Have you ever questioned why your dog appears to like being outside in the rain despite your calls to bring them inside? There can be more going on with your dog’s behavior than you initially think they might just be being obstinate or silly.
In this article, we will explore some of the possible reasons “Why dogs stay out in the rain?” and what you can do to ensure their safety and comfort.
We will also discuss some of the potential risks or problems that may arise from letting your dog stay out in the rain for too long, and how to prevent or solve them.
Whether your dog is a rain lover or a rain hater, this article will help you understand and care for them better.
Contents
Why Do Dogs Stay out in the Rain?
There are some possible reasons why dogs may enjoy or prefer staying out in the rain, and they are not always obvious.
Here are some of the most common or plausible reasons why dogs may stay out in the rain, and how to tell if your dog is one of them.[1]
Cooling Off or Feeling Refreshed
- Some dogs may enjoy the rain because it helps them cool off or feel refreshed, especially on hot or humid days.
- The rain can also provide a soothing sensation on their skin or fur, which some dogs may find pleasant.
- This may be more common for dogs with thick or long coats, who tend to overheat easily.
Having Fun or Being Playful
- Another possible reason why some dogs may stay out in the rain is because they have fun or are playful.
- The rain can create new opportunities for games, such as chasing raindrops, splashing in puddles, or digging in the mud.
- Some dogs may also enjoy the challenge of catching or fetching objects that are wet or slippery.
- This may be more common for dogs with high energy levels, who need a lot of stimulation and exercise.
Exploring New Smells or Sounds
- A third possible reason why some dogs may stay out in the rain is because they are curious and want to explore new smells or sounds.
- The rain can wash away some scents and bring out others, creating a different olfactory landscape for dogs to investigate.
- The rain can also make some animals more active, such as frogs, worms, or birds, which can attract dogs’ attention and interest.
- This may be more common for dogs with strong noses, who rely on their sense of smell to navigate the world.
Seeking Attention or Affection
- Some dogs may want to remain outside in the rain for a fourth potential explanation. They want to be seen or loved by their owners or other people.
- Dogs may use the rain to express their needs or wants, such as the urge to play or be petted outside.
- Dogs can develop a link with their owners or other people by having fun or sharing an experience in the rain.
- This could be more typical for dogs who have intense social requirements and yearn to be around people.
Avoiding Something Indoors
- A fifth possible reason why some dogs may stay out in the rain is because they are avoiding something indoors or expressing discontent with something.
- The rain can be a way for dogs to escape from something that bothers them inside, such as loud noises, other pets, strangers, or boredom.
- The rain can also be a way for dogs to show their displeasure with something that happened inside, such as being scolded, ignored, or denied a treat.
- This may be more common for dogs with behavioral issues, who need more training and guidance.
Risks of Dog Staying out in the Rain
While some dogs might like spending time outside in the rain, allowing them to do so for an extended period of time could come with some hazards or issues.
The typical problems you should be aware of and how to prevent or handle them are listed below.
Getting Sick or Injured
Sickness or injury are two of the biggest risks of being outside in the rain. Your dog may be more prone to illnesses, viruses, or parasites as a result of the cold and rainy weather lowering their immune system.
Your dog may become unwell from being outside in the rain for several reasons, such as:
- Hypothermia: When the body temperature of your dog falls below normal, a hazardous disease known as hypothermia develops. In addition to delayed breathing and organ failure, it can also result in shivering, lethargy, and bewilderment. It might be deadly if not handled.[2]
- Pneumonia: These are bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that can result in lung inflammation. Coughing, fever, breathing problems, and appetite loss can all be brought on by it. Complicacies like sepsis or lung injury might also result from it.
- Leptospirosis: A polluted source of water or soil might spread this bacterial illness. Fever, nausea, diarrhoea, jaundice, renal failure, and bleeding issues are some of its possible side effects. Besides animals, it may also infect people.
- Giardia: By consuming contaminated food or drinking polluted water, you might catch this parasite illness. It might result in dehydration, weight loss, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
To prevent your dog from getting sick or injured from staying out in the rain, you should:
- Limit their exposure to the rain and bring them inside as soon as possible.
- Dry them off thoroughly with a towel or a hairdryer on a low setting.
- Provide them with a warm and cozy place to rest and recover.
- Monitor their temperature, behavior, and appetite for any signs of illness.
- Consult your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms or have any concerns.
Developing Skin or Ear Infections
Being outside in the rain also puts you at risk for getting ear or skin infections. The combination of moisture and filth can foster the growth of bacteria, fungus, or yeast, which can lead to infection, inflammation, or discomfort.
Your dog can get the following frequent skin or ear issues as a result of being outside in the rain:
- Hot spots: When your dog licks, scratches, or bites excessively, these unpleasant, red, wet sores may develop on their skin. Allergies, parasites, illnesses, or stress can all contribute to them.
- Dermatitis: Any skin irritation that results in itchiness, redness, swelling, or scabs is referred to by this broad phrase. It can be brought on by a number of things, including allergies, irritants, infections, or immunological diseases.
- Ear infections: These are infections of the outer, middle, or inner ear that can cause pain, discharge, odor, or hearing loss. They can be caused by bacteria, fungi, yeast, parasites, allergies, or foreign objects.[3]
To prevent your dog from developing skin or ear infections from staying out in the rain, you should:
- Check their skin and ears regularly for any signs of problems.
- Clean their ears gently with a cotton ball or a soft cloth and a mild ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian.
- Avoid using cotton swabs or anything that may push debris deeper into the ear canal.
- Trim their hair around their ears and feet to prevent matting and trapping moisture.
- Treat any wounds or lesions promptly with antiseptic solutions or creams prescribed by your veterinarian.
Damaging Furniture or Belongings
Another problem of staying out in the rain is damaging furniture or belongings.
Your dog may come back inside with wet and muddy paws and fur and leave stains or marks on your floors, carpets, couches, beds, or other items.
They may also shake off their excess water and spray it all over your walls, curtains, lamps, or electronics. This can create a mess and a hassle for you to clean up.
To prevent your dog from damaging furniture or belongings from staying out in the rain, you should:
- Have a designated area or mat near the door where you can wipe off your dog’s paws and fur before letting them inside.
- Use a towel or a doggy robe to dry off your dog as much as possible and remove any dirt or debris from their coat.
- Keep some old towels or blankets handy to cover your furniture or bed if your dog likes to jump on them when wet.
- Train your dog to wait for your cue before shaking off their water and do it in a place where it won’t cause any damage or inconvenience.
- Clean up any spills or stains as soon as possible with appropriate cleaners or detergents.
Tips for Managing Dogs Staying out in the Rain
If you want to make the best of your dog’s time in the rain, here are some tips for managing their comfort, safety and cleanliness:
- Choose the right time and place for the walk, avoiding heavy rain and unsafe areas.
- Use the right gear and accessories for your dog, such as raincoat, harness, leash and booties.
- Monitor your dog’s behavior and body language, looking for signs of discomfort or enjoyment.
- Clean up your dog after the walk, drying them off and checking them for any issues.
FAQs
Is it OK for dogs to stay outside in the rain?
No, Dogs should not stay outside in the rain for long because of health and comfort reasons. Breed differences may also matter.
Why do dogs like to sit out in the rain?
It feels good on their coats and it stimulates their senses, some dogs may prefer to sit outside in the rain. For dogs, the rain may open up new scents and noises to discover as well as new recreational options.
Why won’t my dog come in from the rain?
Since they are having too much fun or are intrigued about the wet surroundings, some dogs might not want to come inside when it starts to rain. They could also be trying to escape something uncomfortable that is happening inside, including loud sounds, other dogs, people, or boredom.
How do you comfort a dog in the rain?
You may attempt to reassure and soothe a dog that is frightened by the rain by giving them a dry, covered area to be. In addition, you may use praise, food, and toys to divert their attention from the rain and to encourage good conduct. To keep them warm and dry, you might also use a towel or a jacket that is waterproof.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored some of the possible reasons why does my dog stay out in the rain, and what you can do to ensure their safety and comfort.
We have also discussed some of the potential risks or problems that may arise from letting dogs stay out in the rain for too long, and how to prevent or address them.
The purpose and scope of this article was to help you understand and care for your dog better, whether they are a rain lover or a rain hater.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about your dog’s behavior in the rain.
Remember, every dog is different and has their own personality and preferences. The best thing you can do is to respect and love your dog for who they are, rain or shine.
After all, they are your best friend and companion, no matter the weather. Do you have a story or a tip to share about your dog staying out in the rain? Let us know in the comments below!
References:
- Burke, A. (2020). How Changes in Weather Can Affect Your Dog’s Mood. American Kennel Club. – AKC
- Duong, H. (2022, January 24). Hypothermia. StatPearls Bookshelf. Retrieved July 4, 2023, from – NCBI
- Tang, S., Prem, A., Tjokrosurjo, J., Sary, M., Van Bel, M. A., Hoffmann, A. R., Kavanagh, M. J., Wu, G., Van Eden, M. E., & Krumbeck, J. A. (2020). The canine skin and ear microbiome: A comprehensive survey of pathogens implicated in canine skin and ear infections using a novel next-generation-sequencing-based assay. Veterinary Microbiology, 247, 108764. – ScienceDirect
When it comes to dogs, Julia ignores nothing. Being an animal behaviorist, dog trainer and a dog parent she knows exactly how even a tiny change in a dog’s surroundings and diet can leave dogs disturbed for a longer duration. Hence, she always makes sure to review for us only the best products for dogs out there.
