A Super El Niño With Dogs: How to Prepare, Train, and Stay Safe

Dogs in Los Angeles can't seem to catch a break. They've faced weeks of heatwaves only to transition into a season of state of emergency warnings for a super El Niño winter. But we're not here to just talk about the weather. Let's talk about how you can help them transition into wetter months that they're not accustomed to.

What does a rainy season mean for our dogs? The obvious answer is shorter walks, more time indoors, and the possibility of muddy paws and pent-up energy. But here are a few unexpected details to keep in mind before, during, and after the rain.

Before the Rain

Preparing has two parts: managing expectations and starting desensitization.

If you're unbothered by the rain, that's great! Rain disrupts our routines, so keeping things as normal as possible helps both you and your dog. Still, even if we're unaffected, rain changes the environment significantly for dogs. Some dogs may feel uncomfortable and hesitant in wetter conditions, while others may be even more excited to explore! 

Rain affects the temperature of the air, the texture of the ground, and most importantly, the smell of everything. If your dog's behavior changes, be patient and let them explore while they decompress from extended time indoors.

Exercise cut short by torrential downpours also affects your dog. More time indoors means more pent-up energy, so be prepared for more bursts of energy and potentially more reactivity if that's something you're currently working through with your pup. To curb their boredom, provide mental enrichment through sniff games and puzzle toys that encourage foraging. A simple indoor game to play with your dog is hiding treats in little nooks and crannies for them to sniff out. If you prefer for their treats to be more contained, try the Woof Walkabout and Toto Enrichment Dog Toy as alternatives. These toys encourage engagement and offer treats when your dog rolls them around. An enrichment toy doesn’t replace outdoor time, but it’s a safe and effective alternative on rainy days. 

Having the right gear also sets your dog up for success. Like us, dogs need to dress appropriately for the weather to feel comfortable. A coat that's too tight or too loose adds unneeded stress, so fit matters. We chose the Nonstop Dogwear Fjord Raincoat 2.0 for unrestricted movement in rainy weather. A few pet parents have already come into the store looking for a raincoat that doesn't shift around while their dogs walk, and when their dogs try this one on, they notice the seamless fit right away. 

Even so, it's worth introducing any new gear before you need it. This matters most if your dog dislikes rain: if the raincoat only comes out when it's wet, they'll learn to associate it with the weather they dread. When putting new gear on, pair it with yummy treats and fun activities to build positive associations. Here are a few desensitization steps to try in the week or two before the rain arrives: raincoat on for 30 seconds with high-value treats, then a few minutes indoors with play or mealtime, and finally a short sniffari walk with frequent rewards.

One more thing to handle ahead of time is your dog's nails. Long nails reduce traction on wet sidewalks, which increases the risk of slips, especially for senior pups. Clip, file, or grind their nails regularly so your dog can grip the ground they're walking on.

During the Rain

As much as we'd like to stay indoors and bundled up when it's raining, we inevitably need to take our dogs out to do their business and stretch their legs. Streets that never give your dog trouble may become slippery, so keep an eye on their footing.

While we're on the topic of paws, be mindful of what your dog is stepping in. With Los Angeles' less-than-ideal drainage system, humans and dogs alike are likely to be stepping in street runoff. That means oils, chemicals, and debris end up on your dog's paws.

While it's impossible to keep our dogs perfectly clean outdoors, be sure to implement a post-walk routine of rinsing and drying their paws when they come inside. A quick rinse will generally do the trick, but if you notice more grime, WellTayl has the perfect formulation for a gentle cleanse. Unscented, vet-formulated, and toxicologist-reviewed, WellTayl Wash + Conditioner maintains your dog’s skin barrier while preventing them from tracking germs indoors. 

Prefer to skip the paw rinse? Boots are a great alternative. The Paws by Kai Snow Boots have a waterproof base and a cozy sherpa lining to keep paws dry and warm. To get the right fit, bring your pup to Doggee Club for a fitting and a chance to practice walking in them before their first rainy day of the season. 

After the Rain

The clouds just cleared, and you're looking to escape a bout of cabin fever. If you're looking forward to hiking after consistent rain, be sure to check trail conditions. Rain can cause mudslides and trail erosion, so check trail reports before you head out on a hike.

As much as it's in our Los Angeles DNA to visit the beach, we highly recommend staying away after heavy rain. Stormwater overflow often carries city contaminants into coastal waters. Even if the water looks clean, we recommend finding alternative activities with your dog to be safe.

On a similar note, be mindful of standing water. It's a breeding ground for bacteria, contamination, and occasionally animal urine. A common disease associated with standing water is leptospirosis. Consult your veterinarian to see if a vaccine is appropriate for your dog.

While the Skies Are Still Blue

You might be reading this under blue skies and wondering if the super El Niño will ever come. And we get it. It’s hard to imagine a season of rain while we’re sweating through a heatwave. But the dogs who handle change the best are the ones who’ve had time to train and desensitize. With some preparation, practice, and a little extra care, our LA dogs will be ready to take on a rainy season. Stop by Doggee Club to try on a new rainy day outfit and pick up a few essentials. 

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