Mud Season Survival Guide: How to Keep Your Dog (and Your House) Clean

Mud season is here, and if you’re a dog owner, you know what that means: muddy paws, wet fur, and dirty floors.

While your pup might love splashing through puddles, keeping your house clean during this messy time of year can feel like an uphill battle. Here’s your guide to surviving mud season with your sanity—and your home—intact.

1. Create a Clean-Up Station

Designate an area near your entrance to handle muddy messes before they spread. Stock it with essentials like towels, pet-safe wipes, and a basin for rinsing off particularly dirty paws.

A high-quality shammy towel, like this dog drying shammy towel, is a must-have. Its ultra-absorbent material quickly dries your dog’s fur, cutting down on wet spots throughout the house.

2. Invest in Booties or Paw Protectors

While not every dog is a fan, booties can keep mud and dirt off your dog’s paws entirely. They’re great for short walks or trips to the park during the height of mud season — especially if you have a mischievous dog that loves to jump in a muddy puddle.

3. Use Mats Strategically

Place washable mats at your doors to trap mud and water before your dog ventures further into your home. Mats with rubber backing work best to stay in place as your dog trots in.

It may also help to block off parts of your home with a baby gate to prevent your dog from tracking mud in before they can be cleaned off and dried.

4. Groom Regularly

Regular grooming, including trimming fur around the paws and underbelly, can reduce how much dirt your dog tracks inside. Baths may be necessary more frequently during this season, but a good wipe-down post-walk often does the trick.

Embrace the Mess

Mud season may be messy, but with the right tools and strategies, you can keep your house clean and your dog happy. A little prep goes a long way in turning muddy chaos into manageable moments!