Dogs love adventure, and honestly, that’s part of what makes them so wonderful. But it’s no fun when your pup always comes inside with messy fur. Cleaning up burs, mud, and stray leaves off your bestie can be time-consuming. The good news? There are ways to manage this age-old dilemma without feeling like it’s a never-ending struggle. Here’s what you can do if your pup is always coming inside with messy fur.

Keep It Clean But Make It Fun

Caring for a doodle’s fur at home doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems. However, if you have doodles and other fluffy pets, brushing out leaves, sticks, and stickers can get old. A quick post-walk cleaning session can be a lifesaver. Grab a damp towel or pet-safe grooming wipes, I personally like Earth Rated’s non-scented wipes, and handle visible dirt or mud before it turns into chaos and spreads throughout your hosue. Adventure lovers may find this small routine game-changing. When we’re out and about I like to practice this before we even get in the car. Make it part of the journey—treats and happy chatter can also turn this task into bonding time instead of a dreaded chore.

Booties and Jackets Aren’t Just for Looks

If your pup’s closet hasn’t seen booties or coats yet, you might be missing out. These accessories aren’t just cute—they’re protective shields against dirt, mud, and whatever else your curious pup dives into. Lightweight mesh booties are perfect for warmer weather, while a snug, waterproof coat during rainy seasons keeps their body clean and dry. It’s a small investment that saves you time and effort by keeping the mess outside where it belongs.

Our personal favorites are the All-Weather Jacket from Wildebeest (save on your order with RUBY15), vests and jackets from Lambwolf Collective (save on your order with RUBYDOODLE10), anything from Canada Pooch for really cold and snowy adventures, and Hurtta for fuller coverage coats.

Adjust Your Pup’s Environment

There’s only so much you can do to stop your curious pup from exploring the world around them. Sometimes, stopping the messy fur is less about managing your dog and more about managing their environment. The plants around where you live may contribute to your dog’s ability to bring little leaves and burs inside on their fur.

Take a look at your greenery, shrubs, and trees, and consider which plants might come home with your dog. If trees are the cause, knowing the dos and don’ts of tree trimming will help you make changes that spare your dog’s coat while keeping your yard beautiful. You coudl also consider artificial grass or low maintenance / less shedding greenery that’s of course pet safe. A little landscaping can go a long way toward a cleaner pup.

Brush Now, Thank Yourself Later

Daily brushing might sound overboard, but it’s worth it. A quick brush-out keeps loose dirt and debris from embedding deep into your dog’s fur. Plus, regular brushing drastically reduces post-adventure cleanup time. Keep a brush or comb by the door and make a quick two-minute habit of using said brush whenever your pup returns from outside. I went as far as investing in a grooming table – mainly to save my back – for Ruby and I’s grooming sessions. This step will keep everything tidier while reducing painful knotting in their coat and strengthening the bond between you and your four-legged explorer.

A Post-Adventure Cleanse

When messier situations aren’t always something you can avoid, giving your dog a quick rinse might be the ultimate solution. Don’t reach for the shampoo every time—plain water does wonders—but when you do I like Guroom. A tiny kiddie pool in the yard or a detachable showerhead works perfectly for this. Paws, bellies, and tails usually accumulate the most grime, so focus there. Use warm water during cooler months to keep your pup from shivering. These small but impactful habits will make a world of difference in minimizing mess.

Conquer Messy Fur, One Adventure at a Time

Our pups love to get messy, and that’s half the reason we adore them. But dealing with post-adventure fur chaos doesn’t have to be a hassle. From managing their environment to introducing post-walk habits, there’s a solution to fit every lifestyle. If your pup always comes inside with messy fur, you need to find the right balance between cleanup efforts and keeping your pup happy and free to explore. A little effort, creativity, and love go a long way in keeping your dog’s wild side manageable—without cutting back on the fun.