As a pet owner, the most frustrating thing is to find muddy paw prints on the floor after hours of cleaning it. Of course, you know the culprit, but punishing something with such a cute face is too difficult. There is only one solution to this problem: get a paw cleaner for your dog.
Dog paw cleaners are a must-have for all dog owners. They are handy after you return from a long muddy hike with your dogs. However, you might be mistaken if you think you only need a paw cleaner so that your floors remain tidy. On the contrary, paw cleaners are also essential for your dog and family's health.
If you are contemplating buying a dog paw cleaner, you have landed on the right page. We will review the best dog paw cleaners in the market. We will also discuss everything related to paw cleaners.
How We've Made Our Selection
We chose our top picks based on four main factors: Comfort, convenience, purpose, and customer reviews.
Comfort:
We kept your comfort and your dog's comfort in mind. If your dog is uncomfortable, it will reject the paw cleaner, and you will have difficulty cleaning the paws. Paws are also a tricky place to reach. So we ensured that the cleaner was also comfortable for you to use.
Convenience:
Most dog owners clean the paws of their pups on the go. So, we made sure to pick the most convenient options. These paw cleaners are easy to carry and set up, so you can finish paw cleaning in no time.
Purpose:
Some paw cleaners are used strictly for sanitizing, while others may only be used for brushing away dirt. Wherever possible, we picked the cleaners who do both jobs well.
Customer Reviews:
Once we had selected the best paw cleaners based on the above factors, we looked at customer reviews to narrow them down.
We were finally left with six paw cleaners that we will review now.
1. Ski Innovations Paw Boss Wash
Why We Like It
This cleaner is your best option if you are looking for the best dog paw cleaner and only care a little about portability. It is a box-shaped paw cleaner that makes cleaning dog paws feel like a breeze. It has separate clean and dirty water reservoirs that allow you to clean 4 to 8 feet on a single refill. If you own more than one dog, you will find that this cleaner is heaven-sent. It lets you soap and clean your dog's paw without going back and forth to the sink.
It has a wash opening of 3.5" in diameter, which means that no matter the paw size of your pup, it will quickly go in and come out of the cleaner. One of the best things about this cleaner is that it is proven to remove more than 99 percent of bacteria and fungi from the paws, given that you use anti-bacterial soap. In addition, it has soft bristles that are non-invasive but do their job pretty well. Customer reviews tell us that most dogs love this paw cleaner, making it very easy to use.
What You Should Know
If you are looking for a portable option, there may be better options than this paw cleaner. Its dimensions make it difficult to carry around, especially while traveling.
2. Earth Rated Dog Wipes
Why We Like It
If you want something to clean paws on the go, go for earth-rated dog wipes. We love that you can use these wipes all over your dog's body. If you care about the environment, you will be relieved to know that 99 percent of the components used in these wipes are derived from plants.
The problem with most wipes is that they are not gentle on the skin, leaving your pup feeling uncomfortable. However, these wipes are different. They consist of soothing components such as aloe vera
and sea butter which are suitable for sensitive spots. Dermatologists have tested these wipes, and the wipes are free from hypoallergenics and parabens. In addition, customer reviews tell us that wipes easily remove dirt from the paws. Another great thing about buying these wipes is that some proceeds go to pet shelters worldwide.
What You Should Know
These wipes are costlier than others you can find on the market. However, these are the safest and most effective for cleaning dog paws.
3. Paw Plunger - Muddy Paw Cleaner
Why We Like It
Paw Plunger's Muddy paw cleaner is one of the market's most portable dog paw washer cups. It is perfect for dogs of all sizes and is very easy to use. It lets you wash the paws of your dog quickly.
All you have to do is to add warm water to the top row of bristles and gently move your dog's paw in and out of the cup. The bristles are gentle and non-invasive. However, they are also flexible and reach inside the feet.
One of the best things about this paw cleaner is its handle. It looks like a coffee cup, and the handle makes it easy to move it up and down. It also features a no-spill flexible rubber opening that saves you from creating a mess. It also cleans salt and melted ice inside your dog's paws.
Vets recommend this dog paw cleaner, and customer reviews tell us that this paw cleaner is good at doing its job. In addition, it is convenient to use and easy to store away.
What You Should Know
Some customers have complained that the silicone nubs of its bristles get tangled easily. It is easy to untangle them, but it just takes a little effort.
4. Anipaw Dog Paw Cleaner
Why We Like It
If you are looking for something simple yet effective for cleaning your dog's paws, the AniPaw Dog paw cleaner is a good choice. This paw cleaner has a lanyard design which makes it easy to store. It is perfect for cleaning dog paws on the go and only takes up a little space. You can hand this cleaner on the back of the door like you hand your clothes. The lanyard also makes it easy to carry around while hoping out with the dog. So, you can take this cleaner with you while walking your dog and clean its paws then and there.
This dog cleaner is equipped with a multi-layer and extra soft brush. This brush quickly and easily removes the dirt hidden in the paws. Its bristles are gentle and non-invasive but flexible enough to reach the most challenging spots. One of the best things about this paw cleaner is that you can take out its brush and use it for bathing your dog.
What You Should Know
This paw cleaner is best suited for small to medium-sized dogs. If you have a large breed, we recommend something other than this product. If you have a large breed, check out our next recommendation: Dexas!
5. Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
Why We Like It
If you like any paw dog paw cleaner but have a large dog breed, you will fall in love with the Dexas MudBuster Portable Doog Paw cleaner. To begin with, it is one of the highest-rated paw cleaners on amazon. When writing this review, more than 55 thousand users gave it a cumulative rating of 4.25 out of 5. It is simple yet effective to use. It comes in varying sizes, and the large size is suitable for large dog breeds. To use this paw cleaner, you must fill its reservoir with water, insert your dog's leg, and twist, turn and dab the cleaner. It has very gentle silicone bristles. However, these bristles do an excellent job of reaching even the most difficult places. User reviews tell us that this cleaner is very effective at its job.
You can also hang this dog cleaner at the back of the door. Attach it with a lanyard, and you can carry it with you when walking your dog. It is made of plastic but is a BPA-free, superior-quality one. This paw cleaner is also top-rack dishwasher safe. So, you can throw it in a dishwasher without worrying about affecting its longevity.
What You Should Know
If you are buying a large size, you should know that it becomes difficult to operate since there is no handle. If this is something that you are okay with, this is a good choice.
6. Gorilla Grip Soak Stopper Absorbent
Why We Like It
You cannot always go around washing your dog's paws. So you need something that would ensure that your floors are always clean; this is where this Gorilla Grip Soak Stopper Absorbent comes in handy. It is a mat with small, soft bristles that you can place on your door. Once you teach your dog to clean its paws with this mat before entering your home, you will never have to worry about dirty floors again.
This mat is ultra-absorbent and is designed to soak all the moisture and mud from boots and paws. It has many tiny bristles that reach inside the feet. This mat also has a textured rubber back that helps it to stay in its place. One of the best things about this rug is that it is machine washable. All you need to do is to throw this inside a machine, and you will get a fresh and good-looking rug at your doorstep. This rug is offered in 38 different color combinations when writing this review. So, you should have no issues matching it with your house's interior.
What You Should Know
This rug, while great, is not a replacement for dog paw cleaners.
When To Clean Dog Paws
Most dog owners focus on keeping their pup's coat healthy and clean. However, your dog's grooming ritual should include cleaning its paws. Now that you know you should give your pup's feet the attention they deserve, the question is how often you should do that.
The frequency of a dog's foot cleaning depends on several factors, including breed and lifestyle. For example, if your dog spends most of the time indoors, you may only need to clean its paws occasionally. However, if you have a very active dog that stays most of the time outdoors, you must scour its feet regularly. In addition, a pup with long hair around its paws will likely accumulate dust between its toe pads.
We recommend cleaning your pup's paws from once a day to every week. If your dog mostly stays indoors, cleaning its paw pads every week is okay. However, if it goes out every single day, you should clean its paws daily. You are the best judge of how often to wash your dog's feet. At the very minimum, you should clean your dog's paws during bath time. The point is to keep your dog's paws clean all the time.
Types of Dog Paw cleaners
There are countless types of dog paw cleaners. A new kind of paw washer shows up in the market now and then. However, you can handle all the confusion and choices. You only need to know about the three main types of dog paw cleaners.
Dog paw washer cup:
One of the most popular dog paw cleaners is the paw washer cup (also known as a paw plunger). It has silicone bristles inside and is attached to a water source. The bristles remove the dirt from the paws and keep it inside the cup.
Dog paw cleaning solutions:
This one is self-explanatory. These solutions are specifically made to clean dogs' paws. They are very effective but take more manual labor than a washer cup. Also, some dogs will always resist putting their feet in a cup. Therefore, dog paw cleaning solutions are better suited to them.
Dog paw wipes:
One of the easiest ways of cleaning your dog's paws is to wash them with a wipe. These mainly come in handy when you are away from your home. However, if your dog's paws are dirty, wipes will not always clean them thoroughly. You can easily find a portable dog paw washer, but wipes are more convenient to carry while traveling.
How To Choose The Best Dog Paw Washers
Selecting the best paw cleaner for your dog seems straightforward, but you should consider it. Here are the factors that you can consider before making your choice.
Portability:
Not all dog paw washers are the same in terms of portability. The key here is to think about how often and where you would clean your dog's paws. Some dog paw washer cups come in the form of a complete station which is challenging to carry. A simple washer cup can also become a burden while traveling. Wipes, on the other hand, are easy to carry. Of course, the tradeoff of portability is effectiveness. So, make your decision wisely.
Bristles:
If your dog paw cleaner comes with bristles, ensure they are of good quality. The bristles should be soft, so your dog does not experience discomfort. If the bristles feel uncomfortable, your dog will end up hating the paw washer, and you will have difficulty cleaning its paws. Soft bristles are also more flexible and can conveniently reach your dog's paw inside.
Water reservoir:
If you are going for a washer cup, consider the water reservoir. It won't be easy to carry around if it is too large. However, if it is too small, you must change the water multiple times while cleaning your dog's paws. If you have a puppy, keep in mind that your dog will grow, and its paws will need more water for cleaning.
Tips for Keeping Dog's Paws Clean
If you believe your dog's paws get dirtier than usual, here are a few tips to help you keep them clean.
Use dog boots:
We cannot overstress the benefits of using a dog boot. Your dog's paws are built to tackle hardships, but sometimes the hot pavement and sharp objects can be hazardous. Boots protect your dog's paws from such conditions and keep them clean at all times.
Keep an eye on snowballs:
Accumulated snow may freeze and become ice balls between your dog's paws. These can become painful and act as a dirt magnet for the feet. So always be on the lookout for these snowballs between your dog's paws. An easy way to remove these snowballs is to massage your dog's feet with a towel soaked in warm water.
Use a dog paw-cleaning mat:
One of the best ways to ensure your dog's paws remain clean is to put a dog paw-cleaning mat outside your door. You can teach your dog to clean its paws before entering the house, and your life will become easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Paw Cleaners
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about dog paw cleaners to help clarify any questions you may have about cleaning your dog's paws.
Are dog paw cleaners worth it?
Yes, dog paw cleaners are worth it. They help remove the dirt and mud that can build up between a dog's toes and get caked onto their paw pads. This can not only be uncomfortable for the dog but also lead to skin irritation and infection.
Paw cleaners come in a variety of forms, including foaming soap, granulated scrubbers, and even booties that clean the paws as the dog walks. Choose the type that best suits your needs and your dog's lifestyle. If your dog spends a lot of time playing in the dirt or mud, you may want to invest in a good paw cleaner to keep its paws healthy and free of bacteria and fungus.
What can I use to clean my dog's paws?
There are a few things you can use to clean your dog's paws. You can use a damp cloth, a pet-safe paw cleaner, or hydrogen peroxide. If your dog has been outside and gotten muddy or dirty, you can also use a gentle soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse the paws thoroughly after cleaning them to remove all of the cleaning solutions.
How do I get rid of brown stains on my dog's paws?
Brown paw stains are usually the result of dirt, mud, or other contaminants that have been tracked inside and then dried. The best way to get rid of them is with a good cleaning.
You can use a pet-safe cleaner or just warm water and soap. Be sure to rinse the paws thoroughly afterward to remove all the cleaning solution, and then dry them off with a towel. If the stains persist, you can try using a hydrogen peroxide paste (made with 3% H2O2), but be careful not to get it in your dog's eyes.
How do I disinfect my dog's paws after walking?
After you walk your dog, simply use a pet-safe disinfectant to clean its paws. There are many products on the market specifically for this purpose, or you can use a simple household disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Be sure to rinse off the disinfectant thoroughly and dry your dog's paws completely before letting them back inside.
What Option of Dog Paw Cleaners Is Best For You?
Ultimately, it comes down to finding the right dog paw cleaner that fits into your lifestyle and meets the needs of both you and your pup.
Do not be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone if a certain product has received good reviews and can satisfy what you are looking for. When in doubt, try different varieties until you find the white one that both works for you and is comfortable for your pet.
As a friendly reminder, no matter which cleaner you choose, make sure to learn how to use it correctly and always clean those pup paws!
Lastly, remember that seeking help from a professional can also be an option if needed.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post on choosing the perfect dog paw cleaner!
Items reviewed:
1. Ski Innovations Paw Boss Wash
3. Paw Plunger - Muddy Paw Cleaner
