Let's face it, dogs are dirty creatures. Regardless of breed or size, most dogs would give anything to run through a mud puddle. If you've ever let your dog out on a rainy day, you've probably had to deal with muddy paw prints on your floors.
It's just a natural part of dog ownership. However,
There are things you can do to minimize the mess.
Dog doormats are a great solution that can keep your floors clean while still giving your pooch the freedom to roam. Mats are designed to absorb moisture and dirt as your dog walks over it.
They utilize thick and absorbent materials that are more efficient than those you'd find on standard mats you can pick up anywhere. There are a number of great options on the market to help keep your home clean. Here are 5 of the best.
5 Doormats for Dogs with Wet & Dirty Feet
1. Dog Gone Smart Large Dirty Dog Doormat
]This mat from Dog Gone is effective and has an attractive look that will complement any home. It measures 32 inches wide by 26 inches long, making it the perfect size for most doorways.
It's made of thick microfiber strands. This material gets rid of messes easily while remaining very plush and soft to the touch. It has an impressive absorption rating of 3,000 and dries up to 5 times faster than standard mats.
In terms of durability, this mat is built with rambunctious dogs in mind. It has double basting and thick stitches around the perimeter for safety. On the bottom of the mat, you'll find a non-skid material that keeps the mat in place.
2. Soggy Doggy Doormat
The Soggy Doggy Doormat is capable of absorbing a significant amount of water. It's also built to trap in dirt and prevent it from getting loose.
The mat uses a microfiber chenille material throughout. It consists of hundreds of short noodles that are covered in fine fibers. These noodles suck up moisture like a sponge while remaining soft. Both you and your dog will enjoy the comfort it provides. It also has a non-skid bottom for convenience.
If you want to freshen the mat up, simply toss it into the washing machine for easy cleaning. The mat is available in two sizes and a collection of 8 fun colors.
3. Internet's Best Chenille Dog Mat
This mat is available in two sizes. You can get one that measures 35 inches by 25 inches or a larger alternative that measures 40 inches by 24 inches.
Both options are covered with microfiber bristles that are built to absorb as much water as possible. The bristle move as your dog walks over it, exposing pockets that are capable of trapping in dirt so that it doesn't get loose.
There's a non-skid bottom material built right on so that it won't slide around a smooth floor. The mat is available in two different colors that include contrasting white paw designs.
4. iPrimio Extra Thick Micro Fiber Dog Door Mat w/ Water Proof Liner
Available in two different muted colors, this mat measures 36 inches wide by 26 inches long. The first thing you'll notice about this mat is its thickness. It's approximately 1 inch thick to enhance the absorbing qualities.
High-quality microfiber with an absorption rating of 3,000 is used throughout. It's also available with an additional layer of security. The mat comes with a waterproof lining that will prevent water from seeping through the bottom and onto your floors.
It's ideal for those rainy days Where your dog has a bit more water to get rid of. It's also machine-washable and has a non-slip bottom.
5. My Doggy Place Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Chenille Dog Door Mat
Keep your floors mess-free with this mat from My Doggy Place. It's made of microfiber chenille for optimal absorption. It'll take care of moisture and dirt with no problem.
The material dries fast so that its ready to take care of the next mess. The bottom has a non-slip material built right in. The entire mat utilizes strong durable stitching throughout.
For added durability, the perimeter of the mat has strong trim that'll prevent your dog from chewing through. It's available in two sizes plus a large runner design for hallways.
What Makes a Dog Doormat Different?
To the untrained eye, dog doormats look very similar to that of normal doormats that we use to kick dirt off of our feet before we enter a home. However, varieties that are specifically designed for dogs do double-duty.
They're made of high-quality materials that have higher absorption ratings.
Dogs don't know to wipe their feet at the door before going inside. As a result, these mats are built to absorb as much debris and moisture as possible in a smaller timeframe. They have to be capable of getting rid of grime as your dog walks over it.
These mats offer flexibility as well. They can be used in other areas of your home to keep messes at bay. One common secondary use is near a water bowl.
Pups are notorious for making messes as they get a sip to drink, especially if they're hot. By placing a mat underneath their bowl, you can avoid having to clean up spills and dealing with mold issues.
Use in the Car
Another great use is in the car. When you take a trip to the park or go on a road trip, you don't always have a hose nearby to clean your dog's feet.
You can throw a doormat in your trunk or backseat to keep it clean while your dog rests.
Mats also come in a range of sizes. You can easily find one that fits your dog so that you can place it in the backseat for them to lay on.
Related: Best Seat Covers For Dogs (Protect your Car From Odors, Tear & Dog Hair)
Are Mats as Good as Washing?
Despite their great absorbing qualities, a doggy doormat won't replace washing your dog's feet. They can handle a lot of the mess that's brought in by your canine companion, but it won't get rid of it all. This is especially true if your dog has furry legs.
However, mats do offer more control over the messes your dogs make. They'll dry out the bottom of their feet so that you don't have paw marks everywhere.
They can also be used in conjunction with regular washing. A quality mat will absorb that excess moisture and prevent your floors from getting slippery.
If you live in an area that's prone to dry dust, a doormat can take care of that too.
Things to Look For
As with any accessory you purchase for your dog, you should take the time to find the perfect option. Doormats come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. There are also many inferior options on the market that don't do much.
They're advertised for dogs but don't contain any of the great features that will actually make a difference. Here are some important things to look out for on your search.
Absorbing Materials
What good is a mat if it won't absorb any moisture? You should keep an eye out for mats that are thick and contain materials that are designed to absorb water quickly. One of the best materials available is microfiber.
It's a synthetic fabric that contains many tiny threads that can hold water fairly well.
These threads measure only a fraction of the width as a single human hair, so they can grab onto water molecules in a flash. Typically, how well a mat absorbs moisture is measured on a number scale. Higher numbers get the task done better.
Size
A doormat needs to accommodate your dog's size and your home's entrance area. At the very least, it should be big enough for your dog to stand on without having any paws hanging off.
As a good rule of thumb, get the biggest option that will fit your doorway. With more steps to take getting passed the mat, your dog will have more opportunities to get the dirt and moisture off their paws.
One overlooked size issue is thickness. While a thicker mat typically means better absorption, it can also make it difficult to open your door without snagging it along the way.
Repositioning your mat every time you open up the door can be a hassle, so make sure there's enough clearance between the bottom of the door and the mat.
You can also invest in some rug tape or look for non-skid bottoms to ensure that it stays put.
Construction
Doormats can be very appetizing to a dog that loves to chew. It's good to stick with thick materials that are resistant to tearing. Also, you should take a look at any seams.
Reinforced stitching will make the mat more difficult for your dog to tear up.
Cleaning Method
Eventually, you're going to want to clean your mat to avoid any odors from forming. Some mats can be cleaned in the washing machine while others require you to do the job by hand.
Choose an option that fits with your preferred method. How long the mat takes to dry is also important. Mats should be able to dry out on their own without much intervention.
At the very least, it should take only a few hours in the hot sun to do the trick. If the mat takes a long time to dry, you're looking at a constantly wet floor and potential mold issues.
Over to You
Dealing with messes comes with the territory when you own a dog. However, you can invest in a high-quality doormat to keep those messes at a minimum. They'll contain all the dirt and moisture your dog tracks in so that your home can stay free of grimy paw prints.
Also Read: Top 9 Best Indoor Dog Potty Systems