From October to March, a lot of UK walks end the same way: a happy, soaked dog and a trail of mud through the hallway. A simple routine at the door saves a lot of cleaning later.
Set up a "landing zone" by the door
Keep everything you need in one spot before you go out, so you're not hunting for a towel with a wet dog waiting:
- A paw cleaner or bowl of lukewarm water
- A towel or drying robe
- A mat or old towel for your dog to stand on
- A few treats to make it a calm, positive habit
The five-step routine
- Coat off first. Take off a wet raincoat outside or on the mat, so the water stays there.
- Clean the paws. One paw at a time, gently twist it in a paw cleaner cup or rinse with water. Don't forget between the pads.
- Pat each paw dry. Damp skin between the toes can get sore, so dry carefully.
- Dry the body. A dog drying robe lets your dog dry while they settle, rather than shaking water around the room.
- Reward and relax. A treat or a lick mat helps your dog stay still and calm after the excitement of the walk.
A few extra tips
- Rinse off road grit and salt in winter, as it can irritate paws.
- Trim long fur between the pads, since it holds more mud.
- Hang coats and robes to dry fully before the next walk.
- Keep a grooming glove nearby for loose hair once your dog is dry.
See everything for after the walk in our paw & coat care collection.