We’ve all been there. We take our dog out for a walk and they come back with dirty paws. They go outside to play and come back covered in mud, tracking it throughout the house. Most of us will take the time to try and clean each paw with a towel or attempt to wash them off with a hose before coming into the house. A dog paw cleaner can help you get the job done in a fraction of the time.
What Is A Dog Paw Cleaner?
A dog paw cleaner is a device designed specifically to clean your dog’s paws. It scrubs dirt and mud from your dog’s paws in less than half the time it would take you to do it yourself with a towel.
How Does A Dog Paw Cleaner Work?
A dog paw cleaner is usually a cylinder with bristles lining the inside.
- Pour water into the paw cleaner.
- Put your dog’s paw into it.
- Move the cleaner up and down or in a circular motion to get the bristles to scrub your dog’s paw.
- Take your dog’s paw out and move onto the next paw.
When you are finished, dump the dirty water out of the cleaner. Wash the cleaner and let it air dry and you are good to go for the next use.
While using a paw cleaner, your dog’s paws are going to get very wet. Have a towel nearby to soak up any excess water and to help their paws dry faster, like the Dog Gone Smart Original Dog Shammy or the Winthome Microfiber Dog Towel.
Who Is A Dog Paw Cleaner Good For?
Paw cleaners are good for dogs who are able to sit to have their paws cleaned. If your dog has any medical conditions where they may not be able to stand or sit for a time, i.e. hip dysplasia, this may not be a good option for your dog.
If your dog doesn’t like to have their paws touched, this may not be good for them.
Some dogs don’t like getting wet. Being that you need to soak their paws in the cleaner, they may not tolerate this.
For all other dogs that like to run, dig, or play in the dirt or mud, this is for them.
What Are The Different Types Of Dog Paw Cleaners?
There are several options if you are looking for a dog paw cleaner for your pup. Here are a few to consider for your large breed dog. All product information is according to the manufacturer.
Canister With Silicone Bristles
This is designed like a giant canister with grooves or indentations on the sides for a better grip. The inside contains a removable pad that is covered in silicone bristles. The bristles rub against your dog’s paw, removing it of dirt and mud. When you are finished using it, the silicone pad is removed and able to be cleaned separately from the canister.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Can be cleaned and dried easily.
Cons:
- Hard to grasp and maneuver the larger size if you have small hands.
Dexas Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
- Available in Blue, Green, Fuchsia, Gray, and Pink.
- Large fits 3 ½” wide paw.
- Silicone bristles.
- BPA free.
Chooseen Dog Cleaner
This is similar to the Mudbuster above, however, the lid of this paw cleaner also doubles as a brush to groom your dog.
- X-Large fits 3 ½” paw.
- Silicone bristles.
- BPA free.
Mug With Bristles
This type of paw cleaner works in the same way as the silicone cleaner. The difference with this one, is the shape and the bristles. This is shaped like a mug with a handle on the side. The bristles are not made of silicone, but are more brush-like.
The pros are the same as the canister type. It comes in a large size, so this is good for extra large dog breeds.
The cons to this paw cleaner is that it is very large and hard to handle because of its size. It is also very heavy when filled with water.
Paw Plunger
- Medium is good for dogs 15 – 75 lbs.
- Large is good for dogs 75 lbs. and over.
- Cup with handle.
- Bristles on the inside.
- Rubber top.
- No-spill opening.
Automatic Dog Paw Cleaner
An automatic dog paw cleaner runs on a rechargeable battery. Fill it with water, turn it on, and put your dog’s paw inside. The device will scrub your dog’s paw without you having to move it around.
Pros:
- Good if your dog will leave their paw in without you having to hold them.
- Provides a good cleaning.
- Instructions are very clearly written.
Cons:
- Battery needs to be charged.
- You still have to hold onto the paw cleaner when you are using it.
Eufy Pet Automatic Dog Paw Cleaner
- Designed for medium and large dogs.
- Silicone bristles.
- Takes 20 seconds to wash a paw.
- 1 charge lasts 2 weeks.
- Charges with a USB.
Travel Dog Paw Cleaner
This type of paw cleaner is more portable than the other types. The entire cleaner is made of silicone, the body has silicone bristles attached to it on the inside.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Able to take it anywhere.
Cons:
- Water may come out of it when using.
- You are not able to place it on the ground for stability when you are using it.
Well & Good Pet On -The-Go Paw Cleaner For Dogs
- The medium size is good for medium to large sized dogs.
- Made of silicone with silicone bristles on the inside.
Let’s face it, dogs like to get dirty, but our homes don’t have to! Dog paw cleaners help get rid of dirt and mud before your dog can track it into the house.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.