If you have a dog, you probably are aware of their deep affinity for running around and playing outside. Naturally, dogs love being outside. While it is certainly enjoyable to watch your dog run around outside, it is no fun cleaning up his dirty paw prints once he/she comes back inside. Whether you have carpet, tiles, or hardwood floor, a dirty dog paw will make a mess on any service. In the worst situations, dogs will climb onto couches and furniture and track dirt on those as well. In this article, we are going to give you a quick and easy 3 step process on how to clean dog paws before coming inside. If you follow these easy steps, your dog can still enjoy his time outside without creating a headache for you to clean up afterwards.

How to clean dog paws before coming inside?

• A bath mat

The first step is to place a bath mat at the entrance of your door. You should train your dog to rub his feet on this mat every time he comes in from outside. We recommend bringing your dog through the same door every time so it is easier for him to remember this important habit. Bath mats are great because they are very absorbent and can absorb both water and mud from your dogs paws.

• Dog paw cleaner

This simple tool works wonders for cleaning dog paws. You can purchase it on Amazon for less than $18. All you have to do is stick your dog’s paw in the cylinder, and then it comes out clean. If you don’t feel like purchasing the dog paw cleaner, you can just use a wet rag every time your dog comes in.

• Drying the paws

Finally, you need to dry your dog’s paws. You can use a rag or glove to just wipe of your dog’s paws to make sure they won’t track any more mud into the house.

More ways to clean your dogs paws before they come inside

Another smart and easy way to keep your dog’s paws clean before they come inside is to monitor your dog’s activity while he is outside. You should try to usher him away from puddles or other wet spots that will likely cover his paws and your house with unwanted mud. Another strategy is to avoid letting your dog out on grass early in the morning. This is because grass is usually the most wet in the early morning when there is still fog and dew. If your dog wants to go out in the morning, try taking him on a leash or make him avoid the wet grass.