Rain, just as it does with humans, influences the behavior of ARISTODOGS. In some cases, they will show that they do not like getting wet, while on other occasions their reaction to rain may be subtler.
When it rains, humid air traps odors, causing them to take longer than usual to dissipate. As a result, dogs experience a feast of more intense odors than usual, increasing their desire to sniff and even allowing them to perceive outdoor smells from inside the house. Thanks to their sense of smell, dogs can predict storms long before we can, even before all those people whose 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 uncomfortable with the sensation of being wet. Other dogs tremble when they hear the rain because it is the sounds they fear, especially during heavy storms or thunder.
Another situation they may experience is that pets mate more when it rains, although this is unlikely to occur in sterilized dogs. In urban areas, dogs are exposed to a great deal of “olfactory noise,” which interferes with their ability to detect the pheromones of females in heat. When it rains, the increase in humidity lowers the air temperature and intensifies these signals, resulting in more frequent mating.
In addition to rain, you may also experience a windy storm, which can be a traumatic phenomenon for some dogs: it often causes unusual noises or moves objects unexpectedly, leaving the dog on alert and even overly excited. When visual and olfactory stimuli increase, not all dogs cope well.
Tips for when it rains
During walks, try to make the experience positive and, above all, normalize it as much as possible, since your dog will be watching your reactions. If, because of the rain, your dog does not even want to go outside, motivating them with a treat would be a very good idea. But most importantly, your dog needs to get used to having their walking time whether it rains or not, so on rainy days it is best to choose walking areas without dirt and with as much shelter as possible.
During this season, when rain and cold are common, we should also protect them with different garments such as coats or raincoats, which not only protect them from low temperatures but also prevent them from returning home with wet skin. After the walk, you should always dry your dog, paying special attention to the head, ears, belly, and paw pads, and avoid overusing a hair dryer, as it can damage their skin. Although they are what we least remember to protect, our dogs’ paw pads are one of their most delicate parts and the ones most exposed to the elements. Protecting them from water and rain is quite logical, but we do not usually do so because wearing boots can be uncomfortable for the animal, and their comfort and well-being are the main and most important considerations. Even so, we must not forget this part of their body, and fortunately, we have specific products to moisturize, protect, and care for them.
Rain affects us all, but we should enjoy every day whatever the weather. Tell us: How do you think the rain affects your ARISTODOG? Share your experience on our social media.