The Best Paw Cleaners
When your dog plays outside, they probably end up tracking dirt and mud all over your house. Paw cleaners are a simple solution to this problem, allowing you to quickly clean your pup's paws before they make a mess of your home. Preventing a mess isn't the only reason to keep your dog's paws clean, however; clean paws can also help keep your dog healthy by getting rid of debris, ticks, dirt, and bacteria that could cause infections or injure your pet. With all that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best paw cleaners on the market.
What to Look For
We asked ourselves the following three questions during our search to find the best paw cleaners on the market: Does it have soft brushes or bristles for gently removing dirt and grime on the paws? Does it have a water-tight lid to minimize spills and messes? Does it have an ergonomic design to ensure dogs’ comfort? Our favorite was the dog cleaner from Dexas, which uses silicone bristles to gently clean dogs’ paws. Our runner-up by Jenseits stood out for its ease of use and durability. Keep reading to learn about our other top picks and why we liked them so much.
Dexas MudBuster Portable Paw Cleaner
Whether your dog is coming indoors after a romp in the backyard or a walk in the park, you don’t want them tracking mud and dirt all over your house. This paw cleaner from Dexas can help you clean up your pup’s paws quickly without making a mess. It’s easy to use; all you do is fill it with water, place your dog’s dirty paw in the cup, and twist it a few times. The cup’s soft, silicone bristles do the rest, leaving your dog with pristine feet.
Pros:
- We love that this paw cleaner effectively removes dirt, debris, salt, and other bacteria that could irritate a dog’s paws.
- This paw cleaner works much faster than soap and a washcloth, significantly reducing time spent cleaning feet after a trip outside.
Cons:
- It would be easier to handle if it came with a handle.
Jenseits Silicone 2 in 1 Paw Cleaner
Quick and easy
Don’t be surprised if your dog jumps with excitement when they see you pull out this 2-in-1 paw cleaner from Jenseits. The paw cleaner massages your dog’s paws as it cleans them, removing the dirt, grime, and bacteria they may have accumulated while playing outside. The cup’s removable silicone bristles double as a brush, allowing you to groom your pet, too.
Pros:
- We learned that dogs really enjoyed having their feet cleaned with this paw cleaner and would often look for the cup after a walk.
- This paw cleaner can make it easier to treat dogs that need their paws cleaned regularly due to allergies or irritation by adding a few drops of allergy shampoo to the cup’s water.
Cons:
- It’s too small for large dogs.
Chooseen Portable Brush Paw Cleaner
Gentle care
Whether your dog needs a grooming session or it’s time to clean their paws, this multi-purpose paw cleaner by Chooseen comes with everything you need to get the job done, including a towel to dry off your pup’s feet. The top part of the cup is removable, and you can use its silicone bristles as a massaging brush or for cleaning your dog.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how thoroughly this paw cleaner removes dirt, grime, and other buildups, including when a dog’s paws aren’t visibly dirty.
- This product is a great fit for larger dogs, making it easy to clean their feet and give them a massage without any hassle.
Cons:
- If you have small hands, it may be difficult to hold the cup.
Pupmate No-Rinse Waterless Paw Cleaner
Primp your pooch
If you have a dog that’s not too happy about sticking its paws in a cup during cleaning time, this waterless paw cleaner from Pupmate is an excellent alternative. This foaming paw cleaner works without water to thoroughly cleans your pup’s paws without leaving behind a mess. What’s more, it comes with a detachable silicone brush to help you gently scrub away the dirt and debris lodged in your pup’s paws.
Pros:
- We love that this paw cleaner is highly portable, making it easy to take with you on your travels.
- You can use this paw cleaner with dogs of any size or breed without worrying about purchasing a cup that fits your pup’s paws.
Cons:
- It requires more work than other paw cleaners on this list.
Dogness Portable Automatic Paw Cleaner
Pamper your pooch
Reach for this automatic paw cleaner from Dogness when you need a little extra power to get your dog’s paws clean. The motorized bristles automatically rotate to help clean feet quickly without much effort from you, making it an excellent option for anyone with mobility issues. It runs on rechargeable batteries that hold their charge for several days and comes with a USB cable for easy recharging.
Pros:
- This paw cleaner works without being plugged into an electric outlet, making it highly portable and great for cleaning dogs’ feet on the go.
- We found that dogs enjoy having their paws cleaned with this device, which seems to calm and relax some dogs who get anxious when it’s cleaning time.
Cons:
- You have to purchase batteries separately.
How do paw cleaners work?
Traditional washers and waterless washing foam are the two most common paw cleaners. With traditional cleaners, all you do is place your dog’s foot in a cup containing soap and water. Next, spin the cup around your dog’s paw or rub their paws against the brush, allowing the bristles to scrub them clean. The waterless option works by spraying a foam shampoo onto your pup’s paws and scrubbing them with a soft-bristle brush.
Why does my dog lick their paws?
There could be many reasons your dog licks their paws, including self-grooming, skin problems, boredom, or anxiety. You don’t need to worry if your dog only licks their paws occasionally; however, frequent licking could be a sign of a problem. If you examine your dog’s paws and notice skin irritation or your dog appears to be in pain, we recommend taking them to the vet to have them examined.
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