Tips for Keeping Your Dog Clean After a Muddy Walk
We’ve all been there — you bring your dog home from a walk and realize their paws are a little muddier than expected, and within seconds, your dog has tracked mud all over the house and your floors are trashed. Now that spring has fully sprung and the April showers are just getting started, you’ll need to work double-time to clean your dogs’ paws off after a muddy walk. Here are our tips for keeping your dog clean after a muddy walk:
Trim Your Dog’s Hair
While at-home grooming may seem daunting, trimming your dog’s fur is a quick and easy way to ensure that they won’t get as muddy during your walks. Be sure to get a good pair of dog-friendly hair shears to ensure that you don’t hurt your pooch while you snip away. Focus on areas like their underside, legs, and paw area. Your dog should be nice and still while you trim them so as not to injure them, so using treats and soft, cooing words will keep them calm.
Check the Weather Ahead of Time
If your schedule is flexible, try to time your walks based on the day’s weather: if there’s rain in the forecast later in the day, try to walk your doggo earlier. If rainy weather is inevitable during your walk time, plan out your walk route so that you’re not in as much muddy terrain while exercising. By planning weather and routes, you can avoid mud altogether!
Consider Dog Booties and Clothes
If you’re one of the unlucky few whose dog has an affinity for finding mud and rolling around in it, you may consider buying your dog some doggie clothes that they can wear during your walks. A dog raincoat is a great idea for spring weather. Dog booties are another way to prevent your dog from tracking mud into the house. Simply place the booties over your pooch’s paws before walking and remove them before re-entering your house. Your dog’s paws won’t even touch the mud! No more muddy paw prints all over the house, either.
Have a Designated Wash Area
If you can’t avoid the mud and end up back home with a muddy, antsy dog on your hands, we recommend having a designated wash area outside your house so you can clean up your furry friend before they enter. Whether that be in the garage or outside by the hose, be ready with a bucket, some soap, and plenty of towels to clean your dog off before you let them run around the house. You can also give them a quick rinse outside and once inside, give them a more thorough clean in the tub. As long as there’s no mud on those pristine floors, it’s all good!
Let’s face it — dogs are messy. To reduce some of that mess and avoid muddy tracks all over your home, we recommend trying some of the above tips. We hope you keep it clean while still enjoying your time outside with your dog this spring!