Rain, just like with humans, influences the behavior of ARISTODOGS; in some cases, they will show that they don't like getting wet, while on other occasions, their reaction to rain may be more subtle.
When it rains, humid air traps odors, causing them to dissipate more slowly than usual. Because of this, dogs experience a feast of more intense odors than usual, increasing their desire to sniff and even allowing them to perceive outside odors from home. Thanks to their sense of smell, dogs can predict storms much earlier than us, even before all those people who feel their joints ache when the weather is about to change. Many of them also have a negative reaction to rain; not only do they dislike it, but they also feel annoyed by the sensation of being wet. Other dogs tremble when they hear the rain because what they fear are the sounds, especially during strong storms or thunder.
Another situation that can occur is that pets mate more when it rains, which is probably not the case for spayed/neutered dogs. In urban areas, dogs are exposed to a lot of "olfactory noise" which interferes with their ability to detect pheromones from females in heat. When it rains, the increased humidity reduces the air temperature and intensifies the signals, resulting in more frequent matings.
In addition to rain, there can also be stormy weather with wind, which can be a traumatic phenomenon for some dogs: it usually causes abnormal noises or unexpectedly moves objects, which makes the dog alert or even overly excited. When visual and olfactory stimuli increase, not all dogs handle it well.
Tips for rainy weather
During the walk, you should try to make the experience positive and, above all, normalize it as much as possible, as your dog will be attentive to your reactions. Also, if your dog doesn't want to go out due to the rain, motivating them with a treat would be a very good idea. But the most important thing is that your dog needs to get used to their walk time, rain or shine, so on rainy days, it's better to choose walking areas that don't have dirt and are as sheltered as possible.
In this season where rain and cold are common, we must also protect them with various garments such as coats or raincoats, which not only protect them from low temperatures but also prevent them from coming home with wet fur. After the walk, you should always dry your dog, paying special attention to the head, ears, belly, and paw pads, and avoid overusing a hairdryer as it can damage their skin. Although it's what we least remember to protect, our dogs' paw pads are one of their most delicate parts and most exposed to the elements. Protecting them from water and rain is quite logical, but we don't usually do it because wearing boots can be uncomfortable for the animal, and their comfort and well-being are paramount. Even so, we must not forget this part of their body, and fortunately, we have specific products to hydrate, protect, and care for them.
Rain affects us all, but we must enjoy every day, whatever the weather. But tell us, how do you think rain affects your ARISTODOG? Share your experience on our social media.