Muddy dog walks? How to effectively and safely clean mud from your floors

“A single teaspoon of mud can contain up to 1 billion bacteria, over 100 times more than dirty socks, that are potentially harmful to both pets and owners. For dog owners who have to frequently walk their pets throughout the cold wet weather, setting up a quick washing station just outside your front or back door is the perfect way to reduce or entirely eliminate mud being tracked into your home.

For those who have a garden, utilising the space to quickly rinse off your dog’s muddy paws after a walk is ideal. For those who don't, you can easily set up a small bucket or tray of water to use as you return from your walks. This is a low cost way which can help prevent larger costs to repair damages such as repeated mud stains on carpets which can cost hundreds.”

2. Pack pet-safe dog wipes for your walk

“Having pet-safe wipes on hand for your dog during a walk is the best way to be prepared for any muddy accidents that might happen along the way. Wipes are easy to carry when you’re out and about with your dog, making them perfect if your dog likes to play in puddles. 

Not only so, but wipes are also useful for mud that might have made its way onto your clothes or hands from cheeky tail flicks or dirty paws. Cleaning mud from open wounds prevents the spread of tetanus that is sometimes present in mud, and also stops it from transferring from your hands to your eyes or even ingested through food.”

3. Maintain paws with care

“Regularly trim the hairs that can grow around your dog’s paws to avoid mud caking onto the long hairs. Long hairs on the paws can become trappings for harmful bacteria that might be lurking in the dirt, regularly reducing the hairs around the area can also make cleaning faster.

Most owners also neglect to carefully check around the paw area during the wintertime, which means they can miss dangerous compounds like de-icing rock salts trapped in the sensitive skin of their paws which can be harmful if ingested. Paw skin should also be moisturised and treated if signs of dryness or cracking appear.”

4. Brush off dry mud first

“If your dog has tracked a large amount of mud, you can employ the wait and brush method to make the cleaning process easier. Simply wait 20 to 30 minutes for the mud to dry, and then brush or wipe off the dry mud which comes off should easily flake off before going in with a damp towel or wipe to clean off the final traces.”

5. Make sure to thoroughly dry after cleaning

“After cleaning with water or wipes, the next crucial step is to make sure you thoroughly dry your dog’s paws. Pay particular attention to small crevices between the toes to prevent trapped moisture that can lead to fungal growth or skin irritation.

In difficult to reach places, try drying with your hair dryer on a very gentle setting or cold air setting. Dry at a distance and in short bursts to prevent irritation on your dog’s sensitive paws.”

6. Remember to wash your own hands

“After cleaning your dog’s muddy pawprints, don’t forget to wash your own hands! Wash thoroughly with soap to wash away any harmful bacteria. Don’t forget to scrub under your fingernails as mud trapped under nails can cause localised skin infections, fungal infections, or generally transfer to the mouth, eyes, or open wounds.”