Getting home from a dog walk usually means taking off the lead, grabbing a towel if it’s muddy, and maybe putting the kettle on.

But before your dog settles down, there’s something worth doing.

Give them a quick check.

I’ve been walking dogs professionally around Finchley and Muswell Hill since 2011, and a simple post-walk check is part of my normal routine.

I’ve found grass seeds between toes, ticks after woodland walks, small paw injuries and mud packed tightly between pads. Things that aren’t always obvious when a dog first comes through the door.

You don’t need lots of equipment or veterinary training to notice that something isn’t right. You just need to know where to look, take your time and understand when a problem needs professional attention.

In this guide, I’ll explain how I check dogs after walks, what I look for throughout the year and which simple items are worth keeping by the door.

Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You don’t need to buy anything to carry out these checks.

Key Takeaways

Check your dog’s paws, between their toes, legs, belly, ears, eyes and coat after walks.
Look for grass seeds, ticks, cuts, swelling, soreness and anything caught in the fur.
Watch for changes in how your dog moves or behaves.
Use a gentle, reward-based approach, particularly with nervous or rescue dogs.
Contact your vet if you suspect an embedded grass seed, eye injury, painful swelling or other concerning injury.
A towel, clean water, a suitable brush and a tick-removal tool are often all you need.

Why Checking Your Dog After Every Walk Matters

A dog can appear perfectly happy on a walk and still come home with something uncomfortable.

Around Finchley, I regularly walk through places such as Coldfall Woods, Cherry Tree Wood and Highgate Woods.

They’re lovely places for dogs to explore, but woodland paths, grass and undergrowth can bring a few problems.

Depending on where you’ve walked, your dog might pick up:

Grass seeds caught between their toes or in their coat
Ticks around the ears, armpits or belly
Small stones, thorns or twigs
Mud and debris packed between paw pads
Scratches from brambles
Irritation from road salt or grit
Sore areas where a harness or collar has rubbed

You won’t necessarily notice these things while walking.

Some dogs keep moving despite discomfort. Others stop, lick a paw or suddenly become reluctant to walk.

I pay as much attention to changes in movement and behaviour as I do to anything I can actually see.

If your dog suddenly starts limping, avoiding a particular surface or refusing to continue, don’t assume they’re being stubborn.

My guide to environmental hazards for dogs on walks covers some of the other risks I watch for when we’re out.

My Six-Step Post-Walk Dog Check

Most of the time, this is a quick routine rather than a full examination.

For a dog who is comfortable being handled, it might take a couple of minutes. A longer-coated dog, or one who has been exploring rough grass, may need more time.

If your dog is frightened of being touched or appears painful, don’t force them through the check.

1. Check the Paws and Between the Toes

I usually start with the paws.

They’ve been in contact with pavements, grass, woodland paths, mud and whatever else the dog has walked across.

Look at each paw, including the pads, nails and spaces between the toes.

I’m checking for:

Cuts, grazes or cracked pads
Small stones or loose pieces of debris
Grass seeds caught in the fur
Redness or swelling
Broken or damaged nails
Mud packed between the pads
Anything causing your dog to lick or favour one foot

Grass seeds are particularly worth checking for during the warmer months.

They can catch in the fur, especially between the toes, and their pointed shape allows them to work into the skin.

If a grass seed is lying loose in the coat and hasn’t entered the skin, you may be able to remove it gently.

However, if it appears embedded, the area is swollen, or your dog repeatedly licks or limps, contact your vet rather than digging around for it.

The PDSA’s advice about grass seeds in dogs explains why these small seeds can cause significant problems.

You can also read my detailed guide to grass seed dangers for dogs.

Should you wash your dog’s paws after every walk?

Not necessarily.

If your dog’s paws are clean and dry, a quick inspection may be enough.

After a muddy walk, I use clean water where needed and dry the paws properly, especially between the toes.

In winter, it’s worth rinsing away road salt or grit that might irritate the skin.

A damp cloth and towel are often sufficient. A paw-washing cup can be convenient for particularly muddy days, but it isn’t essential.

Never scrub a sore or injured paw with a cleaning device.

2. Check the Legs, Armpits and Belly

Next, I gently run my hands along the legs and check the areas underneath the dog.

I pay particular attention to:

Armpits
Groin
Belly
Inside the legs
Areas where the coat is thicker

These are places where ticks or bits of vegetation can be easy to miss.

Ticks are small parasites that attach to the skin and feed on blood. They are particularly associated with woodland, long grass and areas visited by wildlife.

You may see one attached to the skin or feel a small bump that wasn’t there before.

Check carefully rather than assuming every lump is a tick.

If you find one, use an appropriate tick-removal tool and follow its instructions. Avoid squeezing, burning or covering the tick with substances in an attempt to remove it.

If you’re unsure what you’re looking at or how to remove it safely, ask your veterinary practice.

The PDSA’s guide to ticks on dogs explains what to look for and when to contact a vet.

Regular tick checks are useful even if your dog receives parasite prevention treatment.

3. Look at the Ears

Dogs can collect quite a lot around their ears, particularly when exploring long grass.

Spaniels and dogs with longer or feathered ears may need a closer look, but any dog can pick up debris.

I check the outside of the ears and the visible areas around the ear openings.

Look for:

Grass seeds or burrs caught in the fur
Redness
Swelling
An unusual smell
Discharge
Frequent head shaking
Pawing or scratching at an ear

I don’t put cotton buds or other objects into a dog’s ear canal.

If your dog suddenly starts shaking their head after running through grass, don’t assume it’s just an itch.

A grass seed inside an ear can cause significant pain and should be investigated by a vet.

It’s particularly important not to try to reach down into the ear yourself.

4. Check the Eyes and Nose

This is normally a quick visual check.

Dogs spend a lot of time with their noses close to the ground, particularly when they’re enjoying a good sniff.

Dust, vegetation and other debris may cause irritation.

Look for:

Red or swollen eyes
Squinting or repeated blinking
Unusual discharge
Pawing at the face
Sudden repeated sneezing
An obvious change in how your dog holds their head

A small amount of normal eye moisture can be different from a suddenly painful or inflamed eye.

If your dog is squinting, holding an eye closed or you suspect something has entered the eye, contact your vet promptly.

Don’t try to remove an embedded object or use human eye drops.

Sudden, persistent sneezing after walking through long grass also deserves veterinary advice because a grass seed may have entered the nose.

5. Run Your Hands Over the Coat and Skin

This is one of the simplest checks, particularly if your dog enjoys gentle contact.

I run my hands over the coat and look for anything unusual.

That includes:

Ticks
Burrs or seeds tangled in the fur
Small cuts or scratches
New swellings
Red or irritated skin
Matted or damp patches
Areas where the dog flinches or moves away

Longer-coated dogs can hide quite a lot beneath their fur.

A gentle comb or brush suited to the individual coat can help you check more thoroughly.

But the right tool matters. A brush suitable for a short-coated Labrador won’t necessarily be appropriate for a curly-coated dog.

Don’t pull at tight mats, particularly around sensitive skin. If your dog has severe matting or the skin beneath looks sore, speak to a suitably experienced groomer or your vet.

For more information, see my Summer Dog Grooming Guide, which covers brushing, coat care and keeping dogs comfortable.

6. Check Under the Harness and Collar

This is an easy area to overlook.

Even a well-fitting harness can trap small pieces of vegetation or cause discomfort if something changes.

Once the equipment is off, look around:

The chest and shoulders
Behind the front legs
Under the collar
Anywhere a harness strap rests against the body

Check for redness, rubbing, hair loss or sore areas.

I also take the opportunity to check the equipment itself.

Are the clips secure? Is any stitching starting to wear? Has anything become damaged or twisted?

An item that fitted well several months ago may need adjusting if your dog has changed shape.

For more information about choosing suitable equipment, see my recommended dog walking products.

A Quick Post-Walk Check Checklist

If you want a simple routine to remember, here it is.

Paws: pads, nails, between the toes and any signs of injury.
Legs and belly: ticks, swelling, cuts and trapped vegetation.
Ears: grass seeds, irritation, unusual smell or head shaking.
Eyes and nose: squinting, redness, discharge or repeated sneezing.
Coat and skin: ticks, burrs, cuts, tangles and painful areas.
Harness and collar: rubbing, discomfort, debris and equipment damage.

Finally, watch how your dog moves when they walk away and settle down.

A dog who suddenly struggles to get comfortable, repeatedly licks one area or seems unusually quiet may need a closer look.

Don’t rely on the checklist alone if something seems wrong.

What to Watch for in Different Seasons

The basic routine stays the same year-round, but what I look for changes.

Spring and Summer

The main concerns after woodland and grassy walks are often:

Grass seeds
Ticks
Thorns and burrs
Insect-related irritation
Sore paws after walking on hot surfaces

Grass seeds are particularly troublesome as vegetation dries out.

I become more careful around long grass and overgrown paths, especially with dogs who like exploring every interesting patch of undergrowth.

In hot weather, I also watch paw pads and whether a dog seems unusually tired or uncomfortable.

You can find more advice in my Summer Dog Safety Guide.

Autumn

Autumn around North London often means muddy paths, wet leaves and plenty of things caught in longer coats.

After walks, I look for:

Mud packed between the toes
Wet or tangled fur
Small cuts hidden by dirt
Burrs and other vegetation
Signs of discomfort after slipping on a muddy path

Wet leaves can also hide rubbish, sharp objects and other hazards.

A muddy dog doesn’t automatically need a full bath. Sometimes cleaning the paws and drying the coat is enough.

Winter

Winter brings its own problems, particularly with road grit, salt and persistent wet weather.

After walks, check for:

Salt and grit around the paws
Cracked or sore pads
Snow or ice caught between toes
Wet fur that needs drying
Rubbing beneath coats and harnesses

The PDSA recommends cleaning paws after contact with road salt and grit.

A dog with dry skin may benefit from suitable paw care, but don’t assume every cracked or inflamed pad simply needs moisturiser.

Discuss persistent soreness, bleeding, or licking with your vet.

I’ve covered this in more detail in my Winter Skin and Coat Care Guide.

What if Your Dog Doesn’t Like Being Checked?

Not every dog enjoys having their paws touched.

For some, particularly nervous rescue dogs or those who have had uncomfortable handling, even a brief examination can feel worrying.

I don’t believe in holding a dog down for a routine check when there isn’t an emergency.

Instead, I work gradually.

Start with a place your dog is comfortable being touched.

You might:

Gently touch a shoulder, then stop.
Reward your dog with a small treat if they are comfortable.
Gradually introduce touching a leg.
Practise briefly looking at a paw without holding it tightly.
Build up to a longer check as your dog becomes more confident.

Watch for signs that your dog wants you to stop.

Turning away, freezing, pulling a paw back, lip licking or moving away can indicate discomfort or concern.

A dog who is suddenly sensitive about an area they previously allowed you to touch may also be in pain.

If so, contact your vet rather than treating it as a training problem.

The Dogs Trust guide to handling your dog is a useful resource for building confidence with everyday handling.

The important thing is to help your dog learn that being checked is predictable and safe.

Useful Equipment for Checking Your Dog After Walks

You don’t need a cupboard full of dog products.

I would rather see an owner develop a good checking routine with a towel and some clean water than buy expensive equipment they rarely use.

However, a few simple items can help.

A paw cleaner for muddy walks

A paw-washing cup can be useful when your dog regularly comes home with muddy feet.

The soft cleaning surfaces help loosen dirt when you use them gently with water.

Always choose a size appropriate for your dog’s paws, inspect the pads first and stop if the paw is painful.

View the Tinioey dog paw cleaner on Amazon UK .

A damp cloth and clean towel are perfectly good alternatives.

A tick-removal tool

I consider this worth having in a basic dog-care kit, especially if you regularly walk in woodland or long grass.

Choose a proper tick-removal tool and learn how to use it before you need it.

View a tick-removal kit on Amazon UK.

Tick remover on zooplus

For the wider emergency kit, see my Dog First Aid Kit Guide.

A suitable grooming comb or brush

A gentle grooming tool can help remove loose vegetation and reveal anything caught in a longer coat.

Choose one that suits your dog’s coat rather than buying a particular brush because it appears on a recommendation list.

My Dog Grooming Guide covers the different considerations.

Paw balm, where appropriate

Some dogs develop dry pads, particularly during colder weather.

A suitable dog paw balm may help with routine care, but it isn’t a treatment for an unexplained wound, infection or painful skin condition.

If you decide to use one, check the ingredients and whether it suits your dog, especially if they have allergies or a history of skin problems.

View the dog paw and nose balm on Amazon UK (affiliate link).

If your dog’s pads are cracked, bleeding or persistently sore, speak to your vet.

For other practical equipment, visit my Dog and Pet Products I Recommend page.

When Should You Contact a Vet?

A post-walk check is intended to help you notice problems. It isn’t a substitute for a veterinary examination.

Contact your vet promptly if you notice:

A grass seed that appears embedded in the skin
Persistent limping or an inability to bear weight
A painful or swollen paw
A tick you cannot remove safely
Persistent head shaking after walking in long grass
Sudden squinting, eye pain or suspected eye injury
A deep cut, puncture wound or broken nail causing significant pain
Unusual swelling, discharge or signs of infection
A sudden change in movement or behaviour that concerns you

If your dog is bleeding heavily, collapses, struggles to breathe, has a serious injury or is in severe pain, seek urgent veterinary help.

Don’t wait to see whether a serious problem settles overnight.

For smaller wounds, the PDSA’s advice on cuts and grazes explains basic care and when you need a veterinary assessment.

You can also visit my Dog Health and First Aid Hub for practical information on recognising emergencies and preparing for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I check my dog after every walk?

Yes. A quick check after every walk is a useful habit, even if you’ve only been around the local streets. You can adjust how thorough it needs to be according to where you’ve been and what your dog has encountered.

How long should a post-walk check take?

For a dog who is comfortable being handled, a basic check may take only a couple of minutes. Allow more time after walks through rough vegetation, for longer-coated dogs, or when your dog needs gentle handling practice.

What should I do if my dog keeps licking one paw?

First, look for an obvious problem without forcing your dog to let you handle a painful area. Persistent licking may indicate pain or irritation, including a foreign object, injury or skin problem. Contact your vet if you cannot identify a simple cause or the licking continues.

Can I remove a grass seed myself?

You may be able to remove a loose seed caught in the coat. However, don’t dig into the skin or attempt to remove a seed that appears embedded. A suspected seed in an eye, ear or nose needs veterinary assessment.

Do dogs still need tick checks if they use parasite treatment?

Yes. Tick prevention can reduce risk, but it does not make checking unnecessary. Inspect your dog after walks through woodland, long grass and similar environments, and ask your vet about suitable parasite prevention.

Should I wash my dog’s paws after every walk?

Not always. Clean water and a towel are usually enough when you need to clean them. Rinse away mud, salt or grit, and dry the paws gently. Avoid unnecessary washing with shampoos or harsh products.

My dog hates having their paws touched. What should I do?

Practise very short, gentle handling sessions when your dog is relaxed. Reward comfortable participation and stop if they become worried. If this is a sudden change, or your dog seems painful, have them checked by your vet before continuing.

A Small Habit That Makes a Difference

Checking a dog after a walk doesn’t need to become a complicated exercise.

I see it as part of the walk itself.

The lead comes off, the paws get checked, anything muddy gets cleaned, and I make sure the dog seems comfortable before leaving them to settle.

Sometimes there’s nothing to find.

Other times, you notice something small that deserves attention.

For me, that’s reason enough to make it a habit.

Need Calm, One-to-One Dog Walking in Finchley?

I provide individual solo dog walks in Finchley and Muswell Hill, including suitable support for nervous, rescue and older dogs.

I walk locally on foot, with no vans, no collection rounds and no unfamiliar dogs mixed together.

My approach is to adapt the walk to the individual dog, watch for changes and keep owners informed if I notice something concerning.

If you’re looking for someone who takes a little extra care with your dog’s routine, you can explore my pet-care services or contact me on WhatsApp.

About the Author

I’m Del Chambers, the owner of Finchley Dog Walker.

I’ve been providing professional dog walking and pet care in Finchley and surrounding parts of North London since 2011.

I hold an Ofqual Level 3 qualification in Canine First Aid, alongside continuing professional development in canine body language, welfare and reward-based training.

My approach is practical, patient and based on the individual animal.

Veterinary and Affiliate Disclaimer

This article offers general dog-care information based on my professional experience and published welfare guidance. It is not a veterinary diagnosis or a substitute for professional examination or treatment.

If your dog is injured, in pain or showing worrying symptoms, contact your veterinary practice. For emergencies, seek urgent veterinary assistance.

Some product links are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product availability, specifications and suitability may change. Always check the exact item before ordering.

First published: 24 March 2026

Substantially updated: 31 October 2026