For many of us, it’s getting to the time of year when we get more rain – and puddles and mud on the ground.
While the weather can make us feel more tempted to stay at home, our dogs still need walking on the best dog leashes and outdoor cats will still want to explore their territory, so we might find we have some rather wet pets to contend with!
Whether your cat has been having a nice lie down in the wet grass or your dog has been splashing around in muddy puddles on their walk, it’s important to make sure you dry your pet properly, says vet Aimee Warner at Waggel.
This is both to make sure your home doesn’t get any bad smells and to ensure your furry friends stay happy and healthy – while her advice is targeted more at dogs, it’s worth keeping in mind for our feline companions, too.
“Not drying your dog properly post-walk can lead to a variety of issues such as skin conditions, ear infections, and matting,” explains Warner. “All of these cause discomfort and can also have a significant impact on our pets' overall health and happiness.”
Can I go for a dog walk in the rain? If you’re asking yourself that question, the answer is certainly yes, but it’s important to keep your dog’s health at the forefront of your mind.
Our pets, particularly dogs with thick or long coats, can retain moisture close to their skin if we don’t dry them properly. Bacteria and fungi can thrive here, which might lead to infections like hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis. And when Malassezia, a type of fungi grows, it can lead to a yeast infection in dogs – which can cause itching, redness, and an unpleasant odor, potentially leaving you with large vet bills, too.
Even without bacterial and fungal infections, constant exposure to moisture can lead to irritation, itchiness, and discomfort. If your pet scratches or bites the areas affected, there’s the potential for secondary infections.
Meanwhile, wet fur that isn’t dried and brushed properly can become matted, tugging at the skin and causing irritation and hotspots. In some cases, it can limit air circulation, which may make skin problems worse.
And hypothermia is another concern. Particularly as the weather gets colder, a wet dog could see their body temperature drop if they aren’t dried properly. This may lead to hypothermia, weakening the immune system and leaving the skin more vulnerable to infections.
“To prevent these issues,” Warner sums up, “It's important to thoroughly dry your dog after wet walks or baths, paying attention to areas where moisture can be trapped, such as between the toes, under the belly and armpits, and around the ears.”
And how cold is too cold for dogs in winter? Find out here, and if the weather really is too unpleasant and unsafe for your pup, these indoor games for dogs will keep your canine companion amused for hours.
