Forest and heath: sand, peat and burrs
Delamere Forest and Little Budworth's heathland leave fine sand and peat deep in the undercoat, and gorse and bracken catch in feathering. Let mud dry and brush it out, or rinse with lukewarm water, and check feet and ears for seeds.
Canals and rivers: damp undercoats
The Weaver, the Trent & Mersey and the Shropshire Union are irresistible to water-loving dogs. The problem isn't the water itself but damp undercoat left to dry slowly, which can mat and cause hot spots. Dry thoroughly, right down to the skin.
Farmland: clay and grass seeds
Winter fields bring heavy clay that clumps on legs and bellies. Summer fields bring grass seeds, which can work into ears, eyes and between the toes. Check your dog all over after summer walks in long grass.
Pavements: winter grit
Road salt and grit can dry and crack paw pads. Rinse feet after walks on gritted pavements, and keep the hair between the pads trimmed so grit has nowhere to collect.
How grooming helps
A professional bath and full blow-dry lifts dirt that sits at skin level and dries the coat completely. For muddy-walk dogs, a Shampoo, Bath & Tidy between full grooms keeps coats clean, skin healthy and your sofa happier.