After a wet walk, use clean water to rinse away mud and road residue, then pat each paw dry. Check between the toes and around the pads for grit, small cuts, redness or a thorn. A soft towel by the door makes this an easy part of coming home.
Keep the routine gentle
Use a pet-safe cleanser only when needed and follow its label. Avoid putting human creams or disinfectants on irritated skin unless your veterinarian advises it. Keep floors dry so your dog does not slip while they shake off.
Persistent licking, swelling, a limp, odor or a sore that does not improve should be checked by a veterinarian. Rainy weather can make small paw problems easy to miss, so a brief look after outings is a useful habit.
Further reading: ASPCA guidance on household products and pets
