4 tips for rainy day dog walks


Family
24/06/2020
Resist those puppy dog eyes no more! We show you how to enjoy walking your dog even when it’s pouring outside – and how to get rid of that wet dog smell…

Before you read on, did you know that you can sign up to receive the latest Supersavvyme articles, tips & tricks and competitions? Register here.

If your dog is a new addition to the family, the idea of taking your pet pooch for long walks in the glorious summer sunshine was undoubtedly one of the pros for getting one. But as autumn rolls in, so too does the rain – and you quickly learn the con of being a dog owner: that wet dog smell.

But instead of resigning yourself to staying indoors on rainy days and trying to avoid their sad puppy dog eyes, just make sure you’re well prepared with our four tips, so you can both embrace walkies whatever the weather.

1. Grab your wellies

Even if it’s not raining when you leave it’s worth double-checking the forecast, as getting stuck in the rain in the wrong clothing will leave you decidedly soggy.

Wellies are a good bet, and a waterproof coat with a hood is a better idea than an umbrella, which you’ll probably struggle to hold alongside the dog lead when that British wind is blowing.

If it’s dark, remember to wear a reflective vest and, if your dog is happy to wear one, buy them a waterproof jacket with reflective stripes too. This will also help with the post-walk clean-up, but many dogs don’t like wearing them so don’t force it as they’ll only roll around trying to get it off.

2. Soak it up

Instead of seeing the rain as miserable, embrace your inner child and enjoy it. Splash in puddles, breathe in the smell as it kicks up the earth, appreciate that it is rain that helps to create this green and pleasant land, and think about how cosy you’ll feel once you go back inside and have a steaming cup of tea and change into dry, clean clothes. Maybe even treat yourself to a hot bubble bath. We think you deserve it.

3. Be properly prepared

If you’ve had to drive to the park, take a towel with you to dry off any excess water and cover your boot or seats in old towels, too. Once home, hose any mud off your dog in the back garden and towel her as best you can to prevent her shaking off the water once you go inside.

Place a big, washable rug on the floor just inside the door and put some more towels within reach, along with a hairdryer. Be sure to use the dryer on a low heat and keep it at a good distance so as to not risk burning your pooch.
Set to work while still wearing your waterproofs to stop your clothes getting wet and muddy.

4. Sort the smells

There’s no denying, no matter how much you love them, your dog smells when wet. By the time she’s dry you may have gone “noseblind” to it, but anyone else will notice that wet dog smell as soon as they walk into your house.

Eliminate the odour by spraying the air with Febreze Air Fresh, which will neutralise the bad smell and release a light, subtle fragrance. If you drove your pooch to the park, don’t forget to spray your car as well!

For more tips on keeping your home free from pet-related pongs, see our article on When pets get smelly.

Do you have any tips for walking dogs in the rain? Let us know in the comments section below.