Mud, Glorious Mud!
The benefits of getting letting your dog get muddy!
Mud. Seemingly one of the WORST elements of dog ownership. Yes, dogs are cute and cuddly and great listeners… but the mud?! It’s the one thing we dread as the season’s change and the rain starts to pour (even more!)... unless you’re a dog of course!
But did you know that there are actually some benefits to letting your dog go wild in the mud? In this blog post, we’ll explain the positive effects of mud for your pup, and give you some tips on how to deal with the aftermath.
What is mud?
It might seem obvious, but just to clarify, mud is the term given to soil that is mixed with water. Mud made from healthy soil is rich in nutrients and therefore mud of all different types has been used in ritual treatments by humans for many thousands of years. Today, you can still treat yourself to mud treatments, albeit the mud isn’t the soil-from-the-woods type and is slightly more exotic.
Mud that is made from healthy soil will be dark in colour, free from foul odours and rich with microbe life. This is the best kind to let your dog loose in.
Mud for skin and coat health
Mud can have a soothing effect on your dog’s skin. It’s exfoliating properties can help remove dead skin (dandruff) and provides a cooling relief to areas hot with irritation. There are also studies that suggest that mud bathing can benefit dogs who suffer from arthritis and joint health conditions.
Mud for mental enrichment
At the end of the day, playing in mud is fun. A dog frolicking, rolling and splashing around in the mud is a happy dog indeed. Whilst it might mean a bit of extra cleaning time when you get home, the positive impact on your dog’s mental health is definitely worth it. Not only are mud and dirt full of different smells and textures which keep your dog’s senses engaged, playing in mud also uses up extra energy, so at least they’re more likely to have a nice, long snooze after their walk!
Mineral Moor Mud
Mineral moor mud is a superfood supplement that provides a wealth of health benefits including supporting gastrointestinal activity, stimulating appetite and optimising fecal texture and consistency. Our Leo & Wolf Mineral Moor Mud supplement is a pure, natural product from Bavarian moors, with a high humic acid content. It has been used for generations for internal and external use on both humans and animals. Simple add some mineral moor mud to your dog’s usual food as a topper and revel in the benefits!
Dealing with the mud aftermath
Whilst on many occasions a good wipe down will suffice, sometimes a good bath is in order to completely de-mud your mutt. As advocates of natural ingredients here at Nutriment, we strongly recommend using a mild, natural shampoo to clean your dog’s coat and keep any irritation risks to a minimum. Explore the ‘For All Dog Kind’ range of dog skincare products on our website. And as always, watch out for the post-bath coat shake!
Or, for nourishing on-the-go handy cleaning, check out Aniforte Care Wipes.
However, don’t let your dog drink from muddy puddles!
Muddy puddles can be a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites that can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system. Try and stop them from rehydrating from muddy puddles and provide them with fresh water when they’re home from their walk.
Does your dog love to get muddy?
Let us enjoy in the muddy fun by seeing your best post Autumn walk photos. Tag us on socials using @nutrimentraw!