Some dogs may react fearfully to darkened skies or light rain showers just because they've come to associate them with harsher storm conditions. Other triggers include: Changes in smell. Changes in barometric pressure.
They are very sensitive to barometric pressure changes and they can “feel” the storm before they can see or hear it. Their intense ability to smell enables them to detect rain and an approaching storm, as well. Pets can also be sensitive to lightning and thunder.
Dogs are more sensitive to the changes in barometric pressure and this may be an issue for your dog. Other experts claim that when it rains, the moisture makes all the smells much stronger and your dog has a much better sense of smell than you do so they notice this.
One of the most common reasons why your dog won't pee in rain is simply because they don't like being rained on or having wet paws. Walking around on the squishy, wet earth and getting mud squeezed into your paws must be an awful feeling.
While it's important to make sure your buddy is getting the daily exercise he needs, dog walks in the rain shouldn't be forced. Walks should always be a happy time and allow you and your dog to connect. They shouldn't be associated with bad experiences, and putting your pet at an unnecessary safety risk isn't worth it.
When rain moves through it is using part of a frontal system. These weather systems are often accompanied by changing barometric pressure. Changing barometric pressure also affects a dog's ears by making them feel like they need to pop'.
No, it's not okay to leave a dog outside in the rain. While it's sometimes unavoidable for a dog to get wet in a sudden downpour, you shouldn't leave a dog outside in the rain for long. If the dog you're sitting gets soaked from the rain, ensure you dry them off properly when they come inside.
Pneumonia. “If dogs are exposed to wet, cold weather for too long, their respiratory tract can become inflamed, which may lead to pneumonia,” Tauber says. This is especially true for both older and younger dogs, as well as any whose immune systems may be compromised.
Desensitizing to water
Get your dog used to water by taking him out to pee after you've watered the lawn. You could also try feeding your dog on the wet grass or playing with them in a sprinkler or with a garden hose to create positive associations with the feeling of wet terrain.
It's not surprising then, that dogs seem to pick up on impending weather changes and thunderstorms much before we do. Dogs detect the changes in electrostatic charges of the atmosphere and barometric pressure changes as well as detecting low frequency noises.
Storm Fear/Phobia
Dogs diagnosed with storm phobia can react with anxiety or fear to wind, rain, thunder, lightning, and other associated stimuli, including barometric pressure changes, the “smell of rain,” static electricity, and even time of day.
Just like humans, seasonal changes including thunderstorms, heatwaves, dark skies, wind and heavy rain can all affect your dog's behaviour. According to previous research conducted by the PDSA, a third of dog owners noticed their pet feeling sad during the colder months of the year.
With experts divided on what's to do, it's probably best to just listen to your dog. If he's scared and has found a place to hide, that's likely the comfort he needs and you can let him try to work it out. But if he comes looking for you to reassurance, you may just want to give it to him.
Dogs have such superior senses. Their sense of smell tells them rain is on its way. Their sense of hearing picks up the sound of thunder long before you hear that tell-tale sign of a storm. Dogs can sense a drop in the barometer pressure and they are sensitive to the static electricity caused by lightning.
Keep Their Fur Dry
But rubbing them dry with a towel after outdoor adventures in the rain or muck is always a good idea. Some pampered pooches prefer the blow dryer, but few dogs can resist a brisk rubdown. Plus, when fur is left damp, it provides an excellent environment for: Molds.
50-60 degrees and higher are safe temperatures for your dog. 85+ degree temperatures are a different beast in itself, but we're just talking about cool to cold temperatures here. 45 degrees or so are generally acceptable, but you'll still want to keep an eye on how your dog is handling itself in these temperatures.
Just like humans, research has shown that some dogs are affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can be brought on by winter's shortened days and gloomy weather. Owners of dogs who have puppy mood swings caused by SAD report their canines are less active and sleep more during the darker winter months.
The fact that a dog tends to get depressed when it rains does not mean that you need to protect him at all costs or keep him away from inclement weather: it is important to go out come rain or shine and, in fact, we assure you that a little rain is good for your dog.
Whenever these nerves are stimulated by touch, they send a signal through their body. This releases endorphins that are the “feel good” hormones. Naturally, these will send your dog into a state of calm. The nice thing is that rubbing your dog behind their ears doesn't just help them relax, it can also help you too.
Mental stimulation is important for all dogs, but If you have a very intelligent dog, it is even more important to keep your dog entertained. This is especially true if you have a working-breed who doesn't have a 'job' to do.
Planning on walking dogs in hot weather? It's generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C (68°F) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke.
Dogs can see better in the dark than humans, but the dark could change your dog's behaviour. Objects dogs see as normal in the daylight, may look scary in the dark. For example, someone wearing all black clothing may frighten your dog in the dark, so, it's important to keep your dog on a lead.
Many dogs have sound phobias to loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, gunshots, and firecrackers. There is even research that suggests noise phobias can be inherited. According to Dr. Klein, herding breeds are particularly sensitive to noise phobias, perhaps because they are so attuned to their environment.