April showers bring may flowers, but here in the Northeast part of the USA, Autumn can also be quite rainy.
Dogs are our best friends, and they deserve to be taken on walks rain or shine.
However, when rain is in the forecast, it’s important to have some essentials ready to go so that your dog walk doesn’t turn into a disaster.
That’s why I put together a quick list of 6 essentials for rainy day dog walks!
Keep your shih tzu happy and healthy with these 6 rainy day walking essentials:
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1. Have a Raincoat or Umbrella for Your Dog.
This is the most important essential for rainy day walks! You don’t want your dog to get soaked and cold, so make sure they have some protection from the rain.
A raincoat or umbrella will keep your dog dry and comfortable, and it will also help to keep them warm.
If you don’t have a raincoat or umbrella for your dog, although not ideal, you can always improvise with a plastic bag or garbage bag.
Just make sure that the bag is big enough to fit over your dog’s head and body, and that it has holes cut out for their legs.
2. Extra Towels to Dry Them Off When They Come Inside.
Even if you have a raincoat or umbrella for your dog, they’re bound to get wet at some point during the walk.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring along some extra towels to dry them off when you get home.
If you don’t have any extra towels, you can always use an old shirt or a blanket.
Make sure that you have something to dry your dog off with, so they don’t end up getting sick.
3. Booties to Protect Their Paws from the Rain and Slush.
Another essential for rain walks is booties!
This is especially important if you live in an area where there is a lot of rain and snow.
Booties will protect your dog’s paws from the wetness and cold, and they will also keep them from slipping on ice or getting hurt on any sharp objects.
These dog booties on Amazon are a number 1 bestseller. They are waterproof, have reflective strips and anti-slip bottoms. This four-piece set comes in a variety of colors to choose from including black, blue, leopard print, pink, purple and red.
If you don’t have booties for your dog, you can always improvise with socks or plastic bags.
Just make sure that the socks or bags are big enough to fit over your dog’s paws, and that they won’t slip off. Socks made for infants or small snack bags could work in a pinch.
Also, remember to put the booties on before you go outside, so your dog doesn’t have to walk in the rain or snow.
4. Water-Resistant Leash and Collar.
Another essential for rain walks is a water-resistant leash and collar.
This is important because you don’t want your dog’s leash or collar to get soaked and heavy, which can make it difficult to control them.
A water-resistant leash and collar will also help to keep your dog dry, which is always a good thing.
Umbrella leashes are a great option for rain walks, and they can be found at most pet stores.
Just make sure that the umbrella leash is big enough to fit over your dog’s head and body, so they don’t get soaked.
Also, be sure to check the collar and leash for any rips or tears before you use them, so your dog doesn’t get hurt.
And, of course, don’t forget to put the collar and leash on your dog before you go outside!
The last thing you want is for your dog to get loose in the rain.
5. Reflective Clothing and/or Light-Up Dog Collar
For rain walks, it’s also a good idea to have some reflective clothing or a light-up dog collar.
This is important because you want to be able to see your dog in the rain, and you also want other people to be able to see them.
Reflective clothing and light-up dog collars will help to make your dog more visible in the rain and fog, and they could even save their life.
So, if you don’t have any reflective clothing or a light-up dog collar for your dog, be sure to get some before your next rain walk!
6. A Sturdy Rain Hat for You
Last but not least, don’t forget to bring a rain hat for yourself!
You don’t want to get soaked on your rain walk, so be sure to bring an umbrella or rain hat.
A rain hat will also help to keep you nice and warm, which is always a good thing.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it! 6 rainy day walking essentials for your Shih Tzu.
Be sure to bring these items with you on your next rain walk, and you and your loving Shih Tzu will be sure to stay dry and comfortable!
Happy walking!
