Autumn and winter walks mean the same thing every time you get home: four muddy paws and a clean floor between you and the sofa. Here's a routine that takes about a minute and actually gets the mud out from between the pads, which is where most of it hides.
Set up a paw station by the door
Keep everything in one place so you're not holding a dripping dog while you hunt for a towel:
- A thick doormat or absorbent dog mat just inside the door. It catches the first layer before you start.
- Two towels. One for wiping, one dry one for finishing.
- Something to wash with. A bowl of lukewarm water and a cloth, or a paw washer cup.
- A few treats. Paw cleaning goes a lot better when it's followed by something good.
Step by step
- Stop at the mat. Ask for a sit or a stand before your dog gets onto the clean floor.
- Knock off the loose mud first. Rub each paw on the mat or with the first towel. Dry clumps come off easier than wet ones.
- Wash between the pads. This is the bit a wipe misses. Dip the paw in lukewarm water and work the gaps between the toes with your thumb, or use a paw washer that has soft bristles inside.
- Dry properly. Press the towel between the toes, not just over the top. Damp fur between the pads picks up grit and can lead to sore, itchy skin.
- Treat and release.
Why fur between the pads makes it worse
On coated breeds, fur grows between and over the pads. It traps mud like a sponge, holds it against the skin and drops it all over the house as it dries. Trimming that fur level with the pads makes paws far quicker to clean and helps grip on hard floors too. Here's how to trim it safely.
Wipes vs water vs a paw washer
- Pet wipes are fine for light dust. They smear heavy mud and don't reach between the toes.
- A bowl and cloth works well and costs nothing, but it's messy and slow with a big dog.
- A paw washer cup is the tidiest option. You add water, put one paw in, and the bristles clean between the pads while the cup contains the splash. Our Automatic Paw Washer does this at the press of a button, which helps if your dog won't stand still for scrubbing.
Winter extras
Road salt and de-icer can crack and irritate pads. Rinse paws with plain water after winter walks even if they look clean. If the pads look dry or cracked, ask your vet about a paw balm.
If your dog hates having their paws handled
Start with just touching a paw and giving a treat, then holding it for a second, then wiping once. Build up over a few days. The same idea is behind our free 7-Day Method for grooming tools.
General grooming guidance, not veterinary advice. Redness, swelling, limping or constant licking of a paw needs a vet.