How to survive mud season with your pets
With the snow melting and spring rain in the forecast, we’re headed for that messy time of year for pets we call mud season. We’re recommending everything from the typical rain jackets to a dirty dog shammy to ensure your furry friend doesn’t track muck into your house.
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You won’t find any booties on this list! If your dog is anything like mine, rain boots cause a lot of unnecessary prancing and will only lead to a missing boot somewhere along your walk. Whether you have a dog, cat, bunny, or guinea pig, this catalogue of pet products will help combat muddy puddles so you won’t miss out on any springtime cuddles!
HDE Dog Raincoat Hooded Slicker Poncho for Small to X-Large Dogs
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Here’s Sparky modeling the HDE Dog Raincoat in a rubber ducks pattern. For pups that will tolerate a jacket, this one is waterproof and lightweight to pack for day trips or hikes. Customers say it’s good value for the price, easy to harness, and if you’re planning to order one you should note the material is fairly thin for those warmer rainy days, as indicated in the product description.
Key takeaways:
A dog coat is the first line of defense for keeping your pet comfortable and dry
Features include reflective material for added safety, an adjustable strap for a secure fit, and availability in 17 colours and patterns
Rated 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Of course, you can use this shammy after bathtime at home but you can also take it with you to the dog park, beach, or hiking trails. The Dog Gone Smart brand claims the super-absorbent microfibre soaks up 20 times more water and mud than other shammies on the market. One customer indicates she used it on her German Shepherd who typically needs three or four towels to properly dry off and was extremely satisfied with the results.
Key takeaways:
A useful product to try before loading your muddy mutt into your car
Features include millions of soft microfibre strands that absorb water and mud like a large sponge, can soak up to eight times its weight in water, dual hand pocket for a better grip, and machine washable
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
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Ultra Absorbent Microfibre Door Mat
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Place this mat at your door to sop up water and mud from soggy paws. Ideal for cats or dogs, this incredibly absorbent mat is quick-drying and made from 100 per cent microfibre chenille fabric. The manufacturer claims it absorbs five times better than regular mats and is ideal for indoor use. Plus, it’s available in 17 colours and six sizes to suit your space.
Key takeaways:
A quality mat can be the buffer for mud tracks throughout your house
Features include durable non-slip backing, machine washable, and dryer safe
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
K&H PET PRODUCTS Outdoor Kitty House (Unheated)
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Does your cat go hissterical in the rain? This kitty house provides a cozy shelter for outdoor cats. It’s water-resistant and insulated, which will help your pet avoid the mud if a downpour strikes when you’re not home. One of the main points in the customer reviews is that the cat house is smaller than it appears, so take that into account if you have a large breed.
Key takeaways:
A cat house not only provides shelter from the elements to your own pet but to community cats as well
Features include a removable water-resistant cushioned floor pad, double doors with removable flaps so your cat never gets trapped, and a one-year limited warranty
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: This multi-seasonal item will help clean up your pup’s paws after they’ve been traipsing through dirty snow or met a mud pile they can’t resist. All you have to do is add a little water, insert the muddy paw, twist, and dab the paw dry with a towel. The gentle silicone bristles will remove dirt and mud. Customers say it works exactly as you’d expect!
Key takeaways:
A portable solution to cleaning muddy paws before getting in the car, cottage, or house
Features include simplicity, BPA-free, top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and sanitization
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Aquapaw Dog Bath Brush Pro
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: As we know, not all of our furry friends love baths! If your dog or cat is muddy enough to require a rinse, try the Aquapaw Bath Brush All-in-One Tool. It’s a shower attachment that’s easy to install and operate that allows you to both rinse and brush your pet simultaneously. You can click between pressure settings using one hand, which keeps your other hand free to attend to your pet.
Key takeaways:
A simple way to wash and brush your pet’s coat after an adventure in the mud
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use and can attach to fit a shower spigot or garden hose
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Bee By The Sea Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: When all else fails, break out the shampoo! This gentle, 99 per cent natural dog shampoo is enriched with oatmeal to soothe dry, itchy skin, honey to moisturize, and sea buckthorn for a shiny and healthy coat. All you need to do is wet their fur, apply the shampoo, lather, rinse thoroughly, and use the dog shammy mentioned above to dry off! It’s produced by a Canadian small business, so you can feel good about that too.
Key takeaways:
When you need to wash your pet, you’ll want to use something as natural and gentle on their coat as possible that still gets the job done
pH balanced for dogs, paraben and sulfate-free
Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon.ca (and 5 out of 5 based on personal use!)
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Patrick Hendry/Unsplash
