There is no denying that our beloved canine companions adore splashing in the mud and getting their paws dirty given the chance. Part of the wonder of being a pup is the endless exploration of the great outdoors, but sadly for us, that means a lot of mess! That's where dog paw washers come in and save the day. Paw washers come in a myriad of shapes and styles but are ultimately devices that allow you to quickly and efficiently clean your dog's paws before they trample mud and dirt into your home.
There are different shapes and types of paw washers, usually in the form of a washing cup that you pop the paw into, or a mat/towel that soaks up mud and water. Both aim to clean the paws and rid them of excess water so that your pup doesn't track dirt all over your home. To help you get the best dog paw washer for your needs and budget, we've created a list of our top choices that will leave your pup's paws squeaky clean and your home free from those wet doggy smells!
The Best Dog Paw Washer
1. Dexas MudBuster
Key Features
Silicone model that is BPA free
Comes in three different sizes
Easy to use, simply add water
Available in multiple sizes and colors
Dexas Petware’s Mudbuster is an easy solution to keeping your pup’s paws clean after their walk. Whether they are frolicking in small mud puddles or actually splashing in rivers, this nifty device will have them clean in no time. This is an easy to use gadget that simply requires a little water to work. You insert the dirty paw, twist the Mudbuster, and then dry the paw. The gentle silicone bristles help to loosen dirt from your dog’s paws to ensure that they get a good clean, all the while not causing any discomfort. This device is also BPA , so 100% pet-safe.
This model is available in five different sizes and six different colors so it caters to all breeds and styles. Whether your pup enjoys hiking, long walks, running through mud, or playing outside, this device is sure to keep them squeaky clean.
2. Soggy Doggy Super Shammy
Key Features
Super-absorbent microfiber chenille
Can hold up to 7x its weight in water
Quick-drying and no “wet doggy” smell
Washing machine and dryer safe
Convenient hand pockets for underbelly drying
Soggy Doggy absorbent mat is made from durable microfiber and is able to hold up to 7 times its weight in water, soaking up liquids like a sponge. High absorbing but quick-drying, this mat won’t hold that wet dog smell all dog owners dread. It can easily be machine washed and dried and ready to use again in no time. Another thing we really like about this washing towel is its hand pockets for owners who want to also dry their dog’s belly.
Pet owners have commended this product for its ability to keep water and dirt from entering the house and some have even said that their pups love getting ‘fluffed and buffed’ with this soft towel. Overall, a great option for dogs who like to get thoroughly dirty on their outdoor adventures.
3. Paw Plunger Dog Paw Washer
Key Features
Portable cleaning device
Soft bristles are gentle on paws
Easy to use
Comes in three sizes and four colors
This portable dog paw cleaner by Paw Plunger is an excellent pick for dogs who love getting muddy outside. It offers a quick and effective way to clean those dirty paws and stops them from making a mess on your carpets, furniture, and in your car. It also helps to remove environmental contaminants that might harm your dog’s skin. It’s super light and can be easily transported on dog walks so that you can clean your pup’s paws before they get in your vehicle.
This compact contraption comes in three different sizes and four different colors, so it’s a great fit for all types of dogs as well as all styles.
4. Petkin Pawwipes
Key Features
Vet-approved paw wipes
Contains vitamin E and aloe vera
Helps prevent spread of dirt and germs
Fresh clean scent
100 wipes in each pack
Petkin Paw Wipes have been veterinarian approved, offering a safe and effective way to quickly and easily clean those dirty paws. These wipes enable you to stop the spread of grime and dirt before they enter your house and can remove the toughest dirt and stains. The wipes also contain moisturizing and soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to help condition rough and dry paws. In other words, they tackle both dirt and dryness!
Pet lovers have praised these wipes for being super convenient and for protecting their pooch’s precious paws. Because they do a good job at cleaning and moisturizing paw pads, they’re a definite must-have for dog owners to take on their walks.
5. SKI Innovations Paw Boss Wash for Dogs
Key Features
Proven to remove 99.5% of the bacteria
Very pet friendly & gentle on the paws
Can wash 4 – 8 paws in clean, soapy water
Portable, super-easy to use
The Paw Boss Wash is a unique device designed to ‘soap and soak’ your beloved pet’s paws. It comes with patented built-in reserves for clean and dirty water which enable you to soak four to eight paw in fresh water with only one filling. To clean your dog’s paws you simply submerge them into the device and allow the cleaning pad to work its magic.
Because the washer can clean four to eight paws at once without you going back and forth to the sink for clean water, this model is a great pick for multi-pet households. Just fill it once and leave it at your door so that it’s ready and waiting for your pup(s) after their walk.
6. Spotless Paw Dog Paw Cleaning Glove
Key Features
High-quality microfiber holds over 600% of weight in dirt and water
6 finger design can be worn comfortably on either hand
Strap and buckle so it can be easily hung up or attached to belt
Washer and dryer safe
If you want a super-simple but highly effective cleaning tool, we recommend checking out the Spotless Paw dog cleaning glove. It comes with six fingers so it can be worn on either hand, and it has a loop with a buckle so it can be hanged or attached to the belt. Most importantly though, it’s made from a high quality microfiber material that is able to hold over 600 percent of its weight in water and dirt.
This grooming glove is also environmentally friendly and eliminates the need for costly wipes and paper towels. A simple, eco-friendly, and effective solution to those muddy paws!
7. CHOOSEEN Dog Cleaner 2 in 1
Key Features
Made from food-grade PPA
Easy to use and clean
Double row silicone brush
Available in two sizes
Sized for medium dogs, this simple but effective paw cleaner cleans, grooms and massages your pet’s mucky feet, leaving them clean and excess water free. Made from food-grade PP material, which is nicely non-slip and durable, the Dog Paw Cleaner is also lightweight and portable, making it a great addition to your day trips or longer travels. You do need to add a little water into the cup section but that’s as hard as it gets. Then simply insert your pooch’s dirty paw and gently twist the cup to either side to let the double-row silicone brush do all the hard work, loosening and removing any muck and grime as it massages their foot. The brush is also easy to remove for cleaning, ready for that next muddy walk in the park!
Best Dog Paw Washer Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Paw Washer
To get the best paw washer for your needs and budget, it's a good idea to consider a few things first before making a purchase.
Firstly, do you want a portable device that can be taken on dog walks, orr are you happy to have a device that can only be used at home only? Once you have thought about where you want to use the dog paw washer, you need to think about the type of paw cleaner you want. Dog paw cleaners usually come in the form of a plastic washing cup, paw wipes, or a microfiber towel or glove. When choosing your paw washer you also need to measure your dog's paws so that you can get the correct size; this is particularly important if you opt for a washing cup since the whole paw will need to fit into it. If the choice is between a slightly smaller cup and a slightly bigger one, get a bigger one as it will be more comfortable for your pet.
Take a look at our article on Dog Wipes.
Why Should You Clean Your Dog's Paws?
It's important that you keep your dog's paws clean for a number of reasons. Firstly, clean paws will create less mess in your house and/or car and stop your pup from staining the carpets and furniture with their muddy feet. However, more importantly, cleaning your pooch's paws stops the hair from holding onto harmful environmental contaminants and bacteria which could lead to discomfort and health problems. By keeping their paws clean you are ensuring better health and wellbeing for your pup, and a cleaner living environment for yourself.
How to Keep Your Puppy’s Paws Clean
It's always a good idea to clean your puppy's paws after a walk, even if that's just a quick wipe down with a towel or dog paw wipe. This should be done regularly and in-between their full grooming sessions with you or a dog groomer. If you notice that your dog's paws are getting matted it's important that you take them to a professional who can carefully remove the matted hair. This can be very uncomfortable for dogs and can even hinder the growth of their nails.
You may also like some of our dog grooming guides, such as dog drying towels, puppy shampoos and pet stain removers.
DIY Dog Paw Cleaning Solution
To make your own DIY paw cleaning solution simply mix some dog shampoo with lukewarm water. Put your pup's paws into the mix and scrub them a little and then rinse with clean water until all the soap is off. This is an easy way to keep those paws clean and fresh-smelling. If you don't have dog shampoo, you can simply rinse your pet's paws with lots of fresh and clean water, or even wipe them with an old towel or paper cloth.
Check out our articles on Medicated Dog Shampoos and Dry Shampoos For Dogs.
Our Top Pick
While all the products featured on our Top List are great options, we have opted for the Dexas Petware's Mudbuster as our favorite dog pet paw cleaner. This is an easy-to-use, effective solution to keeping your pooches paws clean after their walk, and since it comes in an array of colors and sizes, it should suit everyone's needs and style.
Best of all? It's gentle on your pup's paws and easy to clean thanks to its silicone brushes that only need to be rinsed after use.
FAQ
Q: What are dog paw washers?
Washing your dog's paws after a walk is great for their health as it prevents them from licking the dirt and contaminants from their paws. It's also paramount to ensuring that mud and those outdoor smells don't get into your home, or stain your carpets. Paw washers make this job a lot easier as they do all the nitty-gritty washing work for you.
There are different types of paw washers, usually in the form of a washing cup that you pop the paw into, or a mat/towel that soaks up mud and water. Both aim to clean the paws and rid them of excess water so that your pup doesn't track dirt all over your home.
Q: Can I use baby wipes on dog paws?
Baby wipes are great for human babies, but they aren't made for dogs. Certain ingredients are fine for humans but can actually be harmful to your pup. It's always best to use wipes that are specifically made for dogs; alternatively, you can use a face cloth with a little bit of warm water and dog shampoo. Remember that whatever you put on your pup's paws will most likely be licked off so don't use any products that aren't 100 percent safe for dogs. If you are unsure, it's best to ask your vet for their advice.
Q: Can I put coconut oil on dog paws?
It's best to consult your vet before putting any type of oil on your pet's paws because whatever you put on them can easily be licked off. If your vet gives you the all-clear, there are a number of awesome benefits to coconut oil. It can be a great paw soother as it has excellent moisturizing properties. However, bear in mind that anything you put on your dog's paws can easily be licked off or rubbed off when they start walking, so it's best to make this a part of your nighttime routine when they are curled up in bed and ready to relax.
That all said, coconut oil has some great skin-soothing properties and can help with itchy paws, wound healing, moisturizing, and is even an effective treatment for burns.
Check out our guides on Coconut Oil For Dogs and Paw Protection Waxes.
Sources
- Katie Grzyb, DVM, 7 Ways to Clean Your Dog’s Paws, PetMD
- How to Wash a Dog’s Paws, Wag!