Do you need to wash your dog after every walk?
Winifred Kozey
2025-08-18 17:44:45
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: 24
Washing your dog’s paws after a walk is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a key part of looking after your pet’s health. Cleaning your dog’s paws after a walk has many health and practical benefits. That’s because these are exposed daily to harmful external factors such as road salt, chemicals and dirt on pavements. These substances can cause skin irritation, painful cracking of paw pads and, in extreme cases, lead to bacterial or fungal infections. Washing paws after every walk also helps to prevent dirt from spreading throughout the house. Regular paw hygiene also allows potential health problems such as cuts, foreign bodies or redness to be detected quickly, enabling a quick response and avoiding more serious consequences. Cleaning your dog’s paws regularly after a walk is crucial for your pet’s health and comfort. Various substances accumulate on dogs’ paws that can lead to irritation, such as road salt, mud and even lawn care chemicals. Removing these contaminants minimises the risk of inflammation and irritation.
Sophie Nienow
2025-08-11 15:57:20
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: 18
After most walks, it’s inevitable for dirt, germs and mud to be gathered on our pup’s feet. Cleaning your dog’s paws prevents them from tracking all sorts of gross post-walk stuff all over your floors. Unlike us, most dogs don’t wear shoes, this makes checking their paws after walks a vital step in your daily routine. For instance, when it’s warm outdoors, concrete paths and sidewalks heat up and may burn your dog’s feet. On the other hand, rainy days might be nice and cool for outdoor walks, but may also mean your dog’s paws will get moist. Make sure to clean and dry their paws to keep their feet fresh and comfortable. Another important thing to note is that bacteria, ticks and other bad parasites can hide in your dog’s paws. Outside of just getting mud, dirt and dust on your floors and carpets, not cleaning your pup’s paws could lead to bacteria outbreaks in your home. These can be very harmful for you and your family.
Gaetano Botsford
2025-07-30 18:10:28
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: 14
I don't have any grounds nearby which means I have to walk him on streets with shrubs and small plants along the sides. There are a number of stray dogs and many people walk their dogs along the same route too. What this means is that there's fresh urine on almost every other plant and mine inevitably ends up with urine all over his body. This means that not only my dog, but also my entire family, especially me, could be in danger. I have no idea how to clean him up after everyday walks without damaging/harming his coat and skin. Shampooing is not an option as it results in dry skin. Bathing him with just water doesn't disinfect him.
Dustin Bechtelar
2025-07-30 16:30:11
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: 18
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, ensuring to rinse away as much mud as possible without causing discomfort. 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.
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