10 Rainy Day Dog Walking Essentials

It can often be very challenging to walk your dog in the rain; however, with the right gear it can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you and your pup. To make your rainy day walks easier, I’ve prepared a checklist of 10 rainy day dog walking essentials that will keep you and your pup dry and safe.

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Item No.1 – An Umbrella

A sturdy umbrella is the key to keeping you and your dog dry. That’s why I’ve listed it as the #1 item of rainy day dog walking essentials. You can choose to go with a traditional umbrella or spice it up with an umbrella hat or leash umbrella. By keeping your dog dry, they may be more cooperative on the walk, and you know how uncooperative wet dog can get. A sturdy umbrella will help both you and your dog stay dry as well as prevent any unwanted colds. If you’re caught in a rainstorm, you’ll be glad you brought a sturdy umbrella along.

Item No.2 – A Raincoat

A raincoat offers another layer of protection against the rain for both your and your dog. It can cover areas that are not protected by your umbrella. Even if you’ve chosen not to bring an umbrella, a raincoat allows for you and your dog to move more freely in the rain. Remember, our goal is to remain dry and comfortable while enjoying a rainy day dog walk. 

Item No.3 – Rain Booties

Rain booties are also an essential item for your rainy day dog walks. Not only do they protect your dog’s paws from the rain and cold weather, they can also prevent your dog from getting frostbite or other cold-weather injuries.

Item No.4 – Extra Leash and Collar

An extra leash and collar will come in handy if your leash gets too wet or muddy. It’s generally a good idea to keep an extra leash and collar when going on a rainy day walk with your pup. Keeping an extra leash and collar reduces the chances of your dog getting loose or too dirty.

Item No.5 – Poop Bags

One of the main reasons you’d need to walk your pup in the rain is because they likely have to go potty. It’s always a great idea to bring extra poop bags on your walk in case of emergencies. Surprisingly, rainy weather can create nervousness in dogs and cause them to potty more frequently than normal. Sometimes handling poop bags is difficult on a normal day, but adding in the rain and possible wind could cause a bag or two to blow away from you in the process. Better safe than sorry as I always say, it’s better to be prepared. 

Item No.6 – A Scooper

A scooper can also come in handy when going for a rainy day walk with your pup. It’s important to clean up after your dog, and with rainy weather it can get messy. If rain turns your dog’s poop soggy, a scooper will help you lift it cleanly off the ground without squishing it and creating a bigger mess. And the best reason for bringing a scooper along, you don’t have to bend down in the rain to clean after your pup.

Item No.7 – Treats

Treats will help motivate your dog and keep them happy on your rainy day walk. In addition to keeping your pup happy, treats help to motivate and provide positive reinforcement with rainy walks. Although it may not be noticeable to us, dogs can pickup on many scents in their environment. Bringing good smelly treats will help compete with the distractions the rain may bring, and keep your pup focused. A delicious treat will help your dog forget about the bad weather and make the walk more enjoyable.

Item No.8 – Portable Power Bank

A portable power bank can be very helpful on rainy walk days. Rainy days can often lead to longer walks, and with longer walks (especially in the rain) there could be issues that require a phone. Should your dog injure themselves or the rain turns into a downpour or storm, a fully charged phone will help with obtaining documentation (photos/videos) or getting rideshare for pickup if needed. Bringing a portable power bank, you can stay connected even if you’re out for a while.

Item No.9 – Reflective Clothing

Wearing reflective clothing can help you and your dog stay safe while walking in the rain. Rain often reduces the visibility of drivers, cyclists, or other pedestrians. Rain can also bring darkness about, so wearing reflective clothing can help to prevent a potential accident. In the event of an accident, reflective clothing will make you and your dog easier for emergency responders.

Item No.10 – Plenty of Water

And lastly, plenty of water and a travel bowl for your dog to drink from. Now I know what you’re thinking water? Yes, even though you’re walking in the rain, you and your dog will need fresh water to stay hydrated on your walk. Keeping water on hand will come in handy when you need to give them a drink.

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Embracing Your Rainy Day

You and your dog are sure to enjoy your rainy day walk when you take the necessary steps to prepare beforehand. Make sure to bring your essentials along with you for your walk. Imagine how disappointing it would feel to forget your umbrella, or perhaps your dog’s waterproof clothing and booties. But most importantly, please don’t forget to bring plenty of clean water. You’re sure to both stay safe and dry with the right gear, allowing you and your pup to enjoy some quality time together with these rainy day dog walking essentials. Happy Trails!