Winter is a beautiful time of year to embrace long crisp rambles with your dog, but it also means they are likely to get muddy on messy terrain.
"Faced with rainy walks, muddy paws and the dreaded wet dog smell, keeping your pet clean during the autumn can be quite a chore," say the team at Tails.com. "However, it's important, not only to keep your dog and home smelling fresh, but also to help prevent fleas and matting."
Before you grab your walking boots and head out on an adventure, take a look at the easy ways you can keep your pups clean...
1. Clean them quickly
Cleaning your dog is vital after a walk, as their paws can pick up dirt, grime, chemicals and bacteria. Whether they have been splashing in muddy puddles or rolling around in mud, wash or wipe them down as soon as possible to stop the dirt setting in.
2. Keep a regular routine
Regular bathing can lead to dryness and other skin issues, so it's important not to bathe your dog after every walk. According to Tails.com, your dog only needs to be cleaned just once a month.
"For owners with dogs that don't tend to get dirty very often, it can be hard to know how often to clean your pet pooch during the wet months," say the team at Tails.com. "Fortunately, your dog's fur has evolved to be self-cleaning, which keeps out most of the day-to-day dirt. Try setting a date each month that works for you and your four-legged friend and stick to it."
3. Use a chemical-free shampoo
Made and Sent Calming Dog Shampoo, 500ml
Shampoo with harsh chemicals can irritate a dog's skin and strip away the protective oils from their coat. Instead of using shampoo designed for humans, invest in an all-natural dog shampoo made with organic ingredients.
4. Avoid over-washing
While it's important to keep your dog clean, it's also essential that you don't wash them too frequently.
Tails.com advise: "Aside from the fact that your dog is mostly self-cleaning, there are plenty more ways to keep on top of your hound's hygiene. There are also plenty of 'waterless' cleaning products on the market like dry dog shampoo and waterless cleaning mitts, to help keep your dog smelling and looking clean without getting them wet."
5. Plan your dog walking route
Taking your furry friend on an adventure is exciting, but be wary of the route you are taking. For example, if your pup has a tendency to stray towards muddy puddles, then it could be worth sticking to drier pavements and keeping your pooch on a lead.
6. Protect their paws in winter
"As the temperature drops and the weather turns to snow, it is worth considering how sensitive our pet's paw-pads are to icy conditions and grit on the road," say Tails.com.
"Regularly tending to your dog's paws with warm water and a moist cloth will not only be soothing for your dog but help to clean up one of the main areas that spread dirt around your home. During autumn, it is extra important to keep checking your dog's paws after a walk, as bits of debris and leaves can get stuck between their paws and cause irritation."
7. Brush their fur frequently
As well as wiping your dog after a muddy walk, brushing their fur is one of the best ways to keep them clean when out and about. The experts at Tails.com recommend brushing at least once a day to keep their coat feeling fresh. Pay close attention to dogs who jump through piles of leaves, as it could be a way for them to pick up nasty fleas and ticks.
8. Don't forget waterproofs
"Investing in a good quality, waterproof dog coat will keep your dog dry during the wet winter months," say Tails.com. "Even on days where the rain is not falling down, the colder climate means that muddy patches and puddles linger around for much longer — and we all know, our pups are drawn to them."
9. Stay allergy alert
Some dogs are prone to autumn allergies, with certain plants and grasses releasing pollen that can be irritating to them.
"It is worth finding out what allergies your dog might be suffering from," add Tail.com. "Tell-tale signs to look out for are sneezing, watery eyes and coughing. You should seek advice from your vet if you believe your pooch is starting to display these symptoms."
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21 wonderful Christmas presents for dogs
Every dog needs a tennis ball. Designed for fun and endless fetch, these balls from marleybones.com are just the right size for your dog to grip and go.
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Who says perfume is just for humans? Well, Barbour's dog cologne helps to refresh and soothe your pet's skin while also helping them to smell fresh.
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