How to Protect Your Dog from the Rain

Rain shouldn't stop you from taking your dog out for a walk, but it's important to take precautions to prevent them from getting cold or falling ill. Water and dampness can cause discomfort, skin problems, and even affect their health if they're not dried properly. In this article, we'll show you how to protect your dog from the rain so they can enjoy every walk worry-free.

Is it bad for dogs to get wet in the rain?

Although many dogs love splashing about in the rain, not every furry friend copes well with dampness. Some breeds with short coats or no undercoat are more sensitive to the cold, and staying wet for long periods can make them ill. Contact with water can also cause:

✔ Skin irritation from trapped moisture.
✔ Colds or respiratory infections.
✔ Discomfort or stress if they don't feel comfortable being wet.
✔ A strong smell in their coat from built-up moisture.

So, if your dog isn't a fan of the rain or you live somewhere with a rainy climate, it's essential to have the right gear to protect them.

Tips to protect your dog from the rain

1. Use a dog raincoat

The best way to stop your dog getting soaked on their walk is with a waterproof raincoat. Not only will it keep their coat dry, but it will also help keep them warm.

There are hooded, breathable and adjustable models to keep your furry friend comfortable. At Dukier you'll find a great selection of dog raincoats with modern, functional designs.

💡 Tip: make sure you choose the correct size so it fits well and lets them move freely.

2. Protect their paws from water and dirt

Wet ground, puddles and mud can dirty and chill your dog's paw pads. To avoid this, you could try:

✔ Waterproof boots: keep water out and protect against dirt.
✔ Disposable paw covers: perfect for light rain.
✔ Immediate drying: if they're not wearing boots, dry their paws thoroughly when you get home to stop them slipping or the dampness causing cracks.

3. Shorten walks on days with heavy rain

If the weather isn't playing along, try shortening walk times and choosing routes with covered or more sheltered areas. If your dog needs more exercise, play with them at home so they don't get bored.

💡 Tip: keep up the walking routine, but adapt the duration and timing depending on how heavy the rain is.

4. Bring a dog umbrella

Although it's not a very common accessory, umbrellas designed for dogs can be a great option if they don't get on with raincoats. They attach to the lead and provide a barrier against the water.

5. Dry them thoroughly when you get home

After the walk, it's essential to dry your dog completely to stop moisture getting trapped in their skin and coat. Use:

✔ Absorbent towels to remove as much water as possible.
✔ A hairdryer on a low heat setting if they have a long or thick coat.
✔ Dry cloths to clean their paws and ears, preventing moisture from getting trapped.

💡 Tip: if your dog doesn't like the hairdryer, dry them well with a towel and let them snuggle into a blanket to finish warming up.

6. Keep their shelter dry and warm

If your dog spends time outdoors, make sure their kennel or resting area is protected from the rain. Use waterproof blankets and raised beds to stop the cold ground affecting their body temperature.