Can Dogs Walk In The Rain?

Yes, you can walk your dog in the rain, but there are some precautions you might want to take. The rain itself will not cause your dog to be ill but rather, the wet environment and what’s in it that will get your dog under the weather. Bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms may be present in other animal droppings or in the soil when you bring your dog out and head off the tracks. They may burrow in, lodge themselves in your dog’s fur or be ingested if your dog licks itself. Besides biological hazards, chemical hazards may be present such as cleaning chemicals or oil based products that may be in the pavement.

A way to avoid these issues is by having your dog wear dog booties or shoes. These would help minimize the risk of your dog tracking these things back home. A dog raincoat or umbrella that’s attached to the leash or harness lets you keep track of your dog’s movement when you’re both in the rain.