How to Keep Floors Clean From Dog Paws

Ever just cleaned your floor only to have your dog come in, go traipsing through and leave a trail of dirt, grass and other less savory things? This is a regular occurrence for anyone who has even a part-time outside dog. Most people focus on cleaning up afterward. However, the better approach is to keep the mess from happening in the first place by attacking the problem at the source, namely the paws themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloth
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Mats
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Instructions

  1. Keep it Clean

    • 1

      Determine your dog̵7;s point of entry and make it use that exclusively. Instead of letting your dog in through just any door, take control first by determining which point of entry will be used. When choosing, consider which door has the ̵6;cleanest̵7; surface outside, so a door opening to a deck or driveway is better than one that opens to a single step into the grass and yard.

    • 2

      Place mats, inside or out, leading to or from the entrance the dog uses.

    • 3

      Clean the dog's paws outside prior to coming in. Keep a towel or cloth near the entrance where it is convenient to grab when coming in with the dog. Take the dog̵7;s legs one at a time. Lift and rub the paw with the towel or cloth. Massage the towel in between the toes and rub aggressively enough to get mud, dirt or other debris off.

    • 4

      Wash the dog's paws with a wet cloth if dry wiping is not working sufficiently. Towel the paws dry.