Rainy season is one of those special times for you to learn to appreciate your pet’s personality quirks. Whether your pooch likes to prance in the rain or pout under their covers, she depends on you to help him get through the wet weather season. Canine Styles can help with some dog tips for wet weather.
When the days turn rainy, it can affect your dog’s mental and physical health as much as it does your own. That’s no fun for anyone. As a pet owner, it’s up to you to ensure that your cultured canine survives the season in the height of style and health.
Dog Tips for Wet Weather
Canines have to go out every day, whether they like the rain or not. Not only do they have business to tend to, they also need their exercise! But getting wet and muddy can mean bad news for more than your floors.
Do your best to keep her dry and happy to survive the sometimes-treacherous conditions out there. Try one or more of these 10 dog tips for wet weather:
1. Keep Their Fur Dry
Keeping your pet’s coat dry isn’t possible all the time. But rubbing them dry with a towel after outdoor adventures in the rain or muck is always a good idea. Some pampered pooches prefer the blow dryer, but few dogs can resist a brisk rubdown. Plus, when fur is left damp, it provides an excellent environment for:
- Molds
- Fungi
- Bacteria
- Mildew
Dog tips for wet weather should also promote the health of everyone in your household. Molds and fungi cause major issues for allergy suffers. Keep your pups dry in style. Picture her stepping out in a raincoat from Canine Styles’ exclusive line. Or be certain they stay dry in a neoprene raincoat.
2. Care for Those Paws
Your pet’s paws in particular need a lot of TLC, so wrap them up. Veterinarians stress that paws exposed to damp and muddy conditions are exposed to bacteria that cause disease. Unprotected paws are more susceptible to infections. Since simply staying indoors isn’t an option, keeping their feet clean and dry whenever possible becomes a necessity. Some protective ideas include:
- A good pair of boots is an asset to everybody in the elements. Your pup is no different.
- Even disposable boots can be a wonderful and effective option.
3. Watch for Infections
Be on the lookout for any signs of infection your dog may be exhibiting. Behaviors that may indicate your four-legged friend is suffering include:
- Constant licking of the same area
- Itching and/or scratching
- Smelly ears
Some dog tips for wet weather are geared toward prevention. A hoodie helps, but if you suspect your pet has an infection, consult your veterinarian. Infections get worse if untreated, and some can even be life-threatening.
4. Don’t Forget Their Ears
Your pet’s ears can be another potential health concern. Dog tips for wet weather demand keeping your pup’s ears dry. Any ears that fold over may not get wet on the inside, but they’ll stay moist longer. As a result, ears are prone to a variety of yeast and bacterial infections.
This is especially a problem in dog-only homes where they don’t have a friend to lick their ears clean. Help them stay out of the damp as much as possible with one of these water repellant carriers.
5. Provide a Warm, Clean Place
There’s nothing more inviting on wet or cold days than a nice warm bed to snuggle up in. Dogs spend a considerable amount of time sleeping, so they naturally appreciate a quality bed. During the rainy season, though, a wet bed accumulates the same allergens and bacteria as wet fur.
Wash the dog beds weekly during the rainy season. This is another one of the dog tips for wet weather that helps keep everyone in your family healthy. Check out these stylish additions to your home décor:
- A snuggly bolster bed for your older dog
- A teepee that your kids may want to hide in too
6. Maintain Your Schedule
Keeping to your normal, scheduled routine reduces the stress bad weather puts on your dog. Even dogs that don’t enjoy getting their paws wet benefit psychologically from routine behaviors like a regular walking schedule. Turn heads on your walk when you take to the streets in one of these hot numbers:
7. Exercise Indoors
There are times when going outside isn’t in anyone’s best interest. When these times arise, dedicate part of your day to playing with your pup inside the house. This is a productive way to burn excess energy.
Some dog tips for wet weather are intended to prevent your pooch from driving you nutty. Turn what could be a test of patience into quality bonding time with your doggie. Here’s just a few of the engaging toys that Canine Styles is proud to offer:
8. Managing Their Diet
Dog tips for wet weather also focus on health and fitness. Be aware of how your pet eats. There are actually a couple of valid reasons to pay attention to diet:
- Many animals get a version of the “bad weather blues.” Changes in appetite can be signs that your pet is under stress. Becker’s appetite flakes can help.
- Reducing the amount of exercise your pet gets means adjusting the amount of food she gets. This is an issue specifically for older or already overweight animals. A healthy snack between meals helps reduce the size of her meals.
- Since walking time is limited to shortened strolls or mad dashes, adding small amounts of fiber, such as fruit or vegetables, to your pup’s diet improves regularity. And wonder nuggets with peanut butter gets the job done too, making it easier to have successful, productive walks.
9. Reduce Stress Levels
Do all you can to reduce stress during the rainy seasons to keep everyone healthier. Plan a day at the spa for your dog. And while out walking, stick to quieter streets that don’t have as much traffic. There are two reasons for quieter walks:
- There’s less chance of getting sprayed by passing traffic.
- It’s one less thing for you and your pet to stress about.
- Give Your Pup More Attention
Give lots of love (and treats). If you feel your pet is under stress due to circumstances beyond your control, give her extra hugs. A high-quality, organic snack can go a long way to curing the blues. Following these basic dog tips for wet weather is a great way to keep everybody happy —and healthy.
