Overall, walking a strong, healthy dog in the rain does not inherently cause them to become sick. If your dog has a thick coat it will keep them warm and protect them from getting soaked. A dog with a thinner coat is likely to get wet quicker so you might want to consider a weatherproof dog jacket.
Yes, dogs can get sick from being in the rain. The cold affects dogs in a similar way to humans. The cold and rain can cause the lining of a dog's lungs to become irritated and inflamed. If left outside for long enough, a dog could develop pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening illness.
Taking your dog out in the rain
Going outside in the rain WITH your dog is important. Pull out your umbrella, the bigger the better, and take your dog outside on a leash to where he likes to go potty. Shelter your dog with an umbrella to help him stay dry.
Exposure to cold and wet weather for long periods of time can lead to inflammation in the respiratory tract. This inflammation makes dogs more prone to bacteria invasion of the airways—aka, pneumonia. This is a higher risk for young dogs, older dogs with other systemic diseases, and any immunocompromised dog.
All dogs are different, and some may be able to go longer than others without relieving themselves. However, a general guideline is that adult canines between one and seven years old can hold their urine for between six and eight hours. Of course, several factors impact this.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
As your puppy gets older gradually increase the total amount of time you leave them alone. Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they are provided with enough space to comfortably move around.
As a general rule of thumb, adult dogs can be left alone for up to 6 hours a day. However, the amount of time a dog can spend safely alone will vary from dog to dog, as even the most laid-back dogs may become distressed when you leave them on their own for long periods of time.
Dog's senses are stronger than humans', which means they can be more sensitive to sounds and smells associated with rain. This can make a walk in the rain overwhelming. The sound of the rain hitting the ground and other surfaces can make dogs nervous and even cause ear pain.
Why Your Dog Won't Go Out in Rain. One of the most common reasons why your dog won't pee in rain is simply because they don't like being rained on or having wet paws. Walking around on the squishy, wet earth and getting mud squeezed into your paws must be an awful feeling.
Get him use to wet grass.
Imagine how you would feel walking barefoot on wet grass if you've never felt it before! So during the dry summer, encourage your dog to potty on the grass right after it is watered. If he gets used to the feeling, the peeing in the rain is no big deal.
Many dogs don't like the sound of rain or the feel of wet grass. You don't want to drag her out the door, and even if you did, she likely wouldn't comply with your command to relieve herself. Experts say there are several ways for pets to take a potty break during South Florida's inclement weather.
In most places, it is not illegal for your dog to pee on someone's lawn. However, that doesn't mean that it's considered polite behavior. If you allow your dog to relieve themselves on someone else's property without their permission, you could be charged with trespassing or vandalism.
Do: Watch the Clock. Give your puppy 15 minutes to do his business. If nothing happens, put him in his crate for another 15 minutes before trying again.
A dog bathroom schedule should include letting dogs outside to relieve themselves after each meal, and at least three to five times daily. Dogs should not be forced to wait longer than about eight hours before having a bathroom break.
It's especially important to rinse hard surfaces as soon as you discover urine as it can leave a stain if not removed quickly. Using a sprinkler or hose on grass after urination also helps to reduce the chance of urine burn on grass from the nitrogen in your dog's urine.
Get a Raincoat - For Your Dog!
Many dogs don't like going outside in the rain because they don't like getting water in their eyes or ears. Putting a raincoat on them can help keep the water out of their face and therefore encourage them to go outside. Plus, it will help keep them warm on those colder days.
Most healthy, adult dogs will readily go to the bathroom an hour or so after a meal. They can, however, hold their stool much longer if necessary. In fact, for the most part, a healthy adult dog can hold their stool for 12 hours or more. If you get stuck in traffic or at the office, your dog could be OK.
According to vets, there is a clear answer to this particular question. They advise that you should wait at least two hours after your dog has eaten a meal before walking them. That's because walking your dog straight after a meal can cause your dog to bloat, or even lead to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Most dogs need to be walked at least once each day, though some dogs, particularly very active dogs, may require more. The breed of dog you have, as well as its level of fitness and age, will also determine how long and how vigorous your walk should be. A walk can make a dog very happy.
Walking Provides Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Like a child, your dog wants to know the world. If he or she is confined to the house for too long, your dog will get bored, and boredom can lead to destructive behavior.
Let Them Sniff!
Unless the client specifies otherwise, we at Paws At Home allow dogs to sniff to their hearts content! Now of course we do not let a dog sniff (let alone eat) anything gross or dangerous, such as poop, mushrooms, dead critters, food, trash, and so on. But yes, they can absolutely sniff pee!