The Best Paw Cleaners for Your Dog
Say goodbye to muddy, dirty floors when you invest in a dog paw cleaner. Trust us: if your pup constantly tracks debris everywhere, this handy, innovative little tool is bound to become your new trusty companion. Paw cleaners provide an easy, effective way to thoroughly wash your dog's paws every time they're outside, which in turn helps protect your flooring and home. Here, we present a list of the best of the best in the world of paw cleaners.
What to Look For
A good paw cleaner should, of course, get the job done well, but it should also be easy to use and easy to keep clean. You also want to make sure the size and shape work for your pup’s paws. Dexas’ Mudbuster stood out as our favorite thanks to a no-frills design and the effectiveness of its sturdy-yet-soft silicone bristles. But we couldn’t help but appreciate the innovative design of the travel-friendly Paw Plunger, complete with a convenient handle. Read on to check out our reviews and find the one that’s right for you.
Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
Sleek, low-tech, and super-easy to use, the Portable Dog Paw Cleaner from Dexas MudBuster is every pet owner’s go-to. Whether your dog’s paws are totally caked with stubborn mud or just a little dusty, this device will banish every last trace of dirt, mud, and debris in a mere matter of seconds. All you have to do is add a little water to it, and the gentle silicone bristles will sweep away the dirt and germ particles that collect on your pup’s underside, legs, and paws. No more muddy floors, once and for all.
Pros:
- Silicone is an ideal material to use for a task like this. It’s as soft as it is strong to get the job done while preventing undue irritation, and it’s incredibly easy to clean — just remove the interior bristles to give them a quick wash between uses.
- We love this pick for multi-dog households since it’s available in three sizes and a multitude of vibrant colors. Each of your furry friends can have their own dedicated tool, and you can keep them organized more easily.
Cons:
- Your dog must be okay with you holding their paws as you clean them.
Paw Plunger Portable Cleaner
The Paw Plunger is awesome for keeping at your back door, taking with you on walks, or stowing away in your car, thanks to the tool’s streamlined, portable, coffee mug-like design. Conveniently, the top of the Paw Plunger is designed so that water doesn’t slosh out from the cup, so the area around it doesn’t get wet. It even comes with a flexible rubber top so that the inside stays nice and clean in between uses.
Pros:
- The design is honestly genius: the thick handle makes it easy to hold and use while the aperture-style rubber top keeps water from escaping. Plus, it’s durable and as easy to carry as your favorite mug, making it a perfect pick for camping.
- We appreciate that the sizes are accurate — no more trying to squeeze your big buddy’s paw into a “large” opening.
Cons:
- It can be a little tough to get the dirt out from the dog’s toenails using this tool alone, so we still suggest supplementing it with a soft cloth.
Petpost Paw Wipes
If you’d prefer to use a wipe to clean away debris from your dog’s paws, Petpost’s Paw Wipes are pure perfection. These super-effective, all-natural wipes contain coconut oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera, all of which have moisturizing, healing properties for dogs’ skin and hair (no harsh chemicals needed). Plus, the wipes themselves are super-soft and gentle, so if your dog’s skin is easily irritated, these are an excellent option.
Pros:
- We particularly love these wipes for dogs with sore, itchy feet, infected paws and pads, or skin that’s easily inflamed or irritated. They’re a gentler way to clean that won’t leave their skin chapped.
- We’re a little bit obsessed with this formula full of all-natural, plant-based ingredients that are great for the skin. We use jojoba, coconut oil, and aloe on our own sensitive skin, so why not do the same for our dogs? To top it all off, it smells incredible.
Cons:
- As much as we love these wipes, they’re still a disposable option that isn’t as sustainable as reusable alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paw cleaner for my dog?
If you’re constantly dealing with your pup tracking mud or dirt all over the house, having paw cleaner on hand can come in mighty handy. Paw washers or cleaners make it super easy to keep your house and car looking spotless.
What type of paw cleaner is best for my dog?
If you frequently take your dog on car rides, a small, portable paw cleaner may be best; otherwise, most paw washers are designed to be kept by your front or back door and used when bringing your dog back inside. Of course, you could also invest in both for your convenience.
Any tips for caring for long-haired dogs?
If you have a longer-haired dog, there are a few extra precautions you should take when cleaning your pal’s paws. While it’s important to clean between any dog’s toes to prevent irritation, scratches, and infection, long-haired dogs require a bit of additional grooming. The fur between their pads and around the sides of their paws holds onto whatever they get into and is prone to matting if it’s not trimmed. That can lead to foul odors and infection, among other issues. However, while it’s safe enough for us to carefully shape up the hair around their feet if they are comfortable with it, we recommend leaving the pads to the experts to avoid accidental nicks. Cutting the hair too short can leave their pads exposed to whatever they walk through, from rock salt to rough gravel.
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