The easiest way to deal with a muddy or sandy dog is to wash them before they get back in the car, not once you're home. Take about 10 litres of fresh water, a portable dog shower and an old towel, and you can rinse them off in the car park in a few minutes. The car stays clean, and there's no second wash waiting for you at home.
We walk our dog Rusty in our local forest, and he loves playing in the mud and getting absolutely filthy. For a long time that meant a muddy dog jumping straight into the car, a filthy back seat, and another wash when we got home. Now we wash him off before he gets in. We do the same after the beach.
What you need
- A portable dog shower. We use our own Compass & Creek kit. It runs off a rechargeable battery, so you don't need a tap or a power point.
- About 10 litres of fresh water in a bucket or a Solar Sac.
- An old towel for a quick dry before your dog jumps in.
- Dog shampoo, if it's more than just mud.
Step by step
- Fill up before you leave. Put about 10 litres of fresh water in the Solar Sac or a bucket and pop it in the boot.
- Warm it while you walk. On a sunny day, leave the Solar Sac out in the sun while you're out, and the water's nice and warm for your dog when you get back.
- Wash before the car. Drop the pump into the water. The suction cups hold it to the bottom so it stays put.
- Start with the shower head. Rinse the coat from the back forward, and keep the water away from their face and ears.
- Swap to the sprayer for paws, legs and belly. That's where the mud really sticks, and the more concentrated spray gets it out of the fur and from between their toes.
- Towel off and load up. A quick rub down and they're ready for the car.
- Pack it away. Put the pump and hose back in the mesh bag so it can air dry, and recharge it with the USB-C cable when you get home.
Water and temperature
10 litres is usually plenty for Rusty. The pressure does most of the work, so you're not using water to soak the mud off. The pump moves about 5 litres a minute, so 10 litres gives you about 2 minutes of continuous water. Turn the flow down with the switch on the shower head, or switch the pump off while you work the mud loose, and it goes further. For a big or long haired dog, take a second bucket just in case.
After the beach, use fresh water. The point is to rinse the salt and sand out of their coat, and seawater just puts more salt back in.
The pump doesn't heat the water. On sunny days we leave the Solar Sac out while we walk, and it's nicely warm when we're back. On colder days you can mix some hot water from home with cold before you leave. Either way, check it on your hand before you start. If it feels too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.
FAQs
How much water do I need to wash my dog?
About 10 litres is enough for our dog Rusty after a muddy walk or the beach. Bigger or hairier dogs may need more, so take a second container if you're not sure.
Is the pressure too strong for my dog?
No. The shower head gives a gentle rinse for the coat. The sprayer is more concentrated, so keep it for paws and legs and away from their face.
Can I wash my dog with sea water?
Fresh water is better. You're trying to get the salt out of their coat, and seawater leaves more behind. Bring fresh water from home.
Can I use warm water?
Yes. Warm water from the Solar Sac or mixed from home is fine, and most dogs prefer it. Check it on your hand first. The pump can sit in water up to 60°C, but that's far too hot for a dog.