How to deal with dirty dogs in wet weather

Dirty dogs and wet weather – two things that seem to go hand in hand. It’s a dog owner’s worst nightmare: you finally get your furry friend all nice and clean, and then the next thing you know, they’re rolling around in a muddy puddle or chasing after a rain-soaked tennis ball.

We all love our dogs, but their hygiene does become overwhelming with the rain and the mud. One walk will require a hose down and a groom afterwards for my Doodles as they, like small children, always find the best puddle to jump into and with all their hair, they end up smelling and looking foul, often cultivating a lot of matted furs.

I love them to pieces, so I must find a solution. First and foremost, I had a hot and cold water hose installed outside to give them a warm hose down when we return from a walk.

But let’s be real, sometimes, no matter how hard we try, our dogs are going to get dirty. So, what can we do to get them clean again?

First, it’s important to choose the right shampoo for your dog. A good rule of thumb is to use a shampoo that’s specifically designed for dogs, as human shampoo can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat. You should also opt for a shampoo formulated for your dog’s specific needs, whether a medicated shampoo for skin issues or a hypoallergenic shampoo for sensitive skin. I use the Baby Fresh from Groom Professional as it is great value for money.

When it comes to the actual bath, ensure you have everything you need within reach. This includes a towel, a bucket or hose for rinsing, and a non-slip mat for the bottom of the tub (trust us, you’ll thank us later). Then, wet your dog’s coat thoroughly and apply the shampoo, taking care to lather it up well. Make sure you pay special attention to any areas that tend to get especially dirty, like the paws and underbelly. When you’re finished washing your dog, rinse them thoroughly to ensure all the soap is out of their coat.

After the bath, it’s important to towel dry your dog as much as possible before letting them shake off the excess water. I then use my Dirty Dog Shammy Towel to dry off the excess water like a giant oven glove. But it really does do the job. If they are really wet, then pop them into one of the drying bags from Amazon. Personally, I like the Henry Wag Microfibre Dog Drying Bag.

I have a basket of brushes for my dogs, but the simplest tool, a metal comb, is often the best. First, if their fur is dry, I will spray it with some MATT-X, a de-matter conditioner. Not only does it do the job, but it has a lovely fragrance. I gently tease any knots or matted hair with the metal comb.

I occasionally comb through his hair with a Furminator dog de-shedding tool which is the most brilliant invention and keeps Kobi’s fur under control. The first time you use one, it will amaze you how much hair one dog can lose and still look furry! In addition, it helps to prevent matting.

However, do buy the right size tool from Furminator for your dog – they have a comprehensive range, and there are grooming tools for short-haired dogs too.

You can also use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to help speed up the drying process. Just be sure to keep the dryer at least six inches away from your dog’s skin to avoid burning them.

Finally, if your dog loves rolling in fop poo, my final recommendation is Groomers De-Fox-It Odour neutraliser spray. It is a pleasant smell and definitely does the job.

So, there you have a few tips for dealing with dirty dogs in wet weather. It’s not always easy to keep your furry friend clean and fresh, but with a little bit of planning and some good quality shampoo, you can minimise the mess and keep your dog looking and smelling their best.

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