As we progress later into the year, most areas’ fall and early winter seasons transition into consistently rainy days. For horse and pet owners, this means facing the challenge of maintaining their animals’ well-being amidst damp and chilly conditions. Rain and mud can lead to a variety of issues both for horses and pets, from health concerns to discomfort and boredom. Thankfully, these products can help mitigate those challenges and ensure your animals remain happy and healthy through the wet weather.
How Rainy Weather Affects Horses
- Skin and Coat Problems: Continuous exposure to rain and damp conditions can lead to skin issues such as rain rot or fungal infections. This is especially a risk for horses frequently turned out or living outside.
- Hoof Health: Prolonged exposure to wet and muddy conditions can soften hooves, making them more susceptible to infections like thrush and cracks. It may also lead to more frequently thrown shoes between farrier visits.
- General Discomfort: Even through their natural coats, the damp weather can be chilling for horses. As their bodies work harder to keep them warm, they burn more calories, and you may notice an effect on their body condition or overall health and performance.
Must-Haves to Keep Them Healthy and Dry
- Amigo AmECO Combi Sheet
- How It Helps: Ideal for warmer climates, the Amigo AmECO Combi Sheet from Horseware Ireland provides a lightweight water-resistant sheet to keep your horse dry. The detachable hood and mesh sides are shielded with a shower-proof lining to protect against both skin issues and pesky insects that thrive in damp conditions. For colder climates, consider using a turnout sheet or blanket for better protection against the elements.
- Benefits: Eco-friendly, water-resistant, comfortable fit, helps prevent skin issues by keeping your horse dry.
- Silver Honey Wound Spray and Repair Ointment
- How It Helps: If you are faced with an outbreak of rain rot, scratches, fungus, or other skin issues brought on by the constant rain, Absorbine’s Silver Honey line of products combines natural yet powerful ingredients to promote rapid healing and protect against infections. The Silver Honey Wound Spray can be applied anywhere on the body, making it perfect for rain rot or other large patches of fungus. For localized issues such as pastern dermatitis (scratches), the Silver Honey Repair Ointment provides a protective barrier while fighting bacteria.
- Benefits: Accelerates healing, protects against infections, easy to apply, essential for minor wounds and skin issues.
- Cornucrescine Daily Hoof Barrier
- How It Helps: The Cornucrescine Daily Hoof Barrier from Carr & Day & Martin protects your horse’s hooves from excessive moisture and mud, which can lead to infections and hoof softening. Apply it before exposure to wet conditions to provide a protective barrier and help maintain proper hoof moisture.
- Benefits: Protects against moisture, strengthens hooves, prevents infections, and maintains hoof health.
Rider Essentials in Wet Conditions
Now that your horse is taken care of, it’s time to get yourself covered, too! No one likes a wet ride or a rainy horse show, but sometimes, it’s unavoidable. With the right products on hand, you don’t have to let the rain put a damper on your day.
Staying Dry for Your Ride
- Equiline Corby Full Neck Rain Sheet
- How It Helps: The Equiline Corby Full Neck Rain Sheet offers comprehensive protection for your horse and tack while waiting ringside, or moving from barn to arena in the rain. Don’t sacrifice comfort once the tack goes on!
- Benefits: Complete coverage, waterproof and breathable, keeps tack dry.
- Tingley Shoe Cover
- How They Help: Tingley Shoe Covers provide waterproof protection for your footwear, keeping them dry while you work around the barn or wash stall. They are easy to slip on and off, ensuring your shoes stay clean and dry, and prolonging the wear of your leather.
- Benefits: Waterproof, durable, easy to use, and keeps your shoes clean and dry.
- Sporty Stick Spray
- How It Helps: Many surfaces become slippery in the rain, including your saddle. This spray from Pharmakas gives saddles and boots extra grip to help you keep a secure seat in the saddle, no matter how hard the rain comes down.
- Benefits: Creates extra grip for boots and saddles and is easy to apply.
- FarmVet Ball Cap
- How It Helps: It goes without saying that a hat is a must-have on any rainy day. The FarmVet Ball Cap keeps the rain off your face while working around the barn. It’s practical and durable, providing necessary protection from the elements.
- Benefits: Stylish, adjustable fit, and keeps you dry and comfortable.
How Rainy Weather Affects Pets
- Boredom and Lack of Exercise: Rainy weather can limit walk time and outdoor activities, leading to boredom and reduced exercise for pets. This can take its toll on their physical and mental well-being, and finding alternative energy outlets is necessary.
- Comfort and Health: Chilly, rainy days can also be uncomfortable for your pets as their bodies must work harder to stay warm underneath their wet coat.
Keep Your Pets Entertained (and Dry)
- Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Game
- How It Helps: This interactive puzzle game from Nina Ottosson keeps cats mentally stimulated and engaged, especially when they are confined indoors due to the weather. It helps prevent boredom and promotes mental stimulation.
- Benefits: Engages cats, prevents boredom, and provides mental stimulation during indoor confinement.
- Smart Interactive Puzzle
- How It Helps: Designed for dogs, this interactive puzzle from Nina Ottosson challenges your pet’s problem-solving skills and keeps them entertained. It’s a great way to provide mental stimulation on rainy days and pairs perfectly with these treats!
- Benefits: Promotes mental engagement, prevents boredom, great for any age.
- ROAM Bucky Busy Bone
- How It Helps: This long-lasting chew is one you can feel good about feeding your dog to keep them occupied. It is sustainably sourced, allergy-friendly, and wrapped in an irresistible flavor that helps keep dogs busy and happy.
- Benefits: Healthy chew toy alternative, helps keep dogs entertained, and is perfect for indoor play.
- Comfitec Windbreaker Free Deluxe Dog Coat
- How It Helps: Weatherbeeta’s Comfitec Windbreaker Free Deluxe Dog Coat provides essential protection from rain and wind. It is a perfect option for outdoor dogs or ensuring your dog stays warm and dry during walks. Its adjustable fit and waterproof design offer comfort and protection.
- Benefits: Waterproof and windproof, adjustable fit, and keeps your dog warm and dry.
Learn More
In some climates, the rainy season is better known as hurricane season. These tips to prepare for hurricane season will help you ensure your animals’ safety and well-being
Shop Now
Shop more rain gear for horses and pets, or all our equine and pet products are available to shop on FarmVet 24/7. You can also call one of our friendly Sales Associates at 1-888-837-3626 or email your order to [email protected].