How to Clean Dog Paws and Coats After Muddy Walks
By PDSA Pet Store | Published: 2026-11-05
Category: How-to Guides
A practical step-by-step routine for muddy paw cleaning and coat care after wet walks, including towel technique and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Set up a towel station by the door, blot the worst mud while it is still wet, then work from paws upward using a clean microfibre towel. Finish with a dry towel pass on the coat and clean the paws last so you do not spread dirt back onto clean fur.
Why blotting beats rubbing on wet mud
Rubbing wet mud pushes grit deeper into the coat and can make a small mess into a larger one. Blotting lifts moisture and loose dirt without grinding particles against the skin. This matters most on paws, where mud packs between pads and around the nails.
A microfibre dog towel works well for this because the fibres trap dirt and water rather than just moving them around. Keep one towel for muddy first contact and a second, cleaner towel for the final pass so you are not redistributing dirt.
When a towel is not enough
If mud has dried hard or is packed deep between paw pads, a towel alone may only clean the surface. In that case, rinse the paws with plain lukewarm water first, then blot with the towel. Avoid harsh shampoos on every walk, as frequent washing can dry out the skin and coat.
For long or double coats, a towel pass removes surface mud but may not reach the undercoat. Work in sections and accept that some drying time is part of the routine. Do not let a wet dog sit in a cold draught while you finish cleaning.
Your muddy walk cleanup routine
- Set up a towel station before you need it: Keep two towels by the door: one for muddy first contact and one for the final dry pass. Add a shallow bowl of lukewarm water only if paws are heavily caked. If you have to search for a towel while the dog waits, mud dries and becomes harder to lift.
- Blot the paws before the coat: Wrap the first towel around each paw and press gently for a few seconds. Work around the pads and between the toes without rubbing back and forth. Cleaning paws first stops mud from being transferred to the cleaner coat towel.
- Work up the legs and body in sections: Use the same blotting motion on the legs, chest, and belly, turning the towel to a clean area as it picks up dirt. For long coats, part the fur and blot underneath rather than scrubbing the surface. A towel that is already loaded with mud will smear dirt rather than remove it.
- Finish with a dry towel pass: Switch to the second, drier towel and go over the coat once more to lift remaining moisture. Pay attention to the armpits and between the back legs where dampness lingers. A final dry pass reduces the chance of a damp dog chilling after the walk.
- Clean the towel and reset the station: Shake out loose mud outside, then wash the towel according to its care label and hang it to dry. Replace the muddy towel with a clean one before the next walk. A towel left damp in a bag or basket can stay wet and smelly for the next walk.
Product facts
- Henry Wag Microfibre Pet Cleaning Towel: Made from 80% recycled polyester microfibre that absorbs more water and dries more quickly than regular towels. A quick-drying towel is easier to reuse between walks and reduces the chance of leaving a damp towel in the car or by the door.
Henry Wag Microfibre Pet Cleaning Towel
