Tips for Dealing with Muddy and Dirty Paws

No matter how hard we try to keep our homes clean, our dogs just seem to love tracking their muddy paw prints all over the house. You may not be able to prevent your four-legged rascal from rolling around in mud, but we do have some tips for dealing with muddy and dirty paws.

Try (and Try Again) to Keep Your Dog Out of the Mud

As many pet parents know, dogs love getting dirty! You’ll never be able to keep your dog completely clean, but you can do your best to keep them out of particularly muddy areas. Digging is one of the most common causes of dirty paws and fur, so try to train your dog out of that habit by following our tips. If your dog keeps going back to the same muddy areas of the yard, fence those areas off to prevent them from getting dirty.

Have a Designated Washing Area

As the name suggests, mud rooms are the perfect spot to wash your dog’s dirty paws and fur. Put a large, washable rug down and have plenty of towels ready to thoroughly wipe your pup. High-quality foot mats are a useful investment, especially if you live in a particularly rainy or wet area. If a mud room isn’t an option, use your hose or patio to keep clean your dog up before they enter your home. Try to have all the supplies ready ahead of time so your dog doesn’t get restless and track their mud everywhere before you get a chance to wipe them down!

Consider Getting Dog Booties

Dog booties may seem like a ridiculous accessory, but if you find that your dog is consistently leaving muddy paw prints around your home, they might be exactly what you need. Dog booties come in all shapes and sizes, so be sure they are designed for outdoor activities. Simply slip them on over your dog’s paws and they can do all of the digging and muddy exploring that they want! It may take your dog a while to get used to the booties, but the clean floors are worth it. Plus, your furry friend will look super stylish in their new kicks!

Cleaning Tips for Paw Prints

Hopefully our tips help you prevent paw prints and other muddy messes in your home, but if the mud still finds its way inside, here are some tips for cleaning:

• Try using the eraser of a pencil or a toothbrush to clean the small areas of grout that are difficult to reach.
• Sweep the dirt and dust off of your floors before mopping.
• Warm water should help clean off most mud and dirt, but if it doesn’t seem to do the trick, try using a stronger cleaning solution or some vinegar.
• Always vacuum the dry mud off of carpet before wiping up. Blot, don’t rub, the stains.

Mud and dirt tracks are extremely annoying, but these tips and tricks should help minimize some of the mess. Keep it clean and avoid that dirt!