Will a Dog Catch a Cold After Getting Rained On?
When your furry friend gets caught in the rain, it's crucial to take immediate action to ensure their health and comfort. After all, a wet and windy coat can lead to your dog feeling chilled, which in turn increases the risk of catching a cold, fever, or coughing.
So, if you find your pup soaked after a rainstorm, it's essential to bring them indoors for some tender care to prevent them from catching a chill.
1. Prioritize Warmth
It's common for pet owners to want to bathe or give their dogs a warm drink to soothe the chill, but I recommend against giving your dog another bath. Instead, use a warm, but not too hot, breeze from a hairdryer to dry them off. Rebathing your dog can leave them even more drenched, extending the time it takes to dry. Therefore, it's best to dry your dog off promptly or let them airdry slightly in a warm room. Adjusting the indoor temperature to a comfortable level is also important. By maintaining a cozy environment, you can shield your dog from further exposure to cold, thereby reducing the chances of them catching a cold.
2. Enhance Your Dog's Diet
It's actually not the rain itself that causes dogs to catch a cold, but rather a weakened immune system. A wellnourished dog with a strong immune system can withstand occasional rain or a bath without drying off without any issues. However, if a dog has a compromised immune system, even a slight drop in temperature combined with getting wet can lead to problems. To bolster your dog's immunity, consider incorporating highquality, immuneboosting dog food and treats into their regular diet.
For more information on how to care for your dog when they have a cold, you might find this article helpful: "What to Feed Your Dog When They Have a Cold and Runny Nose."
