November walks with your furry friends often mean trudging through muddy paths and enjoying the crisp autumn air. While our dogs revel in the adventure, the aftermath can be a muddy mess. Do not worry! Here at Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted five helpful tips for washing your dog after a muddy walk this November, ensuring your canine companion stays clean and comfortable. We hope you enjoy reading this article!
1. Pre-Walk Preparations:
It may be worthwhile investing in weatherproof coats, fleeces etc. Some dogs get very cold, others do not seem to mind wind and rain and snow for that matter.
2. Rinse Off the Excess Mud:
Upon returning home, give your dog a thorough but gentle rinse. Use lukewarm water in a shallow bowl or small bucket to either immerse one or both paws at a time. Start from their paws and work your way up to the legs (any other muddy areas should be cover by the coat) ensuring to rinse away as much mud as possible without causing discomfort.
3. Drying off
Use an appropriate towel or chamois to carefully dry one leg at a time, ensuring you do not pull the leg out sideways but rather stand over the dog and lift the paws backwards while drying the wet fur.
4. Bathing
If your dog is so muddy that a bath is required then please ensure you use dog appropriate shampoo and rinse your dog thoroughly after shampooing to remove all traces of soap. Leftover shampoo residue can lead to skin irritation. Towel dry your furry friend gently, absorbing as much moisture as possible. If your dog tolerates it, use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to ensure they are completely dry, especially in colder November temperatures.
5. Positive Reinforcement!
Lastly, make bath time a positive experience for your dog. Offer treats, praise, and gentle encouragement throughout the process. Associating bath time with positive experiences can make it more enjoyable for your furry companion and easier for you in the long run.
Lastly…
Did you find this article helpful? We hope so! By employing these five tips and establishing a post-walk cleaning routine, you can keep your canine companion clean, comfortable, and ready for more muddy adventures ahead! If you would like to book a dog walk at our fifteen-acre secure dog park in Hertfordshire, please do not hesitate to call us today on 01462 742658. We look forward to seeing you here!