that they get equal doses of physical activity, mental stimulation, and love.

Understanding Your Dog

It’s essential to observe your dog’s behavior during rainy weather to truly understand its impact on them. Does your pup seem anxious or excited? Do they have any specific fears or preferences? By understanding your dog’s individual personality, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for them, rain or shine.

Check out our blog about inclement weather attire in case your dog might feel safe wearing it.

At Shoreline Happy Paws, we recognize that every dog is different. What one dog loves, another might hate. By being attentive to our furry friends’ needs and providing them with the appropriate care, our dog walkers help them enjoy rainy days safely.

We are accepting new dog walking and dog hiking clients! New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your pet(s) up for success. Existing clients may book dog walking and pet sitting services by logging in to your client profile.

Shoreline Happy Paws serves the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:

• Old Saybrook
• Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
• Deep River
• Chester
• Westbrook
• Clinton
• Old Lyme
• East Lyme
• Niantic

Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:

• Lyme and Madison
• Waterford, New London, Groton
• Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank