The Best Dog Paw Cleaner

best dog paw cleaner

Every time your dog goes outside, they pick up dirt, rock salt, plant matter, and other debris that can carry microscopic diseases or cause injury to the pads on their feet. That's why dog paw cleaners are a must-have for every pet owner. You can use them to clear away the gunk and keep their little paws in tip-top shape.

What to Look For

While choosing a dog paw cleaner for your pet, you’ll want to pay close attention to each option’s overall safety, effectiveness, and size. For example, the Jenseits dog paw cleaner may be ideal if you have a Rottweiler or other large breed puppy. It uses silicone bristles in a spacious cup to give you plenty of room and scrubbing power to keep their wide feet free of dangerous debris. On the other hand, your itty bitty toy breed dog’s feet fit much better in the specially designed Dexas MudBuster portable dog paw washer. No matter the breed or size of your furry friend, we have your paw-cleaning needs covered with the list below.

Jenseits Dog Paw Cleaner

Jenseits Dog Paw Cleaner

Gentle and effective

Soft silicone bristles and a simple design make this paw cleaner an excellent choice.
Best Overall

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This affordable paw-cleaning cup from Jenseits is available in two sizes, allowing you to get your medium to large-breed dog’s paws clean. It has a scrubby silicone pad that fits neatly into the sturdy cup so you can slip your pet’s feet inside and twist to remove dirt and grime. Once you’re done, you can remove and rinse it to keep it sanitized.

Pros:

  • You only need to fill the cup about halfway to clean your dog’s whole paw, wasting less water than traditional baths.
  • The bristles are the perfect balance between flexible and stiff, allowing them to scrub without causing pain.

Cons:

  • Although this cleaning cup works well for most dogs, it isn’t quite big enough for giant breeds like Mastiffs.

LoboJack Paw Washer Cup

LoboJack Paw Washer Cup

Deep-cleaning design

This paw-cleaning cup helps you get into every nook and cranny of your small or medium dog's toes.
Runner Up

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The extra-long silicone scrubbing bristles of the LoboJack paw washer cup help you get into your dog’s paw pads and nails for a deep clean. Meanwhile, between uses, you can take the three-piece cleaner apart for easy washing and drying, which prevents mold and stops fur and dirt build-up in its tracks. As a bonus, it’s available in two colors for a little added fun.

Pros:

  • The long bristles help this cleaner work quickly by getting deep into the crevices as soon as you put your dog’s paw inside.
  • This cleaning cup is perfect for keeping dirt and mud from your yard off your floors. All you have to do is use it on your pet before they get into your home.

Cons:

  • You can’t use this cleaner on toy breeds.

Earth Rated Dog Grooming Wipes

Earth Rated Dog Grooming Wipes

Water-less convenience

Using these grooming wipes, you can clean your pup's paws without cups, water, or mess.
Best Wipes

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If you’re trying to find a way to keep your pup’s feet clean without the mess of water or soap, these dog grooming wipes from Earth Rated are for you. Each one is saturated with aloe, shea butter, chamomile, and other gentle ingredients to help you clean their paws without irritation. They’re also super soft and unscented, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

Pros:

  • You can use these wipes for paws, faces, and other sensitive areas. They’re great for removing allergens from your dog after spending time outside.
  • They’re thick and durable, so you won’t need to worry about them tearing during use.

Cons:

  • Resealing the bag can be tricky.

Paw Plunger

Portable Dog Paw Plunger

Comfortable handle

A heavy-duty handle and scrubbing silicone bristles help you keep your dog's paws clean, even if they aren't cooperating.
Best Grip

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The Paw Plunger is a fabulous choice, whether on the go or staying home. It uses scrubby bristles to get every bit of mud, salt, and debris out of your dog’s feet, and the large handle helps you keep control of it, even if your dog tries to resist. For added convenience, the attached rubber lid keeps it ready for quick cleaning at the park or shows.

Pros:

  • The wide bristles at the top keep water off the floor and in the cup.
  • This paw cleaner is available in three sizes. You can use it for any breed between the small, medium, and large.

Cons:

  • Cleaning the leftover dirt and debris out of the cup can be cumbersome.

Dexas MudBuster Dog Paw Washer

Dexas MudBuster Dog Paw Washer

Compact and comfortable

You can get even the tiniest paws clean with this convenient cleaning cup.
Best For Small Breeds

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Tiny dogs like Chihuahuas and Yorkies have itty bitty feet that most paw-cleaning cups can’t handle. That’s where the Dexas MudBuster dog paw washer comes in. Its small size makes it easy to use while allowing it to fit paws two inches wide or less. We also appreciate the three-piece design, which enables you to pull everything apart for thorough washing.

Pros:

  • You can get your dog’s feet clean in less than five minutes, making it an excellent choice if you frequently need to clean your pet’s paws.
  • This cup has an excellent size range. You can easily get one for a tiny toy poodle or a Great Dane.

Cons:

  • There’s no fill line, and if you add too much water, you will end up with a big mess.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I train my dog to let me clean its paws with a paw-cleaning cup?

Training a dog to use a paw washer takes a little time and patience. First, you’ll start with a dry cup and some treats. Stick your pup’s feet into the cup one by one and give them a treat every time. Use a command like “cup” or “clean.” Once they’re comfortable with that, add water, and again, use your command and give treats. The final step is rotating the cup for scrubbing while saying the command and giving them their treat. It usually only takes a couple of days of repetition to get them used to it.

Why do I need to clean my dog’s paws?

The outside is lots of fun. It’s also dirty. For example, rock salt in cold regions can cause them injury and dry their skin, while mud and dirt can make a mess on your floors. Dogs with allergies can carry in pollen and grass, which can lead to licking and rashes, and there may be dog viruses, like parvo, in public parks. Washing your pet’s feet when they come inside can help you protect them from all of that.

About the Author

Chelsia is the proud owner of two long-coat Chihuahuas and an 11-year-old pit mix. She and her five kids enjoy roaming the rivers and forests surrounding her North Carolina home — and so do her dogs. Taking care of multiple pets can be a challenge, which is why Chelsia seeks to help fellow dog owners find the right products for their furry family members.

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