Rainy Days: Reflections in a Puddle !

Rainy Days

Its February in the UK and it’s raining (no surprise there then) ! As full time sitters across the UK and Europe we look after pets in all weathers but I’m here to share some thoughts on rainy days as a sitter for your dog (s).

Muddy Paws and Time Outdoors

Someone once said “There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." (Alfred Wainwright) and we come to our sits with clothing for all weathers so your dogs can still get their exercise and walks. But what do rainy day walks mean to you ? do you normally do field walks that you swap to lanes if its too muddy or do you don the wellies and plod through the mud?  At what point if any is it just too wet?  Do your pooches refuse to go out of the door when they see the rain and need a little persuasion or are they happy in all weathers to be out for their walks.  And what about their attire ? Do you have fancy raincoats or dry off with those all important doggy towels?  All of these things are really useful to know as a sitter. Checking the weather forecast before you go and making your information sheet relevant to the weather will help your sitter to keep a good routine for your dogs whatever the weather.

Muddy Floors and Extra Chores

If there is persistent rain its likely that your dogs will have muddy feet and wet coats. We are prepared for the extra cleaning needed when the weather is wet and the surroundings muddy but are you? In your home guide or instructions is it clear if washing machines and tumble driers are ok for dogs towels and muddy clothing?  Also does your sitter know where the floor cleaner, mop and bucket is so we can keep your floors nice and clean. Have you made extra dog towels and their bedding available and have you left instructions for how you clean down your dog when it returns from that wet and muddy walk?  Some dogs are ok just with a towel rub down others need a wash down in the garden. And when your dog is drying off where do you like them to be? Are they ok on your carpeted floors or do you prefer them to be elsewhere.

As for bathing your dog although we know lots of owners do, we won’t get in the shower with them ( it’s an insurance nightmare) but will happily wash and dry them down and if appropriate take them along to your local groomer for any booked sessions.  

Fun indoor and play galore

 In between walks when the weather is bad we focus on enrichment time with your dogs.  If they are spending less time out in the garden in rainy weather this will often be indoors. Depending on what you tell us they like, this could be playing with toys, searching for treats or just cuddles. We find that almost all dogs love a bit of company and will go off and find their own space or just not engage when they have had enough. If your dogs love being out in the garden, rainy weather can mean they spend more time indoors so as sitters we would want to ensure they don’t become bored. So, let us know what their favourite toys or games are and whether they like to sit and have a cuddle. Do you have treats we can use for enrichment activities and play or are you happy we use ours?

Play and company are two key components of what we offer as pet sitters and rainy days just move that indoors.

All of these considerations can apply to extreme heat, snow or other extreme weather conditions but I’m writing this blog from a very rainy Devon where it has rained for 7 of the 7 days we have been here. Luckily the pet parents here have all of the above covered

Thanks for reading

Nicky

Retired & Inspired Pet Services.