Can Dogs Play In The Rain? The Truth!
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Dogs are playful animals. They love to play with you, with other dogs and even with other pets, and outdoor play can get messy.
Some dogs love splashing around in the rain. Others hate getting wet. So, can dogs play in the rain, and will it make them sick?
Can dogs play in the rain? Yes. A healthy dog can safely play in light or moderate rain for a while. Supervise your dog, bring it inside during thunderstorms or when it gets cold, and dry it off well afterward. Keep it away from standing water and puddles, which can spread disease.
Can Dogs Play In The Rain?
Getting wet is not harmful by itself for most healthy dogs. Still, there are a few things to do before, during and after your dog plays in the rain.
Never Leave Your Dog In The Rain Alone
Stay with your dog while it plays outside in bad weather. Strong wind can bring down branches, and storms can bring down power lines.
Bring your dog inside if you hear thunder. Lightning is dangerous to dogs as well as people, and many dogs are frightened by storms.
Dry Your Dog Off Afterward
When your dog comes in, towel it dry, paying attention to the belly, legs and paws. If it is muddy, rinse it with lukewarm water and dry it again.
Small, young, old and short-coated dogs lose body heat faster. The ASPCA's cold weather tips suggest a coat or sweater for short-haired dogs and washing and drying your pet's feet after each walk.
Check Your Dog First Before Letting It Play In The Rain
Before your dog goes out, check that it is healthy. Dogs that are sick, recovering from surgery, very old or very young are better off staying inside in cold, wet weather.
If your dog has a wound or bandage, keep it dry and ask your vet before letting it play outside.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Playing Out In The Rain?
Rain itself does not give dogs a cold. Dogs do not catch human colds. But wet, cold weather and wet ground bring a few real risks.
The biggest one is leptospirosis. The CDC explains that the bacteria spread through the urine of infected animals and can survive for weeks to months in water or soil. Animals can be infected through contact with contaminated water.
Don't let your dog drink from puddles or standing water, especially after heavy rain. A leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is available in the United States, so ask your vet whether your dog needs it.
A wet dog can also get chilled. Watch for shivering, weakness or lethargy, and bring your dog in to warm up if you see them.
Also watch for antifreeze spills on driveways and roads. The ASPCA warns that antifreeze is lethal for dogs and cats. If you think your dog swallowed it or any other toxin, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.
Why Does Your Dog Like To Play In The Rain?
Rain stirs up smells. Damp air and wet ground can make scents easier for a dog's powerful nose to pick up, which makes outdoor time more interesting.
Some dogs simply enjoy water and mud. Others dislike getting wet, especially in cold rain, and that's normal too.
Should You Leave Your Dog In The Rain?
No. Don't leave your dog outside unattended in the rain. Make sure it can get to dry shelter, stay with it while it plays, and bring it inside if the weather turns stormy or cold.
Final Verdict
Dogs can play in the rain, and many enjoy it. Supervise your dog, keep it away from puddles and standing water, bring it inside during storms, and dry it off well afterward.
If your dog seems unwell after time outdoors, contact your veterinarian.
Sources
- Leptospirosis in Animals, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Cold Weather Safety Tips, ASPCA
