How to Ensure Your Dog Enjoys Their walk – whatever the weather!

From choosing the right route to investing in a dog raincoat, there a plenty of ways to make sure your walk is as good as possible

Walking the dog is a daily rite of passage for every dog owner. It’s a chance for you and your furry friend to spend some quality time together doing what they love most: exploring the world around them.

But sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas, and every single one of us will be familiar with the disappointment of having to call off a walk due to the weather. Perhaps it’s too wet, too chilly, or even too hot for your dog to be comfortable. Either way, it’s always a pain for both you and your pooch.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to make the most of your walk with your dog, no matter what the weather is like. Here are our top tips to make sure your dog gets their daily walk come rain or shine. Let’s take a look.

Buy Dog Raincoats

A raincoat for dogs might sound like a strange idea, but from a practical perspective it’s a great investment that will help your dog stay comfortable even when it’s pouring down on your walk. A dog rain jacket can help to protect your dog’s coat and keep them tidy, all while stopping them getting too cold and wet.

So it’s no surprise that a doggy raincoat is becoming an increasingly popular option among dog owners, and sites like Spark Paws have a huge range of dog outfits that are tested on thousands of dogs to get the right measurements. They’re also made from comfortable fabrics and have a superior fit.

Choose the Right Route

Your destination can make all the difference when it comes to walking your dog. Perhaps it’s too hot for you to walk them along your usual route, but a trip to the beach or a near lake is a simple way to help them stay cool.

Likewise, if it’s too wet you can opt for somewhere that has a decent amount of covering, like a part with indoor space and overhanging roofs, or somewhere with hard ground that won’t have turned into a swamp. If it’s windy, consider a more sheltered route. Being smart about your walk of choice means that both you and your dog will have a more enjoyable and comfortable time while you’re out.

Bring the Right Supplies

If it’s a warm day, remember to bring water and snacks for your dog in case they need them. These days, you can easily pick up fold-away bowls that fit right in your pocket, so bring one of those with a bottle of water to stop your pooch from getting dehydrated.

And if it’s too wet or windy to walk far, take a ball or another toy you can use to keep your doggy occupied and give them a decent workout.

Pick Your Time of Day Wisely

The time of day you choose to go for your walk can make all the difference when it comes to your doggy’s comfort. If it’s looking like it’s going to be a warm day, head out early in the morning or later on in the evening. And if it’s really hot, consider investing in boots or socks for your dog to wear in order to protect their foot pads. Avoid going out around midday at the height of the heat, as this will only make your dog struggle more. And you can use the opposite logic on colder days – aim to be out around midday so that you’re making the most of whatever warmth there is.