Do you have a muddy backyard dog trail? Well, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for dogs to leave behind a messy and muddy trail on the way back inside. This is how they cool themselves off after playing outside in the hot sun. Unfortunately, this leaves your yard looking like an ugly mess!
So what’s the solution? There are probably over a dozen ways to fix this problem permanently. But we will stick to the most efficient one. With that being said, if you’re looking for a quick temporary fix, don’t worry. We will cover that as well.
This blog post will go over the following:
- A simple seven-step method to fix muddy dog trails permanently
- Some easy and temporary fixes that work well for short-term solutions
- Steps you can take to prevent muddy dog trials in your backyard
You ready? Let’s jump right in!
A Simple Seven-Step Method to Fix Muddy Dog Trails Permanently
Instead of cleaning a muddy dog trail again in again, just take the following steps to get rid of mud in your backyard — do it once the rain stops.
1. Get Rid of the Excess Dirt
Start by using a metal rake to sweep any excess dirt and debris from the dog’s muddy trail. You can also remove any rocks or stones that may have been dragged into the mud.
In addition, if there is a particularly large amount of dirt and debris you can use a shovel to scoop it up.
2. Spray Your Backyard
Next, use a power washer to spray your backyard. If you don’t have access to a power washer, then just scrub the dried dirt with a garden hose.
3. Sprinkle Rock Salt
Leave the ground wet and sprinkle on some rock salt for at least two hours before rinsing off. In case you don’t have access to rock salt, you can use white laundry detergent as a substitute.
4. Spray Once Again
After leaving the rock salt or white laundry detergent for two hours, spray the area with a power washer once again.
5. Spread Baking Soda
After spraying or hosing down the area again, use a push broom to spread baking soda over the entire muddy dog trial area.
6. Wait for 24 Hours
Wait for 24 hours after step five. Once a whole day has passed, create another coating of baking soda on top of the mud layer. But this time, make sure that the baking soda layer is even.
7. Cover With Soil
Finally, spread a thin layer of soil to cover the baking soda. Make sure not to disturb any wet spots from the earlier rinses.
These steps should provide you with a clean and mud-free backyard for your dog! As long as this method doesn’t cause any damage to your landscaping, you can use it as many times as you want!
5 Easy But Temporary Fixes for a Muddy Backyard Dog Trial
If you’re in a hurry and are okay with a temporary solution, these five easy fixes can come in handy.
1. Use Rocks to Cover Up the Muddy Trail
Use rocks or wood chips to cover up muddy trails in your backyard. This is a great short-term solution for many different types of dogs, but it’s only temporary and will need constant replenishing to keep working effectively.
2. Use Shaving Cream to Cover Up the Muddy Trail
Shaving cream is another great temporary fix for your backyard. It’s easy, inexpensive, and can be used in combination with other methods like rocks or wood chips. Just apply shaving cream over the mud area, let it dry, and give it a quick sweep away!
If you don’t have shaving cream, you can also use dry shampoo or cornstarch to get the same effect.
3. Cover Up the Dog Trail with Cardboard
Cardboard is another effective temporary fix for your backyard. It doesn’t work as well when it’s wet outside, so you’ll want to use this method when there isn’t any rain in the forecast.
To keep track of how much mud each piece has soaked up, mark an X on one side of each piece before laying it down. After you’re done, just toss the pieces in the trash! It’s really that easy. All you have to do is make sure not to use too much and be careful how you dispose of the cardboards when they get wet outside.
4. Cover Up the Dog Trail with a Fitted Tablecloth
A fitted table cloth is another effective temporary fix for your backyard. This method usually works best when you have a patio or some other type of hard surface underneath it.
Make sure to remove any excess grass before applying this method, as well as any big rocks that may pose a tripping hazard.
After you’re done, just fold or roll up the tablecloth and toss it in the trash.
5. Cover Up the Dog Trail with a Rug
A rug is probably the easiest temporary fix for your backyard.
It works best when you have an area that has grass underneath it. Just make sure to remove any excess rocks, as well as anything else that may be harmful if stepped on by humans or pets before laying down the rug.
3 Steps You Can Take to Prevent Muddy Dog Trials In Your Backyard
Prevention is always better than cure! This saying rings true here. By taking steps right now to prevent muddy dog trials, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort in the future.
1. Get Your Dog Some Paw Wax
This is one of the easiest solutions ever! Just get your dog some paw wax, which will act as a protective barrier on their paws that prevents mud from sticking to them.
2. Get Your Dog Some Reusable Paw Wax Covers
If you want an even easier fix, then consider getting reusable paw covers for dogs like these. They will be able to protect their paws from mud and dirt, while also reducing how much they track it throughout your house or backyard.
3. Get Dog Boots and a Silicone-Based Aerosol Spray
If you want the best fix, then consider getting dog boots and a silicone-based aerosol spray. The spray will be used on the bottom of the shoes to prevent mud from sticking to them.
Since boots are reusable, they’re a great long-term solution to keeping muddy trails out of your backyard.
Conclusion: Prevention Is Your Best Course Of Action
If you’re looking for a way to fix a muddy backyard dog trail, then use the seven-step method explained at the beginning of this post. Alternatively, if you’re short on time and need an easy temporary fix, consider the five fixes outlined here.
However, the best way to deal with muddy dog trials is to take steps right now to prevent them. Doing so will save you a lot of time and effort in the future.
Here are there ways to do that.
- Get your dog some paw wax right now.
- Get them some reusable wax pads.
- Get your doggie some boots and spray the bottom part with a silicon-based aerosol spray.
