Dog owners have been urged not to assume familiar walking and swimming spots are still safe after heavy rainfall, as weeks of hot, dry weather could leave lakes, rivers and canals far more dangerous once rain arrives.
After months of hot, dry weather, rain is finally forecast across parts of the UK, but many may not be aware that the sudden change in conditions could bring new and potentially hidden dangers around rivers, lakes, canals and other open water, according to Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity.
How rainfall changes conditions
River levels can rise, currents can strengthen, waterbeds can change and previously accessible exit points can become slippery, muddy or submerged. Floodwater can also contain raw sewage and other hazards that could injure dogs, meaning a stretch of water that appeared calm or safe just days ago may present very different risks following rainfall.
According to the Met Office, certain areas will see the "first meaningful rain for a long time" following weeks of heatwaves and dry weather, which has left many parts of the country facing water shortages and has seen several restrictions introduced. The organisation said that a rainy front will begin to sweep down from Northern Ireland and Scotland towards the south of England and Wales early this week, kicking off a wetter week with cooler conditions that are much closer to average for the time of year. Heavy showers are expected to hit the UK on Thursday, missing some areas but bringing the chance of surface flooding in places where rainfall is particularly intense.
Warnings from authorities
The Environment Agency warns that river flows can increase during heavy rainfall, and that this rain falling into rivers and streams can create deep, fast-moving water, with warning signs including rising water levels, water moving with great force and debris being carried downstream. It also notes that relatively shallow floodwater can conceal hazards, whilst the RNLI warns that rainfall can mean "rivers are flowing at a much higher rate" and can leave river banks "especially slippery and eroded in places."
Charlie Matthias, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, advises: "After such a long period of hot and dry weather, the arrival of rain will be hugely welcome for many of us. But it's important to remember that a sudden change in the weather can mean a sudden change in the environment around us too. Heavy rainfall can quickly alter water levels and currents, while banks and paths can become wet, slippery or unstable. An exit point your dog could easily use last week may be much harder to get out of following a downpour. Open water can be dangerous all year round, rain or shine, so the important thing is not to assume somewhere is safe simply because you and your dog have visited it before. Stop, check and think about the conditions in front of you that day."
Incident data and safety advice
Dogs Trust's warning comes as its If in Doubt, Keep Your Dog Out campaign urges owners to stop, check and think before allowing their dog into open water, and to never assume a river, lake, canal or beach is safe simply because it looks calm. RNLI data recorded 308 dog-related incidents between 2021 and 2025 – more than one incident per week on average. Around one-third occur during the summer months, whilst additional data from the Canal & River Trust shows dog-related incidents reached a five-year high in 2025, increasing by 39% compared to the previous year. The most commonly recorded incidents involved dogs entering the water and requiring assistance, people entering the water in an attempt to rescue them, and encounters with hidden hazards. According to the Water Incident Database (WAID), August recorded the highest number of water-related human fatalities in 2025.
The charity is also reminding owners that precautions shouldn't necessarily end when a walk does. Dogs that have been out in wet or muddy conditions should have their legs, feet and belly wiped and thoroughly dried when they return home, as prolonged dampness from rain can irritate their skin. Charlie Matthias adds: "We want people and their dogs to enjoy getting outside whatever the weather. The key message is simply that changing weather means changing conditions. If you're checking the forecast and thinking about whether you'll need a raincoat or umbrella, take an extra moment to think about what that rainfall could mean for your usual dog walk too. Familiarity should never replace checking the conditions in front of you. And if your dog gets into difficulty, avoid entering the water. Encourage them back to shore, use rescue equipment if it is available and safe to do so, and call the emergency services if there is danger to life. The best rescue is the one you never have to make: Stop. Check. Think. If in Doubt, Keep Your Dog Out."
