Skip to main content

Beth's Dog Walker Files: Inclement Weather

If you're a dog walker or have animal companions of your own, it's inevitable that there will be days you must face bad weather. A little rain is an inconvenience for sure, but what about ice, torrential downpour, tornado warnings, and other weather threats that can pose significant danger?

I have a separate post regarding extremely hot weather, but that doesn't cover things like storms, winter weather, and other concerns.

Good communication with pet parents - do they work from home during bad weather? Many teachers have off and some people can telecommute at times. Do they have a neighbor who can assist if the weather is too bad that you cannot make it over? If you fear for your safety because driving conditions are too bad, make that clear to your clients. Also communicate if visits may be modified, such as visits cut short, on extreme days such as these.



Dress appropriately. On hot days, obviously dress cool and wear protective gear if possible, such as wide-brimmed sun hats and sunscreen. On cold days, dress in layers so you can add or take off as needed to stay comfortable. Rain shoes have proven very helpful on wet days. If you don't want rain boots, consider taking a dry pair of socks and an extra pair of shoes to change into so your feet don't suffer or get rashy. Dogs should not drink standing water, puddles, or rain water.

Even during inclement weather, routine (and exercise) is good for dogs. Without their normal schedule, dogs can act out such as chewing on things they are not supposed to (like shoes or furniture) or even chew their own paws or fur, potty inside, or express other undesirable behaviors.

Shorten walks but play and give more affection indoors or under shelter.

Other things to consider: some dogs are afraid of bad weather such as thunder and rain and snow. Some dogs do not like staying out long in hot weather, especially if they are older or have longer hair. Some dogs don't like going outside in the rain, even if there is barely a drizzle. All animals have different personalities, so find out what your dogs like and don't like, and always play it safe.

These are just a few factors to consider during potential dangerous weather. Check out the links below for more information and ideas how to handle inclement weather. Thanks for reading!



Sources and Additional resources:
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/what-you-need-to-walk-your-dog-in-winter-weather
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/tips-walking-dog-rain-sleet-snow
http://www.dogreference.com/11-calming-methods-for-your-dog-during-bad-weather/
https://www.fetchpetcare.com/blog/handle-dog-walking-bad-weather/


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Companion Animal Services

   With years of professional experience with excellent reviews and references from all my clients, I am available in Columbia, Elkridge, parts of Ellicott City, and nearby areas in Maryland. I have been an animal lover since a small child and cared for many different types of animals throughout my life.  I'm typically available Monday through Friday with limited Saturday and Sunday availability.  Dog walking and check-in visits  Cat check-ins and litter box cleaning Small animal care (chinchillas, rats, mice, rabbits, etc.) Fish and reptile care and other services on a case-by-case basis I am happy to water plants and do other small tasks as part of my fee (no additional charge). At this time, I do not offer boarding or overnight services.  LET'S GET IN TOUCH Contact me so we can discuss your needs as well as schedule a meet and greet to see if I am the right fit for you and your companion animal(s).  You can con...

Beth's Dog Walker Files: Common Sense in the Heat

If it's hot outside for us, especially with high humidity, you know it's going to be hot for dogs covered in fur! There are many dangers dogs can face in the hot weather, just like humans, such as dehydration and heatstroke. Here are a few common sense ways to keep dogs and other companion animals safe in the heat, and there are resources linked below with more information if you'd like to do further reading on this topic. As a dog walker or someone who has companion animals, it's crucial to know this information.  Before I begin, if you live near Columbia or Ellicott City and would like to book my companion animal services, please click here to visit my main page.   1. NEVER LEAVE ANIMALS IN PARKED CARS!  Even with the windows open, it can get extremely hot inside a car that's not moving or running air conditioning. Luckily, many places are making it illegal to leave animals in cars and some places are supporting movements where people can break the ca...

Beth's Dog Walker Files: Meeting Anxious Dogs

It's bound to happen when you are a dog walker or dog sitter. Every now and then you may get a client with an anxious dog. The dog might have been traumatized, perhaps has a health issue, or is just naturally have a  timid personality. There are certain things you can do to make sure your meet and greet as well as subsequent visits with the anxious dog goes as smoothly and incident-free as possible. Give the dog time. Some dogs take A LONG time to warm up to new people. Don't force interaction, even simply petting a nervous dog can spell disaster. When I meet any new dog, I always let the dog lead. I enter the home when prompted and typically let the dog sniff me. I am as gentle and quiet as possible, avoiding eye contact and crouching down to a lower stance (kneeling more or less, not bending or hovering) until I get a feel for the situation. Sometimes it helps for the first meeting to be at a neutral location. Some pups tend to be more anxious and possibly territo...