Winter is a beautiful time of year to embrace long crisp rambles with your dog, but it also means they are likely to get muddy on messy terrain.
"Faced with rainy walks, muddy paws and the dreaded wet dog smell, keeping your pet clean during the autumn can be quite a chore," say the team at Tails.com. "However, it's important, not only to keep your dog and home smelling fresh, but also to help prevent fleas and matting."
Before you grab your walking boots and head out on an adventure, take a look at the easy ways you can keep your pups clean...
1. Clean them quickly
Cleaning your dog is vital after a walk, as their paws can pick up dirt, grime, chemicals and bacteria. Whether they have been splashing in muddy puddles or rolling around in mud, wash or wipe them down as soon as possible to stop the dirt setting in.
2. Keep a regular routine
Regular bathing can lead to dryness and other skin issues, so it's important not to bathe your dog after every walk. According to Tails.com, your dog only needs to be cleaned just once a month.
"For owners with dogs that don't tend to get dirty very often, it can be hard to know how often to clean your pet pooch during the wet months," say the team at Tails.com. "Fortunately, your dog's fur has evolved to be self-cleaning, which keeps out most of the day-to-day dirt. Try setting a date each month that works for you and your four-legged friend and stick to it."
3. Use a chemical-free shampoo
Shampoo with harsh chemicals can irritate a dog's skin and strip away the protective oils from their coat. Instead of using shampoo designed for humans, invest in an all-natural dog shampoo made with organic ingredients.
4. Avoid over-washing
While it's important to keep your dog clean, it's also essential that you don't wash them too frequently.
Tails.com advise: "Aside from the fact that your dog is mostly self-cleaning, there are plenty more ways to keep on top of your hound's hygiene. There are also plenty of 'waterless' cleaning products on the market like dry dog shampoo and waterless cleaning mitts, to help keep your dog smelling and looking clean without getting them wet."
5. Plan your dog walking route
Taking your furry friend on an adventure is exciting, but be wary of the route you are taking. For example, if your pup has a tendency to stray towards muddy puddles, then it could be worth sticking to drier pavements and keeping your pooch on a lead.
6. Protect their paws in winter
"As the temperature drops and the weather turns to snow, it is worth considering how sensitive our pet's paw-pads are to icy conditions and grit on the road," say Tails.com.
"Regularly tending to your dog's paws with warm water and a moist cloth will not only be soothing for your dog but help to clean up one of the main areas that spread dirt around your home. During autumn, it is extra important to keep checking your dog's paws after a walk, as bits of debris and leaves can get stuck between their paws and cause irritation."
7. Brush their fur frequently
As well as wiping your dog after a muddy walk, brushing their fur is one of the best ways to keep them clean when out and about. The experts at Tails.com recommend brushing at least once a day to keep their coat feeling fresh. Pay close attention to dogs who jump through piles of leaves, as it could be a way for them to pick up nasty fleas and ticks.
8. Don't forget waterproofs
"Investing in a good quality, waterproof dog coat will keep your dog dry during the wet winter months," say Tails.com. "Even on days where the rain is not falling down, the colder climate means that muddy patches and puddles linger around for much longer — and we all know, our pups are drawn to them."
9. Stay allergy alert
Some dogs are prone to autumn allergies, with certain plants and grasses releasing pollen that can be irritating to them.
"It is worth finding out what allergies your dog might be suffering from," add Tail.com. "Tell-tale signs to look out for are sneezing, watery eyes and coughing. You should seek advice from your vet if you believe your pooch is starting to display these symptoms."
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28 wonderful Christmas presents for dogs
Every dog needs a tennis ball. Designed for fun and endless fetch, these balls from Pets At Home are just the right size for your dog to grip and go. And we can't get enough of the fun patterned designs either.
Both a fun way to keep your furry friend entertained and a tasty treat for them, this jolly Christmas tree lickmat with accompanying cranberry and turkey paste will certainly get them in the festive spirit.
Something they can wear all year round, this charming handmade dog bandana scarf comes in a number of lovely patterns and colours, from gingham and stripes, to polka dots and florals.
Or why not kit them out for the festivities with this super cute bowtie. At just £4, it would also make a fantastic stocking filler.
Put turkey on the menu for your dog this Christmas with these delicious dog treats. The heart-shaped and hand baked turkey and cranberry soft bites are perfect for your pet to join in with the feasting. Plus, each dog treat can be broken in two for smaller dogs – or to make them last that bit longer.
And you can keep their favourite treats fresh with this handy glass treat jar. With space to add their name and birth year, this is one of our favourite personalised picks.
With rope arms and legs, this sweet bear toy is the ultimate Christmas present for your dog. Aptly named Spencer Bear™, it's the ultimate tug-of-war companion for your pooch.
We're certain your pet will love this small pet collar, featuring a pretty dandelion print. Ideal for small breeds, it has a buckle clasp and hook for your lead.
Enrichment Set - Liki Mat Brain Training For Dogs
Train your pup over the holidays with this clever enrichment set. The perfect sensory activity for keeping dogs engaged, each pack comes complete with a mat, tube of liver paste and one tub of liki mat sprinkles.
Created for comfort, this stylish dog bed from John Lewis has comfort at its heart. With a plain design on one side and classic gingham on the other, it is made from 100% cotton and filled with polyester.
With rainy weather here to stay, this waterproof dog coat from Regatta is what every pet parent needs. The stylish blue check design will also make it easier to spot your pup when out and about.
This dog bowl combines style and functionality in one elegant design. Featuring two bowls for food and water, it can also be personalised with your dog's name.
This set of 10 chew toys for dogs has been designed to distract anxious pups. Each pack contains a variety of rope toys, including a fun carrot-shaped tug and pink teddy bear.
Keep your furry friends refuelled with Lily's Kitchen Breaktime Biscuits. This box features eight packets for your pets to snack on during the day.
We love this tweed and fleece dog bed from the Country Living Marketplace. With six sizes to choose from, the bed boasts thick memory foam pads and high sides to offer support.
Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Level 3 Dog Puzzle Toy
Ideal for keeping energetic and excitable pups entertained and slowing down those who ordinarily race through their food, this interactive puzzle toy will keep them occupied for hours.
Keep your furry friend safe and secure with this soft dog harness. It has a scratch-resistant outer layer, nylon webbing to ensure good visibility at night, a sturdy handle, and a comfortable and ergonomic design. It's available in five different sizes and a range of colours.
This soft dog bed, made from non-toxic materials, has been designed to keep anxious dogs calm. It has a silky feeling, a raised rim to create a sense of security, and head and neck support for when they are sleeping. But that's not all: the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief to relieve a pet's anxiety. Clever!
Excellent for aggressive chewers, this blue chew toy helps pups to release their extra energy by chewing. Suitable for larger breeds, it also helps them to develop healthy chewing habits that can clean their teeth, relieve anxiety and reduce boredom.
With the cold weather well and truly here, this super soft pet blanket is great for keeping your dog warm when the temperatures tumble. We think it would make a wonderful Christmas present.
Perfect for dark winter walks, this light-up dog collar will keep your dog safe and seen. It works for over eight hours of lighting per full charge and is available in a range of colours.
In bright red, this toy is incredible for dogs who like to chew while also playing. Ideal for keeping aggressive chewers occupied, it is available in six different sizes, allowing you to tailor it exactly to your pup.
Coming complete with three tail-wagging retrieval toys, they work equally as well in the water as they do on land, making them a great pick for pups that love to play while out on their daily walks.
Buzzing with bees, this khaki-hued small dog bed is the perfect place for pooches to recline on.
Perfect for a game of tug of war or keeping them entertained by themselves thanks to its fun squeaker, this is one toy you can bring out year after year.
Want to treat your dog to something luxurious this Christmas? OUAI's animal range includes this gentle pet shampoo for pampered pets.
If you're looking for a personalised dog toy but don't want to shell out too much, this great option has 80 pre-stitched names to choose from. But don't worry if your dog's name isn't one of them, there's also the 'best dog ever' title which we're sure your four legged friend is.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
