It’s rainy season again in North America. The weather has you looking out the window at walking time thinking – Do I have too? You wonder – isn’t my dog happier inside? What can be done outside in this weather? What’s the point?
Do you reluctantly suit up, or find a way to avoid the cold wet weather?
Things We Hate About Rain
It’s cold. It’s wet. It requires we dress differently and that takes more time. Wet weather also usually causes a blanket of darkness to fall over our city. Making night fall earlier than usual over the fall and winter months. People feel more fatigued and are less motivated to go outside. Getting wet and cold is uncomfortable.
Wet Weather Is Not Safe
Rain makes roads more dangerous than snow and ice. Rain decreases drivers visibility significantly (US Department of Transportation 2018)
Ways to Stay Safe in The Rain
Staying safe in the rain means being visible. Because when it rains it is darker and the thin vail of rain drops decreases drivers visibility of the road and periphery. So you need to be VERY NOTICEABLE. Make sure your rain gear includes reflective, bright accessories. Consider that your dog has something visibly bright and reflective as well. Even if cars can see you, they will not easily see a dog in the dark.
Rainy Day Tip:
Chose a hooded jacket instead of carrying an umbrella. The more hands free you are, the better you can juggle your dog and the elements!
Other Ways to Be Visible:
- Use a flashlight
- Use a LED collar on your dog
- Wear reflective accessories on your boots
- Wear reflective accessories on a hat or cap
- Add a jingle to your dog’s collar that can alert people that someone or something is approaching
Why is walking in The Rain Worth It?
Walking in the the rain provides new experiences for you and your dog. The neighborhood changes in the dark season, leafs change color and fall from the trees, days are shorter, crowds leave the streets to retreat for warmth and shelter. A new type of “business” occupies people as they get ready for celebrations. A quiet business, which is still fast-paced, just less obvious.
What You Didn’t Know About Rain
Your dog enjoys the textures a new season brings!
- Leafs on the ground are a joy to frolic through
- Puddles are fun to step in
- Wet grass moistens their paws and refreshes their daily outlook on life
Ever Wonder Why Rain Brings a Pleasant Earthy Smell?
The wetness of rain activates certain scent chemicals called “Esters”, which when wet, give off a powerful sweet smell. The other earthy scents are from plant oils which become more potent upon saturation as well. There are also bacterial spores (naturally occurring) and ozone that combine with the water to enhance our sense of our outside environment. If rain makes smells that powerful to us – imagine what it does to your canine?!
Rainy Day Walks are Important
Your dog doesn’t hate rain the way you do. Dogs love the out doors and are not bothered by a few rain drops. The joy of exploring their environment has added excitement when there is new textures and scents to explore. Giving your dog new experiences promotes development and is wonderful for puppies but also helps older dogs stay fit well into old age. Exercising a dog’s brain throughout life is just as important for the same reasons as in an adult human. Keeping your canine mentally fit helps reduce dementia in dogs as well as humans and promotes longevity as it keeps their cardiovascular system strong.
Exposure to environmental challenges reduces stress and aggressive, stress-related behaviour by enhancing their ability to cope with a variety of changing situations.