Taking Care Of The Dog On Rainy Days
Having a dog inevitably means taking it out several times a day, even in winter, in the cold or in the rain, with some small precautions, however, so that your four-legged friend does not get sick.
A natural protection
Just like us, pets also suffer from the cold, so much so that in the coldest days we see them shivering, moving listlessly, eating with little appetite. They can also get sick, catch a cold, or even get pneumonia.
Although there are many veterinary medicines against bronchitis or other ailments, it is certainly better to protect the dog’s health on rainy or cold days.
The body temperature of animals is naturally different from ours; the dog has a natural cover, the fur, which warms it and protects it from the rain. For this reason, it is not a good idea to cut their fur in the winter. In order for it to protect it optimally, the dog’s coat must be clean and brushed.
Bath and drying
The baths in the summer season can be more frequent, but in the cold seasons, especially on rainy and rigid days, it is not advisable to wet them so much. Dogs with thicker coats can take a long time to dry out. In this case we can help them with a pet dryer.
If the hair is long and abundant, it also protects the legs. Especially when the animal begins to be of a certain age, this additional protection helps him to prevent rheumatic pains. Nevertheless, the pads of the paws can retain water from the rain, due to the presence of hair between the toes. For this reason it is important, once back home, to dry this area or even moisturize it with petroleum jelly or a specific cream. As long as it lasts, the area under the legs can become irritated in rain or snow.
A practical way to keep his paws dry during the walk is to have him wear waterproof boots, specially designed to allow free movement. The animal is likely to feel uncomfortable at first, but it will soon get used to it, its paws will remain dry, and when it gets home, just take off its “shoes” to avoid stains on the floor.
Strolling under the umbrella
Yes, of course, there is also an umbrella for dogs. Among the many articles designed for them, it is possible to find a leash that has a parasol incorporated, to shelter our little friend from the rain.
Another option is the hooded raincoat that covers the whole body and protects it from the damp feeling.
The right nutrition and good shelter
Author of the photo: Fernando Dall’Acqua
It is important to take care of the nutrition of our pets during the rainy or cold months: this does not mean that we must make them eat more, but rather make sure that they are getting the amount of protein necessary to face this period in the best way.
On rainy days, check that his bowl always has clean, fresh water. If they live sheltered, but outdoors, you can buy special bowls with heating, to prevent the water from freezing.
If you can’t keep your dog indoors, provide him with a comfortable shelter for rainy and cold days, built with insulating materials. The most sophisticated dog houses have a mini heating system.
Regularly check the condition of the dog’s house, as if it were your home. It could be dirty, flooded, or even become the dog’s makeshift pantry for a variety of foods, including small dead animals.
