Dirty Doodle Feet

[Richard Crowe]

Holly has big paws and we don't like them clipped closely like a poodle. She loves to run in the morning at the back of our property where she gets her feet all muddy. We noticed while we were dog-sitting our daughter's Labrador that the Lab's feet never got as dirty as Holly's even when they were running in the same area.

We have solved the muddy feet problem by using an old recycled tupperware pitcher filled with water and a drop or two of dog shampoo. It's a quick dip in the pictcher for each foot, then a hose-off to rinse and then a quick dry with a towel.

Holly has even learned a new command "back foot" and she will back up to me and raise one of her back paws for a dip in the pitcher. She somewhat knows the command "other paw" but not as well as the first command.

This seems to work well for us. Of course, keeping her from the back of the proparty would be the best idea but there are three large dogs living on the other side of the fence and it is too tempting for Holly.

[Richard Crowe]

By the way, I just remembered there is a picture of Judy washing Holly's feet on my photos here on doodlekisses.com at
http://www.doodlekisses.com/photo/holly-gets-her-feet-washed?context=user
The only difference is that now, since we have such a water shortage in Southern Califonia, we rinse off Holly over our lawn so we don't waste the water with which we rinse off Holly's paws. This system really uses very little water. At the beach we have done it easily with just a gallon of water and I don't think we use a lot more rinsing her with the hose.

[BetteB]

We have a similar problem ... our mop/vacuum have gotten quite a workout since Agnes joined our family. Thanks for sharing the idea. Sounds like a good one!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I was on an airplane the other day, looking through that gadget magazine. They were trying to sell a system to wipe off paws for about $50! It sounds exactly like your homemade version. Great idea!

[Richard Crowe]

By The Way... A supply of old towels is essential to keep Holly clean. Since we have raised puppies before (and have two rescue Maltese puppies mow) we always have towels available.

[Richard Crowe]

Holly also gets her paws full of sand when we go to the beach. We carry the pitcher and a gallon jug of water. We fill the pitcher, soak her feet and then use the rest of the gallon to rinse the feet. We don't put shampoo into that water. The gallon is usually enough to get her feet clean enough to ride in the SUV.

BTW: When we do use a a dog shampoo; we use one that has conditioner in it because we have to wash Holly's feet at least once daily.

[Nancy Sunderland]

I've only had my doodle puppy for 5 days, and I've already discovered this dilema. It seems the owrst times are early in the morning and late evening, once the dew has settled. I like the bucket idea, thanks! (I've been using baby wipes on heach paw and/or having her "dry off" a bit in the mudroom before letting her roam wild--she does NOT like the latter...)

[Richard Crowe]

Abby and Kaela's picture reminded me of one Thanksgiving when we had the family over. After they all left, Judy and I went to the bedroom to change into kitchen cleaning clothes. When we came back to the kitchen, our big dog (German Shepherd - Golden Retriever - Wolf) had gotten the turkey carcass down from the kitchen counter and was sharing it with our four Maltese. They all looked like that but it was turkey grease they were covered with. Five dog baths later, we threw away the carcass and left the kitchen clean-up for the morning.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

This is exactly what we do to Gracie Doodle when she comes in from her walk or when she gets into digging around the yard!!!

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

I hear you!!... and may use your tip. Look what I have been dealing with recently. Uggggghhhhh!!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

After keeping Spud quiet for over a week by post-neutering instructions he played all weekend. His feet and even his toe nails are grass strained. :) He is so happy to play frisbee again.