Rain, Rain, …. Not Going To Go Away!

This is rain season here in Northwest Indiana, and with this time of year comes a host of wet dog activities … like cleaning.  Lots and Lots of cleaning.  Ever wonder how to make your life a little easier when it comes to the ‘wet dog’ problem?  We’re here to help you and your dog (several times per rainy day).

Preparation is key:

Tried and true methods are still around for a reason. The first thing you’ll want to do is prepare.  Arguably, the most important thing you can do in keeping your pet and your house clean during rainy season is to keep your tools at the ready.  If your dog goes out that back door, keep your supplies right within reach.  This is an absolute must for keeping the wetness under control.  

Tools and tips for your wet dog:

• Shammy towels;  Shammy towels are HIGHLY absorbent and work wonders on a wet dog!  There are even towels made specifically for wet dogs!
• Hair Dryers; A hairdryer can really help in drying off your pet. Introduce your dog to the hairdryer slowly. The dog will need to get accustomed to the noise and feeling of having air blown on its fur. Some dogs will never get used to it and this will not be a viable option. If you decide to try a hairdryer make sure that you:

1. Use your dryer on its lowest setting.
2. Keep the nozzle a couple of inches away from your dog’s fur.
3. Always keep the dryer moving to avoid concentrating the heat in one spot on your dog.
4. They do have specific hair dryers for dogs, but any household hairdryer can be used effectively.
5. Be mindful of your pet’s comfort at all times. 

• Moisture absorbent rugs:  A big help in keeping the paw tracks under control is a floor covering. A good absorbent rug at the entry allows your dog to return into the house without even knowing the cleaning has begun. A sit command, once they are across the threshold, will allow you to use other tools to finish removing the mud.  Here is a washable (and cute!) rug you’ll love!
• Make a ‘wash station‘.  If you are lucky enough to have the space then why not devote a bit of it to a puppy wash station? Akin to a mudroom, but for dogs, you could have a step in rinse off space with a showerhead, washable rugs, and some towels set aside to dry everyone off when it’s all said and done.  

What about those muddy paws?

Sometimes it’s not even raining, but there is still an issue: muddy paws! You know how it goes, you let your pup out to go potty and next thing you know they rush pass you inside and you’ve got a trail of prints leading you straight to their favorite place to lay. So, short of cementing in your backyard, what can you do?   Here are a few different solutions:

• Handheld paw cleaners:  These awesome creations are a lifesaver. You pop your pup’s paw into the cup-like design, give it a few little turns, and it comes out cleaner than before.  Here is our favorite cup-type paw cleaner.
• Paw-cleaning mitt: If your dog doesn’t take well to their paws being placed into the cup-like device, then a good old paw-cleaning mitt should help as well. Normally made from microfiber these mitts as specifically designed to absorb moisture and help keep the muddy paws in check.  Click here for a top rated paw cleaning mitt! 

So you’ve got your dog going potty outside in the rain, and you’ve picked out your gear to help keep them dry, and you even have your methods for drying them off once they come back inside. Everything is covered, right? Maybe… but sometimes the rain doesn’t just affect your dog’s desire to go outside. It can affect other areas of their lives as well.  Here’s a link for some tips on Getting Your Dog To Go Out In The Rain.  Stay tuned for some more tips to keep your dog happy during the rainy season!

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