If your dogs and cats always seem dirty in The Sims 4, it can get frustrating trying to keep them clean.
Dogs get dirty so quickly that having to bathe them every day feels a bit over the top. On top of that, baths take a while to finish, and just a few hours later, your dog can get dirty again. Bathing your dogs this often is not sustainable, especially if you have multiple pets.
Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to make sure your pets stay fresh and happy.
Do This if Your Dogs Are Always Dirty in The Sims 4
Keeping your dogs clean in The Sims 4 can be trickier than it sounds because dogs love getting dirty. They have hygiene needs just like your Sims, so they need regular baths to stay healthy and happy.
The problem is that dogs naturally like to roll in trash, mud, and puddles whenever they get the chance.
One way to manage this is by disciplining your dog.
Dogs often get very dirty because of bad habits, like rolling in their own urine or playing in puddles and trash. The good news is that if you train them to avoid these behaviors, you’ll have a much easier time keeping them clean.
Whenever you catch them rolling in something messy, use the scold or lecture options to correct the behavior.
Dogs without the Smart trait might take longer to learn, so you may have to repeat this a few times before they stop. Be careful not to overdo it with lectures, because pets can get upset and even run away.
Another helpful tip is to remove temptations from your lot.
Take out trash regularly, keep the yard tidy, and block access to messy areas like bushes that dogs like to jump in. If you live somewhere rainy like Brindleton Bay, try keeping your dog inside when it rains, since puddles will be everywhere.
Even with all this, it’s nearly impossible to stop them from getting dirty entirely, but these steps make it much easier to manage their hygiene.
Do This if Your Cats Are Dirty in The Sims 4
Keeping your cats clean in The Sims 4 is a bit easier than dealing with dogs because cats tend to groom themselves on their own.
You can give them a few brushings if they’re dirty, but you don’t need to bathe them since the game doesn’t let you.
If your cat looks dirty or has little flies around, that usually indicates they’re dirty from spending too much time outside. Over a couple of Sim days, they will clean themselves and go back to looking nice and healthy.
If they still look dirty after a couple of Sim days, they could have fleas, and that requires a quick visit to the vet.
Keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t run off, since cats that wander outside can come back sick or dirty.
Brushing them a few times and keeping them safely inside will keep them looking good without too much effort.
Happy Simming!