Best Way to Clean a Muddy Dog After Walks (UK Guide 2026)
Folkestone Groomers Team
24 September 2025
12 min read
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we trust and believe will be valuable to our readers.
Best Way to Clean a Muddy Dog After Walks (UK Guide 2026)
Quick Answer
After muddy walks, clean paws first with lukewarm water, wipe the coat following hair growth, check between toes for debris, and dry thoroughly; bathe only when wiping doesn't remove caked-on mud.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This article provides general guidance on post-walk dog cleaning and care. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog shows signs of injury, infection, persistent skin irritation, or unusual behaviour, consult a qualified veterinarian immediately. Always check with your vet before using new products on your dog, especially if they have sensitive skin or existing health conditions.
Walking your dog in the UK's unpredictable weather often means dealing with muddy paws, wet fur, and dirty coats. Whether you've just returned from a countryside ramble or a rainy park visit, knowing how to properly clean and care for your dog after a muddy adventure is essential for their health and your home's cleanliness.
The best way to clean a muddy dog starts with preparation and follows a systematic process. Clean paws first using lukewarm water and a soft brush or cloth, as this prevents tracking mud throughout your home. Wipe the body and coat with damp towels, working in the direction of hair growth to avoid matting.
Always check between toes for trapped debris, stones, or thorns that could cause discomfort. Finally, dry thoroughly to prevent skin issues and fungal infections. Only resort to a full bath when simple wiping cannot remove caked-on mud.
Essential Supplies for Post-Walk Cleanup
Before heading out on potentially muddy walks, prepare these essential items:
Old towels - For initial drying before using good towels
Dexas MudBuster Portable Paw Washer
The Dexas MudBuster is the UK's most popular portable paw cleaner, trusted by thousands of dog owners. This clever device uses gentle silicone bristles to clean muddy paws in seconds—just add water, insert the paw, twist, and dry. Available in three sizes (small, medium, large) to fit all breeds from terriers to Great Danes.
The soft silicone bristles reach between paw pads to remove stubborn mud and debris without causing discomfort. Dog owners report it's particularly effective for stopping ice balls forming in winter and removing allergens in summer. The see-through design lets you watch the cleaning process, and the simple screw-top lid makes it easy to empty and refill.
Best for: Daily muddy paw cleaning, winter ice ball prevention, dogs who dislike hose spray, keeping car boots clean on country walks
Premium Microfibre Dog Towels
Specialist microfibre dog towels absorb up to seven times more water than standard cotton towels, making post-walk drying faster and more effective. The ultra-soft chenille weave is gentle on your dog's coat while the tightly woven fibres trap dirt and moisture instantly.
UK brands like Pawdaw of London and Mud Daddy offer extra-large towels (100cm x 60cm) specifically designed for dogs who love muddy walks. These towels dry quickly between uses, are machine washable at 30°C, and stay soft wash after wash. The lightweight design means you can easily keep one in the car and one by the back door.
Best for: Large breeds, long-coated dogs, daily muddy walk cleanup, swimming sessions, reducing drying time before using a blow dryer
Ultra-Absorbent Dog Doormat
A specialist dog doormat with high-density chenille fibres is your first line of defence against muddy paws tracking through the house. These mats absorb five times more moisture and dirt than regular doormats, and the non-slip rubber backing keeps them firmly in place even when wet dogs walk across them.
The Soggy Doggy Doormat and Dog Gone Smart Runner are popular UK choices. They're machine washable, quick-drying, and large enough for even big dogs to stand on while you wipe their paws. Place one inside the door and one outside for maximum mud-stopping power.
Best for: High-traffic doorways, homes without utility rooms, large or multiple dogs, protecting hardwood floors and carpets
Step-by-Step Muddy Paw Cleaning Process
1. Initial Assessment
Before entering your home, assess how muddy your dog is. If they're heavily soiled, consider cleaning them outside or in a utility area to prevent tracking mud throughout your house.
For light mud, your waterproof doormat and a quick paw wipe may be sufficient.
2. Best Way to Clean Muddy Dog Paws
Paws collect the most mud and should always be cleaned first. Here's the most effective technique:
Fill a portable paw washer or bowl with lukewarm water (never hot, as dogs' paws are sensitive)
Gently dip each paw and rotate to loosen mud—the silicone bristles in paw washers do most of the work
Use a soft brush or your fingers to remove stubborn dirt between toes
Check for cuts, stones, or debris between paw pads—remove carefully with tweezers if needed
Pro tip: If your dog has long fur between their paw pads, this is a good time to check if it needs trimming. Overgrown paw hair traps more mud and can cause slipping on smooth floors. See our guide on professional dog clippers for safe paw trimming tools.
3. Body and Coat Cleaning
For muddy bodies and coats:
Use damp towels to wipe away surface mud—starting from the neck and working backwards
Work from head to tail, following hair growth direction to prevent matting
Pay special attention to legs, belly, and chest areas where mud accumulates
Use dog wipes for sensitive areas like face and ears
For double-coated breeds, work in sections to ensure you reach the undercoat
Coat-specific tips: Long-coated dogs may need a quick brush with a deshedding brush to remove mud caught in the coat. Short-haired breeds usually need just a wipe-down with a damp towel.
5-Minute Quick Clean Method for Busy Owners
Short on time? This rapid cleanup routine gets your dog clean enough to come inside without a lengthy bathing session:
Minute 1: Keep your dog on the doormat while you grab supplies (paw washer, towels, treats)
Minutes 2-3: Clean all four paws with the paw washer—this is the most important step
Minute 4: Quick wipe of belly, legs, and chest with a damp microfibre towel
Minute 5: Final dry with a clean towel, reward with a treat, let them into the house
This method works well for lightly muddy dogs and daily walks. Save the full bath for when your dog has rolled in something or mud has caked into their coat.
When to Give a Full Bath
A full bath isn't always necessary after every muddy walk. Consider bathing when:
Self-service dog wash stations across the UK offer warm water, raised tubs, and professional dryers—perfect for muddy post-walk cleanups without the mess at home.
Pre-rinse - Use lukewarm water to remove loose dirt before applying shampoo
Shampoo application - Use dog-specific shampoo (see our best dog shampoo guide), working into a lather
Thorough rinse - Ensure all soap is removed to prevent skin irritation—leftover shampoo can cause itching
Gentle drying - Use absorbent microfibre towels and low-heat blow dryer if needed
After bathing, ensure your dog is completely dry, especially between toes and under the coat, to prevent fungal infections. For thick-coated breeds, a dog dryer can speed up the process significantly.
Multiple doormats - Place washable mats in high-traffic areas throughout your home
Dog coats and boots - Consider protective gear for extremely muddy conditions—waterproof coats prevent mud reaching your dog's fur in the first place
Quick-dry towels - Keep several by the door for immediate use, with spares for when they're in the wash
Paw protection wax - Apply protective paw balm before walks to create a barrier against mud, salt, and harsh conditions
Post-Cleanup Home Care
After cleaning your dog:
Wash all used towels and cleaning materials immediately to prevent mud drying and staining
Disinfect the cleaning area with pet-safe cleaning products
Check for any missed mud spots on floors or furniture—catching them while still wet makes removal easier
Ensure your dog is completely dry to prevent skin issues and musty odours
Musher's Secret Paw Protection Wax
Musher's Secret is a veterinarian-recommended paw wax that creates a breathable protective barrier on your dog's paw pads. Originally developed for sled dogs in extreme conditions, it's now used by UK dog owners year-round to protect against mud, salt, ice, hot pavement, and allergens.
The all-natural, food-grade wax blend is safe if licked and won't irritate sensitive skin. Apply a thin layer to paw pads before muddy walks to prevent mud from sticking and caking between toes. In winter, it stops painful ice balls forming and protects against chemical burns from de-icing salt. In summer, it creates a barrier against hot surfaces and sharp gravel.
Dog owners report their dogs' paws stay cleaner and healthier with regular use. The 60g jar lasts several months even with daily application, making it excellent value for protecting paws year-round.
Best for: Daily paw protection, winter ice and salt protection, hot pavement in summer, dogs with sensitive paw pads, preventing mud build-up between toes
Seasonal Considerations
Autumn and Winter
During wetter months, mud is more frequent and often mixed with fallen leaves and debris.[1] Pay extra attention to:
Checking between toes for trapped leaves and twigs after every walk
Hot pavement can burn paws, making post-walk care crucial[4]
Swimming in ponds or rivers requires immediate freshwater rinse
Health and Safety Tips
Paw Health
Regularly check for cuts, thorns, or embedded objects
Trim hair between paw pads to reduce mud accumulation
Apply paw balm to protect against harsh conditions
Watch for signs of infection or irritation
Skin and Coat Care
Maintain your dog's skin health by:
Using gentle, dog-specific cleaning products
Avoiding over-bathing which can strip natural oils
Ensuring complete drying to prevent fungal issues
Monitoring for signs of skin irritation or allergies
Professional Grooming Considerations
Sometimes professional help is the best option. Professional groomers have specialised equipment and expertise to handle heavily soiled coats safely and efficiently.
They can also provide additional services like nail trimming and ear cleaning during the same visit. To find qualified professionals in your area, visit our professional Dog Grooming Services in Folkestone.
Start with the paws first using lukewarm water and a portable paw washer or soft brush. Wipe the body with damp microfibre towels following hair growth direction, check between toes for debris, and dry thoroughly. Only bathe when simple wiping cannot remove caked-on mud.
What is the best way to clean muddy dog paws quickly?
A portable paw washer is the fastest method. Fill it with lukewarm water, insert each paw, twist gently, and dry with a towel. This takes about 30 seconds per paw and is far more effective than wiping alone. Keep one filled and ready by your back door during muddy seasons.
Do I need to bathe my dog after every muddy walk?
No, bathing after every muddy walk is unnecessary and can be harmful.[1] Over-bathing strips natural oils from your dog's coat and can cause skin irritation. Simple wiping and paw cleaning are usually sufficient unless mud has caked into the coat or your dog has rolled in something unpleasant.
What's the safest way to dry a dog after rain?
Use absorbent microfibre towels first, then air dry or use a low-heat blow dryer. Ensure your dog is completely dry, especially between toes and under the coat, to prevent fungal infections and skin issues. Never use high heat as it can burn sensitive skin. Ultra-absorbent dog towels remove most moisture quickly without the need for a dryer.
How do I remove mud between a dog's toes safely?
Use lukewarm water and a soft brush or cloth to gently clean between toes. A paw washer with silicone bristles is particularly effective as the bristles reach between paw pads without causing discomfort. Check for stones, thorns, or debris that may be trapped. Be gentle to avoid causing pain, and always dry thoroughly afterwards.
Can I use human shampoo after muddy walks?
No, never use human shampoo on dogs. Human shampoo has a different pH level that can irritate your dog's skin and strip essential oils from their coat. Always use dog-specific shampoo when bathing is necessary. For more guidance, see our detailed guide on why human shampoo is harmful to dogs.
How do I stop my dog tracking mud through the house?
Set up a muddy paw station by your door. Use an ultra-absorbent dog doormat, keep a paw washer filled with water, and store microfibre towels nearby. Clean paws immediately before your dog enters. Consider applying protective paw wax before walks to prevent mud sticking in the first place.
Should I use a portable paw washer or towels?
Both—use a paw washer for cleaning and towels for drying. Paw washers remove mud far more effectively than towels alone, especially between paw pads. After washing, dry each paw thoroughly with a microfibre towel. For best results, use the washer first, then finish with a towel to prevent your dog walking wet paw prints through the house.
How often should I clean my dog's paws in winter?
Clean your dog's paws after every walk in winter. This removes de-icing salt, grit, and ice that can damage paw pads and cause chemical burns. Apply protective paw wax before walks to create a barrier against salt and prevent painful ice balls forming between toes.
What products do professional dog groomers use for muddy dogs?
Professional groomers use high-velocity dryers, professional-grade shampoos, and ultra-absorbent towels. At home, you can achieve similar results with quality microfibre towels, a portable paw washer, and dog-specific shampoo. For heavily matted or caked-on mud, consider visiting a Professional Dog Groomer who has specialised equipment.
Quick Reference Cleanup Checklist
For efficient post-walk cleanup, follow this quick checklist:
☐ Assess mud level before entering home
☐ Clean paws first with lukewarm water
☐ Wipe body with damp towels
☐ Check between toes for debris
☐ Dry thoroughly with clean towels
☐ Inspect for cuts or irritation
☐ Clean and disinfect equipment
☐ Wash dirty towels immediately
☐ Reward your dog for cooperation
Conclusion
Dealing with muddy paws and coats is an inevitable part of dog ownership, especially in the UK's variable climate.[8] With the right preparation, techniques, and supplies, post-walk cleanup becomes a manageable routine rather than a stressful ordeal.
Remember that patience and positive reinforcement make the process easier for both you and your dog.[9] Regular practice will help your pet become more comfortable with the cleaning routine, making future muddy adventures less daunting.
By following these guidelines, you'll keep your home clean, your dog healthy, and maintain the joy of outdoor adventures regardless of the weather conditions. For more comprehensive grooming advice, explore our other guides on dog grooming essentials and seasonal dog care.
