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El Nino: 3 Tips For Walking Your Dog in Poor Weather

San Diego is currently experiencing very usual winter thanks to the El Nino. While we’re used to the temperatures dropping a bit, we aren’t used to getting massive amounts of rain. It’s an El Niño season for us, meaning it will be a cold and wet winter for Southern California.

For pet­ loving San Diegans, this can be quite troublesome. How are we supposed to walk our dogs or take them to dog parks to socialize? When are we supposed is it safe to go to dog beach? When will we be able to take our dogs on play dates at the local dog park? Rainy weather is less than ideal for dog walking, but it can be done.

Check out our tips below for making the best of this non­-typical El Nino weather.

1. Seek exercise alternatives. If you or your dog really hate going out in the rain, you don’t have to. You can make a conscious effort to make sure your dog gets exercise inside your home. This isn’t always convenient, but if you refuse to go outside in the wet weather, your pup shouldn’t have to suffer. Play inside as much as your home will allow and then try to find a dry spot near your house for your dog to take care of their business.
2. Avoid busy streets. If you and your canine companion are up for venturing out into the rain, avoid busy streets or any other places where you are likely to get even more wet. Getting wet from the falling rain is inevitable, but there’s no reason to add more water to the equation. Look for other areas to walk your dog where you won’t run the risk of being splashed by water or too close to vehicles during rainy weather. Also, staying away from busy streets means you’ll be less likely to step into water that is flowing into a storm drain.
3. Dry off. Once you’re done with your walk, make sure to try your dog’s fur. The smell of wet dog isn’t very appealing, and wet fur can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Have a towel waiting at the door so you can dry your dog down immediately when you get back inside. If your dog gets cold after being wet, try to make them more comfortable by turning the heater on or by throwing a blanket in the dryer for a few minutes. You can then wrap your dog in the blanket or put it in their bed to lay on.

If you’re ever in need of a pet sitter or dog walker, we’re here to help! Rain or shine, we are here to take care of your pet when you’re away from home. Learn about the license and bonded pet experts at Pet Pals by clicking here.