A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
With spring comes showers—and muddy paws that dig up flowers. Here are the best dog paw cleaner options to keep your floors, furniture and car squeaky clean.
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Spring paves the way for warmer temps, blooming flowers and outdoor activities. But it also brings rain which, for pet parents, translates into muddy paw prints across the floor, furniture and car interior. While there are pet vacuums to keep hair at bay and stain removers for accidents, a dog paw cleaner is a must for pet parents looking to maintain a clean and sanitary home. Not to mention, paw cleaners come in handy beyond obvious traces of dirt and mud. While you can remove your shoes after playtime at the dog park, your pup does not share that same luxury (yuck!).
Keeping paws clean and tidy goes beyond looking and smelling good. Handling paws regularly also helps monitor the feet for injuries or problems. There are different paw products available—from washer cups and cleaning solutions to floor mats—all designed to help you and your puppy partner kick the dirt to the curb—outside, where it belongs. Here are some of the top picks.
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Keeping dog paws clean also impacts canine health. Some dogs, such as Bulldogs, are prone to yeasty paws that can lead to itching and odor. Dogs allergic to grass and mold also absorb the allergens through the webbing between their paw pads. A build-up of dirt and bacteria irritates the skin, which can lead to constant licking to relieve the itch. Rinsing off the feet may not get rid of all the irritation.
Warren London Deep Cleaning Paw Fizz Tablets offer deep cleaning for itch and odor relief. While the tablets are not inexpensive, the incredible relief they provide is invaluable to affected dogs. Made with natural ingredients, the tablets are designed to soothe paws, brighten nails and eliminate irritations—fungus, bacteria, yeast and germs—that cause obsessive paw licking. To use, fill your bathtub just enough to cover your pup’s paws and let him stand and soak for five minutes before rinsing.
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For mega messes, nothing beats the Mudbuster. The simple, sturdy and effective design works great on nearly every size paw—it comes in large, medium and small—and addresses any amount of fur. The plastic cup features a soft internal silicon bristle brush, making it easy and gentle to use. Simply fill the cup with water, dip your dog’s muddy paw, twist the cup to enable bristle scrubbing and remove to dry. Then repeat on each paw.
The Mudbuster not only rinses off the dirt and combs free the dingy fur, it keeps the soiled water contained. It’s durable, portable for road trips with your pup and is well worth the investment. See my full review of the Mudbuster here.
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When you find yourself in a spot without water access, Earth Rated Dog Wipes offer convenience without the mess of potential spills experienced with some paw cleaners. These Amazon best-selling wipes make cleaning paws easy and struggle-free since many dogs dislike having their feet immersed in chilly water. You don’t have to change dirty rinse, either. Just pull out one of the wipes from the packet (which is conveniently sized to keep in your car glove box, purse, or coat pocket, along with Amazon’s best-selling dog poop bags), wipe each paw and dispose! They’re completely compostable, so you can feel good about using them every day.
Each wipe contains Aloe vera, shea butter, chamomile and cucumber. Choose scent-free or soothing lavender. They’re free of alcohol and parabens, with canine dermatologists endorsing them as gentle for even sensitive paws.
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An absorbent mat is helpful for catching dirty paws before they enter the house, especially when you’re not around to stop them. But some slip and slide and others don’t absorb the mess. That’s why the Gorilla Grip Door Mat is one of a kind for effectively confining messes to the immediate doorway area. This highly-absorbent material features non-skid rubber backing, and the microfiber composition is machine washable. Available in eight sizes, this mat comes in 30 colors to match any decor. Pair it with one of these stylish dog crates that double as furniture for your home.
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There are several dog shampoos available, but most require a dunk-and-scrub maneuver. Dogs with dingy feet don’t always need complete submersion, so the Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless Shampoo offers a great option. The lavender and chamomile ingredients also help calm ornery dogs, and the smell helps to keep odors at bay between baths. Just use the pump to dispense the mousse-like foam into your hand, work it into the paw pad and wipe dry with a clean towel. No need to rinse—just apply, wipe and done. And, yes, it can work on the rest of the coat, too, if your mud puppy splashes dirt up his legs.
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The best paw cleaning method depends on how dirty the paws are and your dog’s comfort. For everyday cleaning, a floor mat may suffice. However, a more thorough cleaner may be necessary if your dog frequently tracks mud or debris. Each dog’s needs vary based on activity and tolerance for paw handling.
