Many L.A. area dogs had trouble reconciling their need to poop with their fear of the rain during this week's atmospheric river — here's how to deal with it.
Health risks of not pooping: If your dog hasn't pooped in 24-36 hours, it may be at risk of health complications, so please call a vet.
What you can buy: Dog ponchos, umbrellas, boots, and even doggie litter boxes can all help you and your dog weather the next big storm.
What you can do: Dog behavior experts urge you to be patient with your pooch. Give it exposure therapy and positive reinforcement for using the bathroom. And it helps to start training your dog as early as you can.
We know how the saying goes: Everybody poops. Except for some Los Angeles-area dogs that refuse to go outside and do their business when it's raining.
For L.A.'s shorter rain events, this might not be that big of a problem. But big, multi-day rain events are becoming more common with climate change — and they can throw dogs in Southern California for a loop when they're trying to poop.
So we thought we'd put together a guide for the next time a major storm rolls through. (Obviously, this won't apply to dogs that love the rain, though we hope you have some odor remover on standby!)
How long is too long?
If your rain-averse dog didn't poop at all during the latest atmospheric river, a visit to a professional could be in order.
The American Kennel Club advises that it's best to call a veterinarian after 24 to 36 hours with no bowel movements — though before you call anyone, it wouldn't hurt to check if they managed to find a corner of your living space to do their business.
Malibu and Megan were not into the atmospheric river that has slammed the region.
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Lindsey Wright
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Puppies tend to go more frequently, generally following meals, so it may be worth checking in on them more frequently.
And be sure to keep a close eye on your dog's behavior: According to the American Kennel Club, dogs could be suffering from health complications like intestinal blockages if they aren't having bowel movements, especially if they're also vomiting or acting lethargic.
Mindset shift
Katya Lidsky, a certified dog trainer and self-described "life coach for dog people," recommended starting from a place of mindfulness when you try to get your dog to go outside. If you're feeling irked, your pooch will likely be able to sense your frustration, which could make it less likely to cooperate.
The Pasadena Humane Society also urges patience, since your dog might just be confused. That means keeping up whatever pre-bathroom routine your dog may be accustomed to.
"Dress like you're taking them for a walk," said Pasadena Humane spokesperson Kevin McManus, who passed along some tips from the organization's behavioral team. "You just have to brave the elements with your dog, because that will increase the chances that they'll actually go before the next rainstorm."
So in brief: Keep your routine, and be patient with your dog for being afraid of what it doesn't know.
Accessories for a fearful Fido
If you don't have time to prepare before the next rainstorm, accessories can be a good place to start. McManus said Pasadena Humane recommends setting out a golf umbrella outside your front door, which may create enough of a dry space for your dog to do their business before heading back inside.
If your dog can tolerate wearing outfits (we assume you've tested this out by now), you could see if it'll go outside wearing a raincoat to protect it from the elements.
Eddie, despite the stylish rain outfit, was not enjoying the rain.
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Lizzie Steidel
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LAist
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And since dogs' paws are highly sensitive, McManus recommended putting boots to protect them from any unpleasant sensations of walking on wet pavement or grass.
As a last resort, you can look into getting a doggy litter box, which McManus recommended putting in a semi-outdoor space like a garage or patio if possible.
Training your dog to face its fears
Getting your rain-averse dog to go outside during a multi-day storm can seem like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, especially since dogs can't check the forecast and may not realize the best times to do their business.
But with the right preparation, many dogs can learn that the rain isn't anything to fear.
Lidsky recommended gradually exposing the dog to the rain, which they may be afraid of because they don't know what it is. (It goes without saying that that's especially true in Southern California, particularly for dogs who may have grown up during California's last drought.)
To that end, giving dogs treats — hot dogs, chicken, or whatever their treat of choice may be — before some limited exposure to the rain can help set them on the path to going outside.
"Maybe it's just one paw in the rain while they're getting this chicken," Lidsky said. "And you're basically saying, here's another way to feel about this."
Lidsky also suggested coating a spatula with peanut butter and taking it with you on walks on non-rainy days. Just hold it in front of your dog, give it as a reward every so often — that could help your dog build associations that will get it out of the door when it sees the spatula, even when it's rainy.
If you're looking to build up your pet's tolerance for the rain, Lidsky said it may also be worth taking advantage of misty or drizzly days if your dog's willing to venture outside. Alternatively, the Pasadena Humane Society recommends setting out a damp towel for the dog to walk over so their sensitive paws get used to the feeling of rain.
Another tip from both Lidsky and Pasadena Humane: Give your dog attention and/or treats every time it poops, no matter if it's raining. We know how it goes: You probably don't want to congratulate your dog for pooping when you're the one who has to pick it up. But that feeling of positive reinforcement could help your dog get out of the door on bad weather days.
And if all else fails, Lidsky recommended working with a professional dog trainer who can help your dog face their fear of getting wet.
"A lot of times we put our story on it, like, 'Oh my God, they're depressed, they don't like the rain,'" Lidsky said. "No, they just don't know, and they need your help."
