Take Care of Your Dog During the Rainy Season
Edited by Mian Sheilette Ong, Lynn, Rose B, Jen M and 9 others
It's a downer for every dog to stay indoors during the rainy season. It affects their physical and psychological health. As a responsible dog owner, you should prepare your dog before you go out together, as well as when you stay inside your home. Activities should continue even if it is raining. Dogs are creatures of habit. You should not let the rain alter their routine, or they will stress out. The rain is not good if you and your dog are not prepared for it. It's not only cold, but it's also very wet out there. Making sure that your dog is healthy even when he has his daily walk in the rain is essential for your furry friend's well being. It's never an excuse for a dog to stay cooped up inside just because it's raining. All you need to do is be aware of the safety and protective measures you need to take when it is time to walk in the rain. You are not the only one who needs to stay dry. Even if dogs are covered with fur, they still need to be shielded from the elements. Take care of your dog during the rainy season, and you will have a loyal friend for years to come rain or shine.
- 1 How To Take Care of Your Dog When It's Raining
- 2 Caring for Long-haired Dogs
- 3 Skin Conditions and Infections
- 4 First Aid for Dog Infections
- 5 Tips
- 6 Questions and Answers
- 6.1 Can a dog feel cold during the rainy season?
- 6.2 Do you bathe your dog when it rains out?
- 6.3 I have a Rottweiler. He is 1 year 10 months. He is not eating and sleeping a lot, and it's rainy out here. I don't understand why suddenly he is not eating and sleeping.
- 6.4 I left my dogs out in the rain while I was at school.
- 6.5 What can I do/use to keep my dog dry from rain?
- 6.6 My dog is suffering from this disease in Manson. I want to know some home remedies, what can I do myself?
- 6.7 I have two big Pitbulls who are getting rained out, backyard full of mud?
- 6.8 What is the best way to bring a wet dog (from rain) back into the house?
- 7 Comments
How To Take Care of Your Dog When It's Raining
The rainy season is nature's way of cleaning up and rejuvenating your surroundings. It would be great to go outside and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the rain with your loyal furry friend. Of course, you should be aware that the rainy season is not exactly ideal weather for dogs. Discomfort and health issues are the main things you should watch out for during the rainy season. Here are some ways to care for your dog when it's wet outside:
- 1Wet or damp, fur is an ideal incubation area for fungi and bacteria. Make sure that you rub down your dog before and after your walk. You can also blow dry your dog's fur to fend off the dampness. During the rainy season, bathing your dog can be tedious and messy. It will also help if you use a dry shampoo instead of giving your dog regular baths.Keep your dog's fur dry.
- 2Paws are sensitive. They come in contact with the ground all the time. This is the reason they are prone to infection. It is ideal to make your dog wear protective boots or shoes during the rainy season. Doing so will prevent mud, water, grass, and insects from getting into their paws. Paws can easily harbor pathogens or vectors of diseases. If your dog isn't used to paw-wear, just wipe off, and clean your dog's paws after the walk. It could also help if you trim the fur around the paws, especially if you have a longhaired breed such as a golden retriever, Afghan hound, Shih Tzu, or Irish setter.Clean your dog's paws.
- 3There is nothing better than having a warm, dry bed to sleep in during the rainy season. If your dog is used to spending time on the terrace or balcony, a covered resting area with dry bedding should be provided. All food or drinking bowls should be covered as well. During the rainy season, any surface gets cold, and this could harm your dog's joints. The bedding should be changed frequently to prevent bacteria from accumulating.Keep your dog's bedding dry.
- 4Your dog can contract ear infections during the rainy season. Moisture easily accumulates in dogs with closed ears such as Dachshunds, Labradors, and Basset Hounds. Earwax and moisture come together and cause ear infections. Just like the paws, ears should always be kept dry, especially after your walk outside. If your dog has long, closed ears, you could just tie them up over your dog's head.Clean your dog's ears.
- 5Since it is raining, outdoor activities are not going to be pleasant. Another resort is to have activities for your dogs inside the house. Long walks are not possible so you could just play fetch or perform tricks in your house or garage. If you live in an apartment building, you could take your dog up and down the stairs instead of just using the elevator. This would be a good exercise for you as well.Conduct activities inside the house.
- 6When it's raining too hard, dogs often develop food allergies. You should make sure you monitor your dog's diet. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your dog's diet will provide additional fiber. More fiber in your dog's food will allow regular bowel movements, even if you don't walk much. To prevent your dog from becoming overweight, reduce the amount of food during feeding. Balance out the level of activity with the food intake.Pay attention to feeding.
- 7It is very irritating for dogs when they have infections. During the rainy season, infections are usually rampant. Signs that your dog has an infection or allergies are: constant licking of body parts, scratching, odorous ears, and itching. Itchiness may indicate fungal/bacterial infections or allergies. These can be caused by the inability of moisture to escape from the skin's surface. Dog breeds that have deep skin folds, such as boxers and pugs, are prone to such skin infections. Be sure to consult your vet once you notice signs of infections or allergies.Be on the lookout for infections.
Caring for Long-haired Dogs
Long-haired dogs have special needs when it comes to rainy weather, and the effects of rainy weather, such as mud. Not only does their long hair collect dirt and mud, but also when it gets wet it becomes much more prone to tangles and matting. Accordingly, you need to take special care with your dog when it is wet outside to keep their coat looking its best and to prevent skin irritation.
- 1Use the bathtub, or in the case of a smaller dog, the sink will do. If you have a mud room with a sink, you can take care of this there, but regardless, use warm water and gently comb through your dog's fur with your finger, dislodging any clumps of mud, leaves, and twigs you find there. Take special care to get to the hair on your dog's chest and abdomen and in the feathering on their legs.Rinse off any accumulated mud and debris from your dog's coat.
- 2Be sure to squeeze the excess water from your dog's coat and make sure that you dry their ears well, including the outside of the ear canalThoroughly dry your dog's coat with a soft towel.
- 3Slicker brushes are usually square shaped and have fine metal tines set close together. Slicker brushes are good for removing mats and tangles without breaking the hair. Again, be sure to brush through the hair on your dog's abdomen and the feathering on their legs.Brush your dog with a slicker brush.
- 4Reward your dog for being good and letting you take care of them.Give your dog a treat and a hug.
Skin Conditions and Infections
Like people, dogs are prone to skin conditions and infections. Some are brought on by an allergic response to the environment, which can be worsened in wet weather, while others are caused by auto-immune disorders, flea and tick bites, or other pathogens. Here are some common infections to watch out for during wet weather especially:
- 1Eczema is the inflammation of the epidermis, the outer layers of the skin and is characterized by red, inflamed skin that is terribly itchy. It is not a disease; rather it is a symptom of something else. For instance, eczema may be caused by fungal, bacterial, or yeast infections, all of which are very common in dogs. There are other causes as well, such as skin irritants, allergies, and extreme heat, humidity, or dryness. Treatment of this condition depends on the cause.Eczema.
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Eye inflammation with discharge
- Coughing and wheezing
- Pus-filled lesions on the skin
- Clip the hair around the affected area with animal clippers. This will allow free air circulation over the area, which will help it dry out and quicken healing.
- Use an astringent or antiseptic spray to clean the area It's important that whatever you use is mild; you don't want to irritate the skin further. Alternatively, you could use a mild medicated shampoo, such as Sebolux to clean the area. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward, but don't scrub it. Instead, gently pat it dry.
- Spray the area with a hydrocortisone spray or apply hydrocortisone cream. You might need a veterinarian's prescription for this, but this will soothe the itching and prevent further irritation and injury.
- Try to keep your dog from biting, scratching, or licking the area. Your dog may need to wear the "cone of shame" (Elizabethan collar) if they can't stop worrying at the area.
- Excessive scratching, biting or licking the affected area.
- Dogs with yeast infections in their ears may shake their heads or rub their heads on the floor to try and get to the itch in their ears.
- The affected area is red and inflamed and may give off a pungent odor.
First Aid for Dog Infections
Once you notice signs of skin infections, follow these techniques to provide immediate relief:
- 1If you need a stronger anti-fungal shampoo, consult your veterinarian.Bathe your dog with anti-fungal shampoo.
- 2Combine vinegar, warm water, some iodine, and anti-fungal shampoo. This will get rid of the fungi on your dog's paws. After cleaning the paw pads, apply the anti-fungal ointment.Make a paw solution.
- 3Ringworm is a circular rash that has the appearance of a worm beneath the skin. Don't worry, it's not actually a worm; it's a rash caused by a type of fungus. Your veterinarian will prescribe a specific type of anti-fungal medication to kill the fungus.Humans can contract ringworm from their pets, so make sure you treat your dog for this condition.
- 4Additionally, you may need to put your dog in the "cone of shame" (Elizabethan collar) to prevent them from licking and scratching at sore spots.Place booties or bandages on your dog's infected paws.
- 5Your dog may have a bacterial infection and need antibiotics to get better.Take your dog to the vet if their skin does not improve in a few days.
- 6Your dog relies on you to care for them, as they cannot take care of themselves. Be a responsible pet owner and do right by your furry friend.Remember, it is your responsibility to care for your dogs at all times.
Tips
- Always provide ideal company for your dog during the rainy season, especially if your dog is still young.
- Comfort your dog when there are thunder and lightning from storms. Provide a safe place to hide.
- If your dog is extremely nervous, consult your vet for safe suppressants for nerves.
Questions and Answers
Can a dog feel cold during the rainy season?
Yes, a dog can feel cold during the rainy season especially when they stay outdoors. You have to see to it that they are dry. They should have a dry bed to keep them warm. If you need to give them a bath, do it indoors so that they will not be shaking from the cold, and after taking a bath, you have to wrap them in a dry towel. If the weather is really bad, you can keep your dogs indoors so that they will be warm. You can also play with your dogs to keep them warm. Most dogs can easily adapt to the weather, especially if they are native to that area. During the rainy season, a dry bed in his doghouse will do.
Yes, they do, much like humans, they get sick when left outside with no shelter. When it is rainy, make sure your dog is safe (not tied) in their doggy house. Make sure he has water and food and a few toys to entertain him. Never forget to bond with your dog by walking them, playing with them and getting their shots.
Do you bathe your dog when it rains out?
No, I don't
I have a Rottweiler. He is 1 year 10 months. He is not eating and sleeping a lot, and it's rainy out here. I don't understand why suddenly he is not eating and sleeping.
I don't understand why suddenly he is not eating and sleeping.
You should take your dog to the veterinarian. Any significant change in your dog's behavior always warrants a visit to the vet, as your dog can't tell you that he's not feeling well. Take him to the vet and get him checked out right away.
I left my dogs out in the rain while I was at school.
So - during school, the rain was really hard, and I forgot that I left my dogs out and I'm scared. I have tried: Nothing. I think it was caused by Rain.
When you get home, take your dogs inside and get them dried off. If they've been rolling around in the mud, you'll have to bathe them, but make sure that you dry them off really well and give them a treat. Your dogs are probably fine, but in the future, please remember to put them inside when you are leaving the house.
What can I do/use to keep my dog dry from rain?
It is raining hard, and he won't come inside and will tear up everything in the house. He is an active (very) lab puppy - 6 months old, but he is big.
You are his master. Go outside, pick him up, and bring him in. He's a puppy, so he has lots of energy. You need to tire him out. Play with him in the house. Roll a ball on the ground so he can chase after it. Play tug-of-war with him. If he is tearing things up in the house, you need to train him to stop. When you see him doing something that he shouldn't, raise your voice and scold him. Do NOT hit him, and do not scold him unless you catch him in the act. Another thing you can try, which worked with my dogs, is to give them something else to chew. I got this huge rawhide "bone, " and my dogs would go to town on that for hours.
My dog is suffering from this disease in Manson. I want to know some home remedies, what can I do myself?
She has been attacked by TJ. disease, what can I do?
I am not sure what TJ disease refers to, so, unfortunately, I can't give you any specific advice except to encourage you to take your dog to your veterinarian, if you haven't already. Your vet can recommend home treatments to help with the illness, along with providing you with specialized medicine to help her get better.
I have two big Pitbulls who are getting rained out, backyard full of mud?
Waterlogged backyard and they have a kennel n a dog crate
Can you bring them and their crates inside? They really shouldn't be outside in all that damp weather. If you must leave them outside, then you should find a way to shield the kennels from the worst of the weather and make sure that they remain as dry as possible. Try throwing a tarp over the top of the kennel to keep the rain out.
What is the best way to bring a wet dog (from rain) back into the house?
We are new dog owners and I'm concerned about sending him out to potty in the rain and then having a wet dog come back inside. Do you have any tips on how to do this without getting everything in the house wet? This is not covered in this article. I understand that I need to care for my dog and dry hi off after he gets wet. I'm interested in tips on how to do this and keep my house clean at the same time.
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