Rain is not inevitable
Have you planned a weekend in Brittany or a week in Normandy and the weather forecast is calling for rain? Don't panic. Rain is part of the trip, especially in certain regions of France. With a little preparation and a well-thought-out plan B, rainy days can become moments of bonding with your dog. The key: anticipate indoor activities, equip yourself properly, and accept that your dog will probably love the rain more than you.
Rainy weather activities
Rainy days are an opportunity to see places you might not have visited otherwise. Here are six types of indoor activities you can do with your dog.
Plan B rainy day
Here is a 5-step strategy to turn a rainy day into a pleasant day with your companion.
Look at the weather forecast the night before. Intermittent rain still allows short outings between showers. Continuous rain all day requires a real plan B. Identify dry windows (often early in the morning or late in the afternoon) for essential outings.
Before you even leave on your trip, identify 3 to 5 activities covered in your destination area. Museums that accept bagged dogs, covered market halls, tasting cellars, restaurants with sheltered terraces. Write down addresses and times in your phone. Check out our directory of cultural sites dog-friendly.
Break out the canine raincoat, microfiber towels and waterproof blanket. Prepare a bag with indoor toys (stuffed Kong, digging mat, pull rope). If your accommodation has a garage or covered space, provide a drying area there.
Indoors, stimulate your dog mentally rather than physically: search games (hiding treats in the hotel room), learning tricks (sit, lie down, paw, turn), long-term chewing (deer bone, olive antler). 20 minutes of mental stimulation is as tiring as 1 hour of walking.
After each outing in the rain, dry your dog in the right order : first the paws and between the pads (dirtiest area), then the stomach, the back, and finally the ears (be careful of ear infections). Use an ultra-absorbent microfiber towel. If your dog tolerates it, a hair dryer on a lukewarm setting (never hot) speeds up the drying of long hair.
- Microfiber towel : absorbs 5 times more water than a conventional towel. Have 2 when traveling.
- Warm dryer : only in the “warm air” or “cold” position, never in the hot position. Maintain 20 cm distance. Not on the head.
- Between the pads : often forgotten area. Persistent moisture between the fingers causes dermatitis and fungal infections.
- Ears : carefully dry the inside of the roof with a cotton pad. Stagnant water in the ear canal is the number one cause of ear infections in dogs.
- Post-drying combing : detangle the hair once dry to avoid knots which retain moisture and irritate the skin.
Rain gear for dogs: the comparison
Not all dogs react the same to rain gear. Here is a comparison of the available solutions.
| Equipment | Protection | Dog comfort | Price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitted raincoat | Back + stomach + neck | ★★★★☆ | €25-50 | All dogs, regular use |
| Lightweight K-Way | Back only | ★★★★★ | €15-30 | Light rain, active dogs |
| Full suit | Whole body | ★★☆☆☆ | €30-60 | Long-haired dogs, mud |
| Without equipment | None | ★★★★★ | Free | Breeds with double undercoat (Husky, Shepherd) |
Small short-haired dogs (Chihuahua, Pinscher, Whippet, Italian Greyhound) and elderly or sick dogs are vulnerable to hypothermia when they are wet in cool weather (below 10°C). Symptoms: tremors, listlessness, pale gums, slow breathing. If your small dog is shaking after going out in the rain, dry him off immediately, wrap him in a warm blanket and offer him lukewarm water. If lethargy persists, consult a veterinarian urgently. Limit outings in the cold rain to 10-15 minutes for these dogs.
Rainy regions: the good side
The rainiest regions of France are also often the most dog-friendly and best equipped for rainy days.
- Brittany (120-180 rainy days/year) — Dog paradise par excellence: beaches accessible all year round, GR34 trail passable even in the rain, creperies that welcome dogs, and a well-established raincoat culture. The Bretons don't stop for a little rain, and neither do their dogs.
- Normandy (130-160 rainy days/year) — The cliffs of Étretat under the mist have a crazy charm. THE D-Day museums, manors and cider houses are all activities covered. The immense beaches are deserted in gray weather.
- Basque Country (140-170 rainy days/year) — Rain is part of the Basque landscape. The market halls (Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne, Biarritz) are a must. Pintxo bars allow dogs, and rainy mountain hikes offer sumptuous misty vistas.
Rainy day kit
Discover the dog-friendly castles and museums for your rainy days. Check out our guide to shopping with your dog in covered businesses. And prepare your suitcase with our list of essential equipment.
Frequently asked questions
My dog refuses to go out in the rain, what should I do?
This is common, especially in small dogs and short-haired breeds. The solution involves a progressive desensitization : start with very short outings (2-3 minutes) in light rain, with immediate reward on return. Gradually increase the duration. A canine raincoat helps some dogs who don't like the feeling of wet. In case of total refusal, don't force it — provide indoor potty training mats for urgent needs and wait for a lull.
Are dog boots useful in the rain?
Canine boots protect the pads from prolonged moisture and potentially contaminated puddles (oil, antifreeze, salt). However, most dogs tolerate them poorly and walk comically the first few times. If your dog accepts them, they are indeed useful for long outings in the rain, especially in the city. Recommended models: Ruffwear Summit Trex (€35-50) or disposable rubber Pawz (€15 for 12). Get your dog used to it gradually, first indoors.
Can my dog develop an allergy to humidity?
Not to humidity itself, but humidity promotes skin infections (dermatitis, mycoses, hot spots) especially in dogs with fur (Bulldog, Shar Pei) or with long, dense hair. The most affected areas: between the fingers, under the folds of skin, under the ears. Always Dry Your Dog completely after the rain, especially these risk areas. If redness, dandruff or bad odor persists, consult your veterinarian.
Can you walk your dog in a storm?
No, absolutely avoid. The risk of lightning is real in the open air and dogs are as vulnerable as humans. Additionally, many dogs suffer from phobia of thunderstorms (astraphobia): tremors, panting, attempts to escape, destructive behavior. If a storm breaks out during a walk, take shelter immediately in a solid building (not under a lone tree). Inside, create a reassuring space for your dog: dark room, soft music, blanket. Never scold him for being afraid — it makes the anxiety worse.
