What to do if my dog hates the rain

Many dogs have a phobia of thunderstorms. Dogs are very sensitive and they can often know beforehand if bad weather is coming. Your dog can become anxious, hide or even become aggressive.Another reason that dogs can dislike bad weather is because the sound of rain can become amplified. Dogs have very sensitive hearing. Instead of enjoying the rain as we do, they can find the noise scary and threatening. You can use TV’s to drown out the noise or utilize thundershirts or medication provided by your vet to help with the overstimulation.

Don’t try to force them to go outside in attempt to get them to ‘face their fear’. The best way to handle fearful dogs is with positive reinforcement., such as treats, praise and rewards.

Helping your dog get used to being wet during playtimes can help them adjust to the rain. Hoses, sprinklers, even walking thme through wet grass can help them feel more comfortable during the rain. It is always best to help your dog get used to the rain by going outside with them. Putting them outside alone only reinforces their fear. Sharing your umbrella to keep your dog dry can also help keep them dry and comfortable.