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Here are some quick tips for dogs with muddy paws & musty-smelling coats.
Because a dog’s gotta go, when a dog’s gotta go! So it’s sometimes necessary to let the dog outside even when it’s raining, or snowing.
And you’ve still got to let him back indoors, even if he’s been digging in the dirt (…or stepped in something).
The fact of the matter is, a dog’s paws are often going to be muddy, dirty, or otherwise messy.
Your options are:
- Either carry the dog to the bathtub and go through all the steps required to give your dog a quick bath.
- Or, find a quick & easy way to wipe down your dog before he runs free indoors.
Here are my best time-savers for dealing with muddy paws and smelly dogs…
RAINY DAY TIP #1:
The next time your dog comes in from the outdoors with muddy paws, have him “Sit” at the door and take a few seconds to clean off his paws with some pre-moistened wipes.
These usually come in a handy container filled with individual wipes and can be stored on a shelf near the door. Try to find alcohol-free ones, so they’re safest for your dog.
Some options:
- Baby wipes
- Dog wipes
- Cleaning wipes
- A towel left near the door also works well — especially when your dog’s paws are WET! (My dogs love rolling around on the towel after we’re done drying them off with it.)
RAINY DAY TIP #2:
When your dog’s fur gets wet, it’s likely to smell very “doggie”.
The next time your dog comes in from the rain, the quickest way to remove dog smell is to simply wipe your dog down with a dryer sheet. This instantly makes your dog smell springtime fresh & clean! Or spritz your dog with a few squirts of waterless dog shampoo.
Some options:
UPDATE:
Here are all my best tips for dealing with muddy paws!
I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about "outside the box" Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn't think of. I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I've always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I've been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what's 'normal' and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog — how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! When I'm not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I've written over 500 articles for dog owners on this site!
