The dog days are over: People share their best practices for wet-weather dog walking when winter rain won't stop

Author image for Ayala Sorotsky
Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor
Nov 4, 2026 9:00 AM EST

Everybody wants to avoid a wet dog.

There's this one scene in Monsters, Inc. I'll never forget. Granted, this movie has many unforgettable scenes, but one I remember in particular because I didn't understand something about it - why are wet dogs smelly? I'm talking about the locker room scene where Mike and Sully discuss their odorant (monsters' deodorant) smells. Smelly garbage? Yeah, that sounded bad. Old dumpster? Not going to want that smell anywhere near me. Low tide? Yes, the sea leaves behind some unwanted odors. Wet dog, though, was a surprise for me when I first watched that scene. Why are wet dogs considered smelly?

I didn't raise a dog then, so I honestly didn't know that dogs get smelly when their fur is soaked. But even if you're an experienced dog owner and know this bug of raising a dog, you might not know why it actually happens. And yes, there's definitely a scientific reason for it. Apparently, dogs smell so strongly when they're wet because the water evaporates and releases organic compounds created by bacteria and yeast living inside the dog's fur. Yes, I was also surprised to learn that. Just… insert an obligatory joke about dogs being so sweet like pastry because they also have yeast in them, apparently.

Since this is the case with dogs who get wet, it's only natural for inexperienced dog owners to worry about the winter that just started and brought all this rain with it. How can they walk their dogs safely outside when it doesn't stop pouring? Well, there are ways to keep your dogs clean, safe, and relatively dry even during the wet season. You can always count on the online canine community to reach out a paw and help a fellow dog owner in need.

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  • 01
    Leashed Beagle walked by owner in the rain, both are walking through a puddle.
    via halfpoint

    Leashed Beagle walked by owner in the rain, both are walking through a puddle.

    Recreated scenario included to enhance reader understanding.

  • 02
    How Do You Walk Dogs in Constant Rain? Tips Needed
    via ElsGil1
  • 03
    Edit: I think some of you might have misunderstood the context I was talking about the dog, not the owner.
    via ElsGil1
  • 04
    I'm referring to situations when it's pouring, especially when the streets are flooded or covered with water.
    via ElsGil1
  • 05
    What interests me is how different owners in these regions manage the balance between giving their dogs enough exercise and protecting them from potential harm.
    via ElsGil1
  • 06
    Some breeds, especially smaller ones or those with thin coats, are more vulnerable, so I'm also thinking about hygiene, paw health, stress, etc.
    via ElsGil1
  • 07
    Small dog in a yellow raincoat sits on a wet pavement next to an open, colorful umbrella.
    via pixelshot

    Small dog in a yellow raincoat sits on a wet pavement next to an open, colorful umbrella.

    Image for illustrative purposes.

  • 08
    1890rafaella Bought mine a raincoat. It covers his head and now he'll walk forever in the rain.
    via 1890rafaella
  • 09
    so-not-clever My big dogs love their rain coats - little mini doxie he hates his. He would rather just be wet. Go figure.
    via so-not-clever
  • 10
    BunnyLuv13 My chihuahuas hate both options. Since I can control the shower I can clearly control the wet, so why haven't I stopped it yet?
    via BunnyLuv13
  • 11
    Small dog on a rainy outdoor walk stopped to shake the rain off its fur.
    via AlenaLitvin

    Small dog on a rainy outdoor walk stopped to shake the rain off its fur.

    Stock photography for depiction only.

  • 12
    DryWeetbix My buddy's wolfhound cross hates the wet. When it's normal time for walks but it's raining, the dog will look at him sadly, as if to say, "Dad, it's time to go. Why haven't you turned the rain off yet?"
    via DryWeetbix

  • To be honest, I think every dog owner should take that as a compliment - your dog thinks so highly of you that they're sure you can control the weather. Storm from X-Men? Who even is she next to you? At least in the eyes of your dog…

  • 13
    BodyBy711 In the words of my beloved Nana, "you're not sugar, you won't melt". Put a jacket on and get on with it.
    via BodyBy711
  • 14
    Dog wearing a raincoat over its body and head outside in rainy weather.
    via Andreas Schnabl from Pexels

    Dog wearing a raincoat over its body and head outside in rainy weather.

    Still frame for contextual reference only.

  • 15
    AlbaMcAlba I have 3 dogs and live in Scotland where it rains a lot. Sometimes I put jackets on them but often not. They are collie mutts with two coats. They get towl dried. We walk in the rain often. They are designed for it. I wear waterproofs and wellies.
    via AlbaMcAlba
  • 16
    virtigex Walk in a strip mall with awnings
    via virtigex
  • 17
    Outrageous_Path_1858 Same home depot and tractor supply are dog friendly we walk there a lot when it's too cold out
    via Outrageous_Path_1858
  • 18
    Labrador on a walk outside, holding a closed umbrella in its mouth, weather is dreary.
    via Chalabala

    Labrador on a walk outside, holding a closed umbrella in its mouth, weather is dreary.

    Scene shown is a visual representation.

  • 19
    Electronic_Cream_780 Well I won't walk through flood water, that has sewerage, petrol and Gd knows what in it. But otherwise it is coats on the havis, bichons and me, nothing on the beardies, and off we go. If they get cold they just run faster. Today was the first day without heavy rain for a few days so they decided to jump in the cold river, then did zoomies to try and dry off. Daft bunch
    via Electronic_Cream_780
  • 20
    Corgi walking in the park while it rains, wearing a dog raincoat and a pair of dog boots.
    via Nataba

    Corgi walking in the park while it rains, wearing a dog raincoat and a pair of dog boots.

    Licensed media provided as editorial context.

  • 21
    Hermit_Ogg Havanese & Old English Sheepdog The dogs (Havanese, long fur and short legs) have rain overalls that cover everything below the neck except for paws, tail and a little bit of b_t. We keep a hand towel at our entryway and use it to wipe their feet.
    via Hermit_Ogg
  • 22
    I have an umbrella, a construction worker's heavy-duty raincoat, rain boots, waterproof hiking shoes, waterproof "city coat", waterproof outdoors trousers and leather gloves.
    via Hermit_Ogg
  • 23
    Oh, and a large rain poncho that can double as an emergency shelter if you have some rope. Selecting gear for myself is just a matter of picking based on style and how heavy the rain is. (Waterproof items tend to have a lower water pillar value than dedicated rain gear.)
    via Hermit_Ogg
  • 24
    Wet big dog after a walk in the rain.
    via FatCamera

    Wet big dog after a walk in the rain. 

    Photo is a representation of scenes.

  • 25
    CrowMeris They're good dogs Brent Getting your dog comfortable wearing a raincoat is a necessity, not a nicety. Start off with just a minute a day and build up from there.
    via CrowMeris
  • 26
    As far as hygiene goes, most "watery" places are perfectly fine. Stay clear of storm drains if your dog is small and could be swept off its feet.
    via CrowMeris
  • 27
    Paws can take the wet easily, but if you're concerned you can buy something like Musher's Secret balm and apply it before walks and afterward when the pup's paws are dried off.
    via CrowMeris
  • 28
    And if a dog gets soaked despite the raincoat? Short-haired breeds: dry with a towel and wrap them in a second one. (The dog will tell you when its done with swaddling). A
    via CrowMeris
  • 29
    long-haired dog might need a bit of a blow-dry after toweling. Get it used to the sound/feel of the blow dryer before you actually need it.
    via CrowMeris
  • 30
    Wet dog brought inside after a walk in the rain.
    via KoonNooDee

    Wet dog brought inside after a walk in the rain. 

    Image depicted solely for explanatory purposes.

  • 31
    maemtz My dog is not a huge fan of the rain. So I'll take him out for his bathroom needs and will take him to walk around Home Depot or Lowe's for stimulation if it's been raining for too long.
    via maemtz

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dogs advice winter rain
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