It's August, and it's raining — which, this being Britain, surprises absolutely no one. When the forecast is a solid week of grey, “we'll go when it clears up” isn't really a plan. The good news: with a little kit and a bit of sense, a rainy walk can be one of the best of the week. Here's how to do it well.
The quick answer: Most dogs can and happily do walk in the rain. Keep them warm and dry with a waterproof coat, stay visible in the gloom, keep to safer routes away from swollen water and traffic spray, and dry them properly when you're home. When the weather's genuinely unsafe — storms, flooding, ice — swap the walk for indoor games instead. Free UK delivery over £30.
Is it OK to walk a dog in the rain?
For the most part, yes — and many dogs love it. Empty streets, quiet parks and a world full of fresh, rain-released smells make wet walks a real treat. Rain alone is rarely a reason to stay in.
What matters is which dog and how wet. A fit, thick-coated dog will barely notice a shower. A small, slim, short-coated, elderly or young dog feels cold rain far more — so they benefit from a coat and a shorter loop. Read your dog: eager and bouncing means carry on; hunched, tail-down and pulling for home means cut it short.
The wet-weather walking kit
A few things turn a miserable trudge into a proper outing:
- A waterproof coat. The single biggest upgrade. A coat that keeps the chest and back dry means your dog comes home warm rather than shivering — and there's far less to towel off. Our quick-drying Eco-Friendly Sarah Raincoat (£39.99) is built for exactly this; on cold-and-wet days, the reversible thermal-lined “Francis” Bomber Jacket (£34.99) adds warmth too. Our full waterproof coats guide walks through sizing and picks.
- A reliable collar and lead. Wet pavements and low light are no time for dodgy fastenings. A well-made, wipe-clean collar like the waterproof, hypoallergenic Rose Wylie Collar (£22.99) keeps things secure and cheerful on the greyest day.
- Visibility. Grey skies and a 4pm dusk mean drivers and cyclists see you late. Light colours, a clip-on light or a reflective strip make a real difference on the road.
- A towel by the door. Have it ready before you leave, and the come-home routine takes two minutes rather than twenty.
Staying safe on a wet walk
Rain changes the ground rules a little:
- Give water a wide berth. Rivers, streams and ponds swell and speed up after heavy rain, and banks get slippery. Keep dogs who love a swim on the lead near fast or high water.
- Mind the roads. Puddles hide kerbs and potholes, drivers have less grip and worse visibility, and passing cars throw up spray. Walk further from the kerb than usual where you can.
- Rinse the paws. Wet-weather roads often carry more grit, oil and run-off. A quick paw-rinse and dry when you're home keeps irritants off the pads — and off your floors.
- Skip the thunder. If there's lightning, flooding or ice about, that's a stay-in day. No walk is worth the risk.
Home, dry and warm
The walk isn't quite over until they're dry. Blot — don't rub — with an absorbent towel, paying special attention to the chest, belly, legs and between the toes, then let them settle somewhere warm. If a wet-dog smell lingers, a natural deodorising wash sorts it in minutes. We've got the full routine in how to dry a wet dog after a rainy walk.
When it's a stay-in day: burning the energy indoors
Some days the weather really does win — and a dog who's missed their walk still has all that energy to spend. The trick is to tire the brain, which is every bit as effective as tiring the legs:
- Scent games. Scatter a handful of kibble or treats around a room, or hide them under cups, and let your dog sniff them out. Ten minutes of nose-work settles most dogs beautifully.
- Training refreshers. Five minutes of sits, downs, spins and recall is mentally tiring and strengthens your bond — reward with something they love.
- A long-lasting chew. A good natural chew buys you a peaceful half-hour and gives them a proper job to do.
- Enrichment toys. Puzzle feeders and stuffable toys turn dinner into a challenge. For a full list of ideas, see our guide to the best enrichment toys and chews for the boredom hour and our most durable dog toys.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to walk my dog in the rain?
Usually, yes — many dogs enjoy it. Keep them warm with a waterproof coat, stay visible in low light, avoid swollen water and heavy traffic, and dry them properly at home. Skip the walk only in genuinely unsafe conditions like storms, flooding or ice.
How long should a rainy walk be?
Take your lead from your dog. A happy, well-covered dog can enjoy a normal walk; a small or short-coated dog feeling the cold is better with a shorter loop. If they're hunched and pulling for home, cut it short.
Do dogs still need exercise on rainy days?
Yes. If the weather's too rough to go out, replace the walk with indoor enrichment — scent games, short training sessions, chews and puzzle toys all burn energy by working the brain.
Should I dry my dog after a rainy walk?
Yes. Blot them dry with a towel, focusing on the chest, belly, legs and paws, and let them warm up somewhere draught-free. It prevents chilling, keeps the skin healthy and stops wet-dog smell.
Don't let a grey forecast cancel the fun. Kit them out with a waterproof coat and get back out there — free UK delivery on orders over £30.