After the muddy walk: easy dog grooming at home
Fall walks along the Genesee Riverway mean wet coats and muddy paws. A simple ten minute routine keeps your dog comfortable and your floors clean.
Fall is the best season for dog walks along the Genesee Riverway Trail, and also the muddiest. Wet leaves, puddles and the first frosts mean a lot of dirt comes home on paws, coats and ears. A simple routine at the door keeps your dog comfortable and your floors clean.
At the door: paws first
Keep an old towel by the door and dry each paw, spreading the toes to get mud out from between the pads. In winter this also removes road salt, which can irritate the skin.
Coat: a quick rub down
Grooming gloves are the easiest way to lift loose mud and hair from a damp coat. Most dogs think it is just a good petting session. Once the coat is dry, a few minutes with a dematting comb stops small tangles from turning into mats.
Ears: check after wet walks
Dogs with floppy ears trap moisture after swims and rainy walks. Wipe the visible part of the ear with a soft ear cleaning finger wipe. Never push anything into the ear canal, and call your vet if you notice redness, odor or head shaking.
Nails: every few weeks
Soft trails wear nails down less than pavement does. If you can hear clicking on the kitchen floor, it is time for a trim with clippers with a safety guard. Take off a little at a time.
The ten minute routine
- Dry paws at the door.
- Rub down the coat with grooming gloves.
- Wipe ears if they got wet.
- Brush once the coat is dry.
- Reward with a treat so the routine stays positive.
