Rainy and wet weather is one of those special times for you to learn to appreciate your dogs personality and quirks.
Whether your dog likes to prance in the rain or pout under their covers, they all depend on you to help get through the 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 furriend survives the season in the height of style and health.
So what are our Dog Tips for all of this Wet Weather?
We all know that our dogs 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 them dry and happy to survive the sometimes-treacherous conditions out there.
Try one or more of these dog tips for wet weather:
1. Keep Their Fur Dry
Keeping your dogs 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:
Moulds
Fungi
Bacteria and/or
Mildew.
2. Care for Those Paws
Your dogs 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.
3. Watch for Infections
Be on the lookout for any signs of infection your dog may be exhibiting. Behaviours that may indicate your four-legged furriend is suffering from an infection may include:
Constant licking of the same area
Itching and/or scratching and/or
Smelly ears.
If you suspect your dog 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 dogs ears can be another potential health concern. Dog tips for wet weather demand keeping your dogs 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.
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.
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 will most definitely benefit psychologically from routine behaviours like a regular walking schedule.
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 dog inside the house. This is a productive way to burn excess energy.
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 your dogs diet:
Many dogs and/or animals can get a version of the “bad weather blues.” Changes in appetite can be signs that your dog is under stress.
Reducing the amount of exercise your dog gets means adjusting the amount of food they get. This is an issue specifically for older or already overweight animals. A healthy snack between meals can help reduce the size of your dogs meals.
Since walking time is limited to shortened strolls or mad dashes, adding small amounts of fibre, such as fruit or vegetables, to your dogs diet improves regularity.
9. Reduce stress levels and give your Dog more attention
Give lots of love (and treats). If you feel your pet is under stress due to circumstances beyond your control, give them some extra pats, rubs and even some extra hugs.
Considering these basic dog tips for wet weather is a great way to keep everybody happy and healthy.
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