While many of us are looking forward to the snow melting and seeing signs of spring on the horizon, one thing we can all agree on is mud and pets don’t mix!
Pets seem to gravitate to mud – finding ways to roll, frolic, and dig in to cover themselves in a film of filth. Many dogs love mud because it acts as a natural way to mask their scent. It can also provide cooling relief on hot summer days, and the simple act of splashing in mud can be exciting.
While dogs may love the immediate gratification they get from mud, unhappy pet parents are left to clean up the mess – not to mention bathtime can be a struggle.
There are simple ways to make the experience less stressful for both of you:
Look for fabrics or furniture that’s pre-treated against staining. It will likely cost a little more upfront, but pets bring the outdoors in and that can mean destroying your beautiful sofa, rugs, and throw pillows.
There are tons of blankets specifically designed to protect furniture from paw prints, dirt, dust, and fur – and they are waterproof – so even accidents can be resolved quickly.
Even if it’s every year or two, no matter how meticulous you are with vacuuming and cleaning up after your two- and four-legged family members, there may be hidden dirt and stubborn grime that will only be resolved with the help of a pro.
Set up a station near the door with towels, wipes, a bucket of water, and even a non-slip rug. (And don’t forget the treats!)
It’s best to make wiping down your pet’s paws a part of your routine. It may take some time, but rewarding your dog for waiting at the door will encourage repeat behavior. You can even teach them to wipe their own paws.
- Start by laying down a doormat and using a cue like “wipe” or “scrub.”
- Encourage your dog to step on the mat.
- When your dog naturally moves or scratches at the mat with their paws, reward them with treats and praise.
- If your dog doesn’t naturally wipe their paws, you can place a treat under the mat to encourage paw-scratching behavior.
As you repeat the process, your pet will associate stepping on the mat and wiping their paws as a positive and rewarding activity.
Keeping the fur on your dog's paw pads short helps to minimize the dirt they track in.
Dog boots are pretty adorable not to mention functional. You’ll need to slowly acclimate your pet to the boots so it’s recommended to put one boot on for a short period of time – and maybe indoors to start.
Don’t forget to use plenty of high value treats and praise to create a positive association. Slowly increase usage over time.
Consider choosing another (less muddy) area to take your dog for a walk or allow them to play. The change of scenery might be good for both of you! Or gate off the muddiest area of your yard.
If all else fails, invest in nice smelling dog shampoo or research the best cleaning tools on the market as you may have a few messes in your future! For additional cleaning tips, check out our spring cleaning hacks for pet parents.
Sign up for AHS email
If you found this article helpful and want more information about animals and pet parenting, sign up for email from AHS. You'll receive behavior tips, stories about adoptable animals, and more!
