Wet weather pet safety

Outdoor risks

Wet weather is tricky for dog parents, especially ones with dogs who need to stretch their legs on multiple walks per day. Living in the UK with a dog inevitably means taking them for walks in the rain, so it’s important to keep them safe from unique wet weather hazards, as well as dry and comfortable, both during and after walks. 

Cars are always a danger when dog walking, but this risk is heightened by dark and rainy days. Visibility and stopping distance are reduced for drivers, meaning it’s extra important to stop your dog running into the road. Keep a tight grip on their lead and consider investing in a reflective jacket, harness, or lead to increase their visibility to others. LED collars are also great for helping you find your dog if they wander off in the dark. Try sticking to quieter streets or footpaths so your dog is spooked less easily and often.   

Dogs also wander through deep puddles, but these can contain hidden dangers like sharp objects, so try to lead your dog around deep puddles and avoid them whenever possible. 

Even on a seemingly sunny day in the UK, we all know rain can come out of nowhere, so investing in a sturdy, waterproof coat for your dog is important. A raincoat will keep your dog’s fur as dry as possible, saving them from discomfort and cold. 

When you get home

When you get back from a walk or just time in the garden, you should lay down a towel at the door for a quick and easy way to dry your dog’s fur and paws, helping to keep your pup clean and warm, as well as ensuring their fur and skin remain in strong condition. After walks, check your dog’s ears and in between their toes, as fur that stays damp can lead to infections.

If your dog often returns from a walk covered in mud and dirt, don’t give them a bath immediately. Instead, dry them with a towel to quickly increase their body temperature and reduce moisture, before then bathing them.

Having a dedicated sheltered area in the garden for your dog to use as a toilet is another good tip. This means there is always somewhere to go that’s dry, especially for days when (for weather-related reasons or otherwise) long walks aren’t an option.

Back indoors, ensure your furry friend has a warm, cosy bed to rest in after a walk in the rain – this is especially important on cold days. You can also lay down extra blankets or pillows to make them even more comfortable. If your walks are cut short by heavy rain, consider playing indoor games with your dog to give them something to expend their energy on.

Always keep your pet’s water bowl at home filled up with fresh water to reduce their temptation to drink water from puddles on rainy walks. Puddles can harbour significant amounts of bacteria, as well as other substances like motor oil, which can be really harmful to your dog if ingested.

Accessories for wet weather

There are a multitude of wet weather accessories available for your dogs, which make keeping them safe and dry much easier. Paw balm or wax or balm reduce cracking and skin damage caused by moisture, while a good quality microfibre towel to dry your dog with after a walk is a must. Browse our range of pet accessories to find wet weather solutions for your dog.

Top tips from Phil

• Colder, wetter months can be challenging when it comes to getting outside for fresh air and exercise, but our pets really appreciate and need it!

• Keep the central heating in the home at a comfortable temperature – while it can be tempting to crank it up to quickly heat the home, remember dogs already have an extra layer of often thick fur and you don’t want them to overheat.

• Always provide them with fresh water and groom your pet regularly to remove excess hair.

• Invest in a hi-vis collar, jacket, or harness for your dog to keep them safe and visible to other pedestrians and drivers, particularly when it’s dark and raining.