From Doormat to Dog Throne: How Muk Mat Became the Must-Have for Messy Paws

Founder Story: Suzanne Horton

When Suzanne Horton launched Muk Mat, she wasn’t thinking about dogs. She was thinking about dirt. Sand. Grass clippings. The kind of mess that clings to feet after a beach day or camping trip and ends up all over your car or living room floor.

But it didn’t take long for her customers to show her where else the muk mat had a use.

“As we grew, I was getting daily photos from customers showing their cute dogs resting on the mat and not willing to give it up,” Suzanne laughs. “The pet space wasn’t part of the initial strategy, but it turns out dogs had other plans.”

And just like that, what started as a high-quality outdoor doormat also  became a go-to comfort zone for muddy paws and four-legged loungers.

The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Mat (That’s Not Actually a Dog Bed)

So what’s the big deal about a Muk Mat? For one — it’s not just a mat.

Trapping dirt, sand and muck at the door, Muk Mat is designed with high-density turf blades that grab grit from paws — and feet — before it gets any further. “Our mats stop the mess before it enters your home, car, or van,” Suzanne explains. “Unlike regular rugs or mats, they’re built for outdoor life and adventure.”

They’re also incredibly durable and weatherproof — a game-changer for dog owners who are constantly battling muddy paws, backyard zoomies, and wet nose chaos. The materials are tough enough to handle messy paws, hair and even the occasional full-body roll.

“The high-density synthetic turf is tightly bound and backed with a tough two-layer system,” Suzanne says. “It doesn’t fray or flatten easily — it just bounces back.”

Toilet Training? Muk Mat’s Got You. Kind Of.

While Muk Mat wasn’t made for puppy toilet training, it’s been adopted by plenty of owners during that phase — sometimes unintentionally.

“We do hear this feedback now and then,” Suzanne says. It’s important to note that muk mats are not designed or for the purpose of a wee mat.  “The mat is soft, so dogs like to sit or rest on it — but if a puppy does wee, you can just hose it down or wash it with warm water and dish detergent.”

Her top tip? “Teach them the right spot from the start. Puppies love routine — if you lead them to the grass every time, they’ll eventually stop seeing the Muk Mat as a toilet.”

Portable, Practical… and Weirdly Addictive

Aside from being the ultimate muck-catcher, Muk Mats are lightweight, easy to roll up, and ideal for life on the go.

“Whether you’re at home, camping, or on the road, just give it a quick shake and it’s good to go,” Suzanne says.

And the best part? Pets genuinely love them.

“The soft synthetic turf feels really natural under paws,” she explains. “We hear over and over again that pets just gravitate toward it. I’ve had people say their dogs push each other off the mat to get prime position!”

The Customer Stories That Melt Our Hearts

Suzanne has received hundreds of messages from proud pet parents who didn’t expect to fall in love with a mat — and yet here we are.

“One of my favourite stories came from a customer who bought their Muk Mat to stop sand and dirt getting into the caravan,” she says. “But it quickly turned into a prized pet hangout. They told us, ‘Our fur babies can’t get enough… One hops off and the other hops on. The puppies always claim it.’”

It’s stories like these that remind Suzanne why she does what she does. “When a product made to stop the muck also  ends up being the most popular seat in the house for pet owners, you know you’ve created something special.”

Why Pet Owners Swear By Muk Mat

Besides the undeniable charm of synthetic turf under paw, Muk Mat has a few key features that make it a standout:

• Mess Stops Here: The high-density turf blades trap dirt and  sand before it enters your home, van, or tent. Paws included.
• Built for Adventure: Weatherproof and durable under paws.
• Comfy as Heck: The soft turf feels natural underfoot (or paw), making it the nap spot of choice at campsites, doorways, or beach carparks.
• Easy to Clean: Forget scrubbing rugs or washing pet beds. Just shake, brush, or hose it off.
• Portable AF: Roll it up, chuck it in the car, take it to the beach. It’s the must-have travel mat for every adventure doggo.

And, let’s face it — dogs love it.

“They claim it as their own from the moment it’s unrolled,” Suzanne says. “And who are we to argue with the dog?”

Zoomies-Proof, Caravan-Approved

According to Suzanne, Muk Mat’s materials were already engineered for chaos — the canine kind just gave it a new test group.

“The turf doesn’t fray or flatten. The backing holds firm.

In fact, one of the brand’s favourite customer stories involves two fur babies who now battle it out for “mat dominance.”

“One hops off, the other hops on. It’s a constant Muk Mat shuffle. Originally the family bought it to keep sand out of the caravan — now it’s their dogs’ favourite place to chill, whether they’re parked at the beach, the bush, or just home on the deck.”

How to Get the Most Out of Your Muk Mat (Dog Edition)

Want to keep your high performance mat and pet’s new throne in top shape? Suzanne recommends:

• A quick daily shake to ditch the dirt and fur
• A weekly hose-down if it’s been through muddy paws or beach sand
• Letting it dry in the sun for freshness
• And, of course, giving your dog first dibs — because good luck telling them otherwise

The Verdict?

From the beach to van life, the Muk Mat wasn’t designed for pets — but the pets had other plans. And honestly? It might just be the most loved “accidental dog product” in Australia.

“We created Muk Mat to stop the muck,” Suzanne says. “The fact that it’s also become the most popular seat in the house? That’s just the bonus.”

To find out more information about the mat outdoor lovers trust to keep their spaces clean – wherever adventure takes them click  https://mukmat.com/collections/ground-mats DogGearAustralia