April showers bring more than just May flowers; they bring mud. Taking your pup for a walk or just letting him outside to do his business can turn into a mud wrestling event.
If the mud your dog tracks into the house becomes your biggest foe every Spring, then consider trying these Top 12 Ways to Help Your Dog Survive Muddy Weather. Your dog, your house, and your car will all thank you.
12. Protect Your Floors
With your dog running in and out, your floors are bound to take a beating. The mud, dirt, and water that your dog tracks into the house can ruin your floors. Until the April showers and muddy season is over, consider putting down some washable, absorbent rugs and runners near your doors. At the very least, your dog will be forced to walk on the rugs when he comes in from the muddy yard. Ideally, you can train your pooch to stop on the rug and wait for you to clean off his paws.
11. Use Paw Protection Wax
Paw protection waxes are not just for Winter weather. They can also help protect your pooch’s paws from the mud and rain of Spring. The paw protection waxes work by forming a barrier around the dog’s feet—including the pads, toes, and the tender area between the toes—that make it easier to clean off the dirt and mud. When shopping for a paw protection wax, be sure to look for one that is non-toxic.
10. Desensitize Your Dog’s Paws
Most dogs are naturally sensitive to having their paws and legs touched. They react by pulling away and prancing their paws. From the time your dog is a young pup, get him conditioned to having his feet wiped and his legs touched. This will be really helpful for years after when your dog calmly lets you clean his muddy paws without fighting you.
9. Cover Your Couch
Does your dog have permission to sit on your couch, sleep on your bed, or lounge on your recliner? If so, you run the risk of permanently soiling your furniture during muddy Spring weather. Toss a durable, washable slip cover onto upholstered furniture to protect the fabric. You can even spread an old blanket on your bed to keep the dirt off.
8. Get a Microfiber Pet Mitt
You could clean off your dog’s muddy paws with an old towel, or you could use a Microfiber pet mitt. The washable mitt fits over your hand so you can get a good grip on your pup’s dirty paws. Dirt clings to the Microfiber material much better than traditional terry cloth.
7. Trim Those Toenails
During the muddy season, do your best to keep your dog’s toenails trimmed. Untrimmed nails tend to pick up more dirt and mud when your dog runs outside. Additionally, longer toenails are harder to clean. If you put puppy galoshes on your dog when he goes out in the rain, the trimmed toenails won’t poke through or make holes in the boots.
6. Use the Sit/Stay Command
One of the benefits to teaching your dog the sit/stay command is that you can use it to stop him from running through your whole house, spreading mud and dirt in his wake. A well-trained dog, no matter how excited, will sit on your command and wait patiently while you clean him off.
5. Protect Your Car
If your dog routinely rides in your car to go to the dog park or hiking trail, then you will want to take steps to protect the interior of your car from a muddy pup. Doggie car seat covers can help keep your car seats clean and protect them from mud or water stains. They are a great investment for dog owners on the go. The same goes for floor liners. If you frequently take your pup for a swim at the lake or the dog beach, having good floor liners in your vehicle will make cleanup a breeze.
4. Get Doggie Rain Boots
You can cut down on a lot of the muddy mess by purchasing doggie rain boots for your pup. You can help your pooch feel more comfortable wearing galoshes by starting when he is young. He will be accustomed to wearing them with training, praise, and positive reinforcement.
3. Create a Wash Station
Many newer homes are being built with dog wash stations included in a mudroom or laundry room. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a wash station, then you can create your own. Keep a washtub, dog shampoo, plenty of towels, and a large, absorbent rug in your entryway, walkout basement, or garage. When your dog comes inside covered in mud, then you will be ready for a quick cleanup with all your supplies at the ready.
2. Quick Clean Ups with Wipes
Stock up on doggie wipes before the rainy, muddy Spring weather hits. Keep a pack of wipes in your car, by your door, and in your doggie backpack so you always have them handy. Doggie wipes are great for a quick cleanup and will help to remove most of the dirt from your dog’s paws and many brands also moisturize your dog’s feet.
1. Keep Away From The Mud
It may sound obvious, but the best way to survive the muddy season is to avoid the mud. Limit your dog’s access to mud puddles and dirt areas by sticking to paved trails or sidewalks when taking your walks and by fencing off muddy areas in your yard. Prevent your dog from playing in the flower gardens or unpaved driveways, at least until the ground dries up.
April rains can create a muddy mess, but you and your dog can survive the muddy season with a minimal amount of stains. With some training and preparation, you can keep your pooch, your home, and your car protected from dirt, water, and mud.