Grooming

Walking a Dog in the Rain: A Survival Guide

For dog owners and dog walkers a like, rain days can mean wet walks with their favorite pooch. That often translates into wet, smelly fur and muddy paws in the house. And if you don’t prepare before heading out, you can end up with a wet, smelly home. If you have doodle with long hair, walking a dog in the rain can also mean fur mats. But unless you want your dog to go to the bathroom inside the house, you’ll need to take them out for potty breaks. Join us as we share our Survival Guide to Walking a Dog in the Rain. Here you will find the hidden dangers of walking a dog in the rain. Plus find tips on how to stay dry and deal with the mess.

Should I Walk My Dog in the Rain?

You will find that many dogs, even ones that like the water, will not enjoy walking in the rain. Our poodle mix hates going out in the rain. If your dog is not the rain loving type, I suggest you skip the walk. Instead just take them out for quick potty breaks.

Even if your dog loves walking in the rain you should think twice before taking them on a long walk. There are hidden dangers with walking your dog in the rain that you might not have thought of. Here are five things you need to consider before you take your dog for a walk in the rain.

Lightning

Although rare there is a change that you can be struck by lightning while walking out in a storm. If you are near a body of water that risk increases. Also lightning and thunder can frighten a dog. This may cause your dog to break free and run into traffic.

Low visibility

Heavy rain can make it difficult for drivers to see you and your pup in the street. It can also impair your vision.

Weather may change for the worst

Storms tend to increase in intensity. What might have started as a light rain could turn into a heavy downpour before you are able to seek shelter.

Falling trees

There is an increased risk of being struck by a falling tree or tree limb during a storm. This is probably more common than getting struck by lightning.

Puddles

Puddles pose a threat to your dog both when it is raining and when the skies have cleared. This is because standing water can harbor dangerous bacteria that can cause your dog to become ill. In the Rainy Day Dangers for Dogs post on PetMD.com, Dr. Sarah Tauber, a veterinarian at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital states “Leptospirosis and giardia are two infectious agents that can potentially result when dogs consume diseased water [found in puddles],”

Puddles can also be dangerous if toxins like motor oil, antifreeze or lawn chemicals have spread to puddles during rainfall. These toxins can be consumed by your dog, either by drinking the water directly or by licking their paws after stepping in the puddle.

Can Dogs Get Sick from Walking in the Rain?

While rain itself generally will not cause harm to your pup, standing rainwater can harm your pup. Dogs can become sick by ingesting contaminated rainwater either by drinking from a puddle or by licking it off their paws. In addition, dogs can get sick if they are exposed to wet, cold weather for too long. In same post Rainy Day Dangers for Dogs, Dr. Tauber states that “If dogs are exposed to wet, cold weather for too long, their respiratory tract can become inflamed, which may lead to pneumonia,”

To learn more about the dangers of walking your dog in the rain please read the PetMd.com post on Rainy Day Dangers for Dogs

Tips for Walking a Dog in the Rain

Here are 5 information packed tips on how to make dog walks in the rain a breeze.

1. Check the weather

Walking a Dog in the Rain: A Survival Guide

You may have noticed that rain often comes in cycles. It is common to have either light rain or no rain in between harder downpours. Therefore, you should plan your day accordingly by checking the weather forecast for your area. You can get a clearer picture of what the day will bring by using local weather radar maps. Above is the radar map from Accuweather.com. By using the future feature (see red arrow above) you can see when there will be breaks in the rain.

Waiting for your normal walk time or when your dog needs to go out may result in you having to go out in a downpour.

As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

2. Be Prepared for the Weather

You should prepare for the rainy season before it comes. That means having the right tools gear when you need it. The last thing you want to be doing to searching the closets looking for your rain gear when your pup needs to go out. Here are some items you might want on hand to make going outside in the rain with your dog easier.

For you

If you are just going out for a quick potty break an extra-large umbrella works well to keep you both dry. It’s the only way to get our pup will go out the door.

You can find large sized umbrellas in stores or online. The G4Free Golf Umbrella pictured to the left comes in three sizes: 54″, 62″, and 68″. You can also choose between 22 color combinations. The canopy is vented to allow wind to pass through it while still keeping you dry. You can find the G4Free Golf Umbrella on Amazon.com

However umbrellas may be less feasible if you are going on a long walk. Between holding the leash, umbrella and a poopy bag we just don’t have enough hands. Instead, use a long raincoat with a hood or a hooded poncho to keep dry. Don’t forget the rain boots.

SaphiRose Hooded Rain Poncho with pockets for Adults. Available at Amazon.com

For your dog

Before heading outside, check the temperature outside. If it’s raining and cold, you’ll need to be sure your dog is protected from the elements. Excessive exposure to the cold rain can result in hypothermia.

This is especially true for smaller dogs and dogs that have short hair and a single coat. These types of dogs usually don’t have the protection of a thick coat to keep them warm. To learn more about how to decide if your dog needs a sweater read our post Does Your Dog Need a Sweater in the Winter?

RC packable Rain Poncho is available at Amazon.com

Whether your pup has a thick coat of fur or not, getting them a rain coat and boots to help keep them dry and mud free. Just keep in mind that some dogs will be unwilling to wear them at first.

You can find doggy raincoats with and without an insulating layer to provide the right amount of coverage for your pup. Raincoats for dogs also come in varying degrees of coverage. Some will cover the entire body and legs with just enough open space for the dog to relieve themselves and others only cover the back. If your pooch doesn’t mind wearing a raincoat get one that at least covers their head, back, legs and underside.

However, if they are not the type to wear a full body raincoat, try a less restrictive rain coat that covers their head, back and part of their stomach. Here are 5 raincoat ideas for your dog.

Paw care

It’s important to properly care for your pup’s paws. Walking in the rain can expose your dog to chemicals that wash out from lawns or are left behind by cars. Dog boots are a great option to protect your pup from these dangerous chemicals. Plus they will keep your pup’s paws from getting wet and muddy. There are many dog boots available. What boot is best for you will depend on where you live. If you live in a colder climate then insulated boots might be best. If the cold is not an issue simple rubber boots will work to keep their paws clean and dry. Either way look for boots that are sturdy, well-fitting and have non slip grips on the bottom.

How to get a dog to wear boots?

Most dogs will not like the idea of wearing boots at first. So don’t whip them out the first day it rains and try to put them on. You will need to introduce the boots to your dog slowly. Begin by letting them smell the boots. You may even want to leave the boots out where your pup can smell them at their own pace. Then when you put the boots on your dog give them lots of treats. This works best with two people. As one person puts on the boots have another person give your pup small bits of a high value treat. Once they are on, distract your pup with their favorite game or toy. Do this a few times before you try going for a walk in them.

3. Before you leave prepare for your return

Having everything in place for your return will make drying your pup a breeze. Before leaving the house, make sure to spread out a super absorbent machine washable rug in your entryway. That way the rug will soak up the rain and mud you will both track inside. If one rug is not large enough to cover most of the floor, use more. Old towels will work too but you may find that you will need a lot more towels on the floor to soak up the mess.

Tip: Use two or more small rugs to cover the area instead of one large rug. Using small rugs will make it easier to wash them.

Keep old towels within close reach of the door to drape over your dog’s head as soon as you come in. The draped towel will help stop him from shaking all the rain and mud onto your walls and floors.

Keep a low bucket of water with a mild dog shampoo mixed in waiting next to the door. That way you can dunk your pup’s paws in and clean the mud off.

Tip: Depending on how long your walk lasts you can leave out warmer water then you would normally use on your dog. By the time you come back the water should be the right temperature.

4. Plan your walk

Carefully choose your route – Think about what areas on your walk may contain puddles or muddy areas and avoid them by picking another route. Also if you live in an urban environment stay away from busy streets where you may be splashed by a passing car.
Look for shelter – If possible go for a walk in areas that provide shelter from the rain.
Shorten the route – Instead of going on a long walk, take a short walk and then spend time playing inside with your dog.
Visibility – Make sure you can be seen by other people, especially drivers. Wear bright colors or clothes with reflective strips to ensure you can be seen by others. Also cloudy days are always darker, again affecting your ability to see dangers or be seen by others.
Bring water – If you are going for a longer, walk bring water for your dog so they won’t be tempted to drink form a puddle.

5. When you get back

Once you get back inside and before your dog is able to shake off the water, drape the towel you laid out earlier on their back. Dogs are less likely to shake with a towel on them. Quickly start drying off their back and legs. If they are wearing a full raincoat and boots the cleanup should be easy.

If they went out without a raincoat, use a super absorbent towel to dry them as much as you can For dogs with long fur, you should use a slicker to brush out tangles before they become full blown mats.

The Bone Dry DII Microfiber Dog Bath Towel comes highly rated. You can find it on Amazon.com

Clean their muddy paws by dipping them in the soapy water you set out before going on your walk. Just remember to check the water temperature before dunking your dog’s paws in.

You need to make sure that you completely rinse and dry your dog’s paws to prevent cracking. Wet paws can encourage the development of fungi.

If you have one, use a pet friendly hair dryer to completely dry their fur. Be careful not to hold the dryer to close to your pet or let it get too hot.

There you have it. Everything we know about the dangers of walking a dog in the rain. Plus the tips and tricks we have used over the years to deal with rainy days. Hopefully we helped make walking your dog in the rain easier for you.

The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One

If you have a doodle like us, you know that doodles and poodles spend a lot of time at the groomers. So it is very important that you pick the best dog groomer for your dog. But too often when picking a dog groomer people tend to focus on how their Doodle will look. Let’s face it; we all want our dogs to look great. While a good haircut is important, you need to also focus on finding a safe, clean grooming salon. You want a groomer that will care for your pup just like you do.

You may not realize it, but dog grooming salons can be a dangerous place for your pup. Just search on dog grooming accidents. You will find stories about dogs that were hurt at the hands of their groomers. Now accidents do happen. But there is a difference between an experienced, dedicated groomer and one that is not. That difference may be the difference between bringing your dog home with a nick and something much worst. To help you we have gathered information on what to look for when picking the best dog groomer for your dog.

What to Look For When Picking the Best Dog Groomer for Your Dog

Here are the 10 areas you should look at when picking the best dog groomer for your dog:

Reviews
Experience
Training
Cleanliness
Safety
Insurance
Where will your dog be kept?
What products they use
Price

Join us as we review each area and provide tips on what to look for.

1. Reviews

When picking the best dog groomer for your dog, you should ask people you know for recommendations. Start with your family, and friends. They are more likely to give you their honest opinion. Ask what they like and don’t like about their groomer. Ideally you should ask people who have a dog with the same hair type and demeanor as your dog. This is particularly important if you have a poodle mixed breed. Remember all dogs are different; one groomer might be great with a certain type of dog and not so great with another. You can also ask people you meet that have the same type of dog. I found most people are willing to talk about their groomer if they have had a good experience.

When you can’t get recommendations

If you don’t know of anyone who uses a dog groomer, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

You can also trying searching on the internet. Use keywords like “dog groomer near me”, “dog grooming near me” or “find a dog groomer near me”. If you use Google you should receive a list of area groomers along with their contact information, reviews and website address. We found our dog groomer by searching on “best dog groomer near me”.

Once you have a few possibilities you need to do some research. Look on the web at review sites. But don’t just look at the number of stars; make sure to read what people have to say. Pay special attention to complaints regarding cleanliness, safety, and how the place treats their canine clients.

Also look to see if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau. If there are complaints, how were they settled? If there are a lot of complaints stay away.

2. Experience

Experience is not just how long they have been grooming dogs but where they trained and if they are keeping up with their training. You can find some of this information on line by checking out their website or Facebook page. If it is not there you will need to ask them during an interview. Ideally you want someone who has at least a few years of grooming experience with some of that experience coming from an apprenticeship under an experienced groomer.

3. Training

Currently dog groomers do not need a license to groom a dog, which means anyone can call themselves a dog groomer. Because of this you need to pay attention to how the groomer was trained. When talking with the groomer make sure to ask them:

Where they received their training
- Look for a groomer who has completed a qualified grooming program.
- Find out if they are certified by a national dog groomer association.
Some states require that groomers are licensed and certified in flea and tick applications. Ask to see if your prospective groomer is certified.

4. Cleanliness

Once you have picked a few dog groomers you like, your next step is to visit the salon. I suggest that you pop in unexpected for a quick visit. That way can see what the place looks like and who is grooming the dogs when they are not expecting you. However don’t expect a tour or long conversation. The groomer may be busy with a client. You should be able to take a quick look around. Then setup another time to talk extensively and get a tour.

During your first visit look to see if the place looks and smells clean. A messy place can result in injuries. Some red flags to look for are dirty, musty smells, forceful handling of the dogs and unattended dogs on tables or in front of dryers. We will talk more about the interview process later.

5. Safety

Your dog’s safety should be the most important consideration when picking a groomer. In recent years there have been reports of dogs becoming injured or dying at the hands of their groomer. Here are some of the things you should look for:

First Aid Kit – Make sure your groomer has a first aid kit for dogs. It should be easily accessible in case of an emergency. Ask if there is a staff member always present that is trained in pet first aid and CPR.

Medical Records – They should keep track of your dog’s medical and vaccination records and emergency contact information in addition to their grooming records. Ask the owner if they have a procedure in place for emergencies. Do they have a veterinarian on call?

Muzzle – Ask if they use a muzzle during grooming. If so what is the policy for when and how long a muzzle is used. Remember a muzzle can restrict how easy a dog can breathe.

Hair Dryers – Drying a dog after they had a bath can be dangerous for your dog if not done properly. Dogs can become over heated if left in front of a dryer for too long. Ask the groomer how they dry the dogs. If they use a dryer find out how it is monitored to insure the animal does not overheat.

Handling – Observe how friendly the staff is and how gentle they are with their four-legged clients. Ask about how they handle difficult dogs.

Our story

Our previous dog’s groomer worked alone when we started to use her. As her popularity grew so did her workload. After a couple of years of going to her, we started to notice what looked like grooming mishaps. Spots where our dog’s fur was cut too short and the skin looked irritated. We also noticed that our pup did want to go to the groomer anymore. So at her last visit we decided to pop in early one day to check on our pup. What we found was that the owner of the shop was no longer the person who was grooming our dog. At no point during our conversations at drop off or pick up were we told that she had people working for her. The lesson here is even after you find a great groomer it is important to stay vigilant.

6. Insurance

When picking a groomer it is important to make sure the groomer and everyone who works there is covered by insurance in case of an accident. Ask the groomer about the type of insurance they have and who is covered. Ideally they will have both general and professional liability insurance.

7. Where dogs are kept?

During your tour ask where your dog will be kept when they are not being groomed. Some groomers will keep the dogs in a cage when they are not being worked on. Others will have play areas where well behaved dogs can be around other dogs. In either case pay attention to how clean and well-lit the area is. Is the area monitored? Is there room to move around comfortably? Find out what their policy is regarding aggressive dogs. They should have a way to separate aggressive dogs from the other dogs.

8. What products do they use?

What products the groomer uses will have an effect on your dog’s skin and fur. Make sure to ask about the products they will use on your dog. All-natural or organic dog shampoos and conditioners are gentler on your dog’s coat and skin than products that are full of chemicals. This is especially important for dogs that are prone to skin conditions or have allergies.

9. Price

Although you shouldn’t base your decision on price, you do want to make sure you know what you are getting and at what cost. Make sure to ask what is included and what is not.

Be cautious of a groomer that is priced much lower than their competition. Either they are new or they are unable to get clients at an average price.

The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One For Your Dog - Westie being groomed

The Interview

Now that we have gone over items you should look for when picking the best dog groomer for your dog, let’s get into some tips for the actual interview.

During your scheduled interview and tour take a closer look at:

How clean the facility is?
- Some hair on the floor is to be expected, especially if there are dogs being groomed. However there shouldn’t be hair lying around from a previous groom.
- Does the salon smell of accidents, vomit or wet dogs?
- If the groomer uses holding cages are they clean?
- Are there fleas?
  - An easy way to check for fleas is to wear something white on your feet. Glance at them periodically throughout your visit. If the place has fleas, you will see them jump on your feet and ankles as you walk.
Is there fresh water available?

Do they ask questions?

A good dog groomer will not only answer all your questions, but they will also ask you questions about your dog. At a minimum they should ask:

The age of your dog
If your dog has previously been groomed
They should inquire about your dog’s health. Remember to tell them if there are any medical conditions such as:
- Skin problems
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Other aliments
- Let them know if your dog has mobility issues or if they cannot stand for a long period of time.
They should ask you how you want your dog to look. Bring pictures so you can show the groomer how you want your pup to look.
For proof of age appropriate vaccines. Stay away from a groomer who doesn’t ask for this.

The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One For Your Dog - Dog getting a bath

How to Save Money at the Groomers

Picture of a Yorkshire Terrier mix on a grooming table with hair and scissors next to her. Part of What to look for when picking a groomer post — Petfinder.com

As the saying goes “Time is Money”. Dog groomers often determine the price based on how long it takes to groom a dog. The easier it is to groom your dog the less it will cost. The three big time commitments are:

1. Matted Fur

To keep your dog from becoming matted you need to brush and comb them often. How often will depend on how long their fur is. Since we keep our pup’s hair on the short side every few days seems to work. For long haired dogs, brushing and combing needs to be done daily. Pay attention to the areas that matt the most.
- Use a slicker brush, than run a comb over their entire body to make sure you did not miss anything. A small mat today will become bigger by tomorrow.
Stay out of the rain. Wet hair mats quickly
Consider going to the groomer more often
Keep their hair on the shorter side

As an Amazon and Cherrybrook affiliate I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

The Chris Christensen slicker brush is highly recommended by dog groomers and doodle owners for at home use. We recommend buying it from Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies. You can also find it on Amazon.com.

We use the Chris Christensen Poodle Comb from Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies to line comb our pup. It is a heavy weight comb that should last for a very long time. Plus the long 1.25″ teeth are long enough to get through all of her fur. You can also find it on Amazon.com.

2. Dogs that don’t like to be groomed

Brush them at home to help your pup become comfortable with being groomed.
Give them a special treat when you pick them up from the groomers.

3. Specialty cuts and dyes

Today, dog grooming goes beyond a simple bath and cut. Dogs can get elaborate cuts and dyes. But it will cost you. If you want to keep your expenses down go for a simple haircut.

Types of Dog Groomers

Here are a few common types of dog groomers you can choose from.

Big Box Store

This is a corporate run salon that is attached to a retail store. There has been some bad press around corporate salons in the past couple of years due to dog deaths. Remember accidents can happen in any type of salon. If you go to a corporate salon, ask who will be grooming your dog. Then interview them just like you would at a smaller groomer before booking an appointment.
An advantage of this type of place over smaller salons is that you can watch as your dog is groomed.

Small business

Small salons tend to be owner operated businesses. In this type of salon the owner does some if not all of the grooming.
Sometimes they have a small staff that helps with the bathing and grooming. These places may have an apprentice working with them.

Mobile

Mobile groomers operate out of a van that has been designed to be a grooming salon.
They come to you.
Your dog will be the only one they are working on. This is particularly good for dogs that don’t get along with other dogs.
Maybe more expensive than a groomer you go to.

When picking a dog groomer for your dog remember that they are one of the few people you will leave your dog with alone. For this reason it is important to find a groomer that you trust to treat your pup the same way you do.

Take your time and be selective when picking the best dog groomer for your dog.

Resources

There are two canine groomer associations that offer certification and advance training.