Ok, so I am definitely not ready to admit that it's almost September, which means.....it's almost Fall. I LOVE summer and try to hold on to it as long as I can. Especially now that we are in the south and OH MY are these sunsets and lightning bugs and heat just ahhhhmazing! But being from the Seattle area until recently, I definitely know just what fall brings. Rain, and puddles, and mud. Here are some tips I learned to keep my house clean of muddy paws, wet dog smell and keep my dogs comfortable as they dash out into the fall weather to play, relieve themselves or just to chase the random thing they made up in their minds. Instead of putting your dog in a rain jacket, doggie boots or a plastic bubble, I'll letcha know what works at our house. So 1st off I'm gonna let you know that those little products that you dip the paw into to "clean' off the mud and muck, yeah don't waste your money! It may work on the first paw....but then even if you change out the water, all those little nubby things on the sides that are supposed to scrape the mud off are now covered with mud and you literally have to WASH the contraption completely after EVERY paw so your not just spreading the mud from one paw to another. Unless you want to buy 4 of them. Not to mention your dogs feet are now most likely more wet than when they originally came through the door... The easiest steps I have found for my pack (3 dogs, two of them being terriers who love to dig and one Golden Retriever puppy) are making sure the paw pads are shaved out. This is easily done at your dog's grooming appointment. Every 4-6 weeks your pets paws are being trimmed up, the pads shaved out and the nails being trimmed and sanded short is the easiest way to ensure that you can keep the feet clean during muddy season at home. Keep a towel by the door to wipe off their feet as they come in. I keep good door mats on the outside AND inside so when the pets come in they are wiping their feet across the outside mat and then standing on the inside one while we wipe their paws off. I've used (sensitive skin) baby wipes which work well too, but they are not environmentally conscious and the cost will add up. So using a towel and popping it in the wash is easiest. Having pavers, rocks or even sand as a "barrier" in between the mud/grass and the door they come in helps. Now if your dog is a true mud magnet, Having a shallow pan or tub of water by the door may be in your best interest. Have your pet walk through the tub of water and wipe/dry off paws as they come out. Depending on just how much fun your pet had in the mud, your may want two towels. One for wiping excess muck and then one to follow up and dry. (I DO NOT RECCOMEND WASHING PAWS WITH SOAP EVERYTIME THEY COME IN!!! It will cause irritations and the skin to dry out and pads crack by being washed too much! Water will work just fine.) Now for the WET DOG smell. There are some awesome rinse free shampoo's out there incase your dogs bellies or feathering gets muddy too! Simply spray on (I like the smell and ease of the TropiClean products) and brush through and wipe with your towel, easy peasy. There are also an array of doggy spray on scents out there, pick your flavor, just remember that less is more, and you still have to remove the muck and dry the dog first or your just adding a perfume to a wet dog annnd you're still gonna smell it! Never forget the magical power of a BRUSH! Seriously though, it will remove not only loose hair but dander and dirt as well. a good quality brush is like a magic wand. (My absolute favorite brushes are Chris Christensen brand, YES expensive but extremely worth it and last forever vs a $5 amazon brush that the pins will break and bend.) brushing your dog before letting them go out reduces the amount of hair that stuff can get stuck on too! so take the 5 mins to brush your dog, you will never regret it! Remember that your dog, is a dog! As much as the next fabulous person thinks and treats their dogs as a child, they are a canine. They were literally built to dig, sniff, run and have fun OUTDOORS. As irritating as it can be for them to dig in your flower bed and such, and look as happy as can be while doing so, dogs follow their noses. The catch a sent and have to explore so reprimanding or expecting your dog to stay clean while going out to play or a potty break is seriously insane. Part of owning a dog (or being owned by one) is maintenance, so just keep up on the grooming, start a routine as they come in from the great outdoors every time and soon it will be easy to just wipe off the paws as they wait patiently at the door. Thanks for reading and remember, "Have a Pawfect day!"
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BethanyI've been a groomer for almost 20 years. After working for big corporations and veterinary hospitals I have found the peace of working for myself and at home. Here are some of the things that happen, and tips on how to care for your pet. Archives
October 2020
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