When you have an energetic pup (or two!) that’s always up for an outdoor adventure—whether it’s a muddy trail run, a beach playdate, or just a stroll through a leaf-covered park—keeping them clean feels like a full-time job. People often stop us to ask, “How are your dogs always so clean?” And the truth is, we’ve developed a super simple but effective routine that helps them stay fresh, rash-free, and ready to hop into bed without a second thought. Here’s our go-to 3-step process after every walk:
Step 1: The Quick Rinse (or Wipe Down)
We start with a quick rinse if things are really messy—or a wipe down if it’s just some light dirt. Paws, bellies, and tails are our main focus. Those are the areas that tend to collect the most grime and can easily become irritated if left unclean.
On dry days, we use dog-safe wipes. They’re gentle, hypoallergenic, and infused with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile. On muddier or wet days, we bring them straight into our “clean zone”—which is just a cute name for our laundry room setup—and give them a gentle rinse with lukewarm water using a handheld sprayer. It only takes a couple of minutes and makes a big difference.
We’ve found that by doing this consistently, there’s no buildup of dirt or oils that can lead to skin issues. It also keeps our floors and furniture cleaner, which is a major bonus.
Step 2: Dry & Inspect
Next up, we dry them off thoroughly. Moisture trapped in fur—especially between the toes or under folds—can lead to rashes, hotspots, or fungal infections. We use super absorbent microfiber towels that make the drying process quick and efficient.
While drying, we take a few moments to check their skin. We’re not vets, of course, but just being familiar with what’s normal for them helps us catch anything unusual early—whether it’s a tick, a scratch, or a patch of redness. A lot of rashes can be prevented just by catching irritation before it becomes a full-blown problem.
Plus, this step has become a bonding moment. They love the attention, and it’s become part of our routine that they actually look forward to.
Step 3: Coat Care & Paw Protection
The final step is all about protection and maintenance. We give their coats a gentle brush to remove any loose dirt, burrs, or hair. Not only does this keep them looking clean and fluffy, but it also distributes their natural oils, which help protect their skin.
For the paws, we use a natural balm—especially in the winter or on hot pavement days. The balm soothes, moisturizes, and acts as a barrier against rough terrain. We also trim the fur between their pads if it starts to get too long, which helps reduce the dirt that collects there and lowers the chance of matting.
By sticking to this three-step process, we’ve been able to keep our pups clean, healthy, and happy—without needing a full bath after every outing. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it works. Best of all, it means we never have to think twice about post-walk cuddles on the couch.
So the next time someone asks, “How do you keep them so clean?” we can smile and say, “It’s all in the process!”
