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This guide has been written and verified by our veterinary advisor.
Approved By: Dr. Libby Guise, DVM
No matter the season, I’m constantly cleaning my pups’ feet. Whether I’m wiping muddy pads, removing snowballs, or drying paws so my babies don’t slip on our tile and wood floors, it’s a time-consuming task. That’s where a dog paw washer would come in handy.
How do you know if you need a washer, and which one meets your needs? We researched & reviewed the best 6 dog paw washers currently available on the warket to help you find the right fit for your family & your dog.
Table of contents
Our Winner: Best Dog Paw Washer
Top 6 Best Dog Paw Washers Reviews
This product has a deep (8.85 inches) cup and a wide (4.75 inches) opening for your pal’s paw. It would work for pooches with larger paws, like my two pups. There are additional sizes for smaller dogs. The cleaning mechanism is a silicone brush for gentle scrubbing, and you can take the brush and tumbler apart to clean in the top rack of the dishwasher. This is a manual paw cleaner.
What We Like About It
- The silicone bristles are gentle on the feet.
- It effectively cleans off dirt between the toes.
- The large size is about the width of a water bottle.
- It’s portable and convenient to take with you.
What We Don't Like
- You have to change the water after each foot when the paws are really dirty.
- It can be awkward to clean the hind feet if Fido isn’t cooperative.
- The foot is really wet after using it, so you still have to dry each paw.
- The contents will spill if you knock it over.
The Paw Plunger is a portable foot-washing mug that comes in sizes for small, medium, and large dogs. The biggest option has a 6.5-inch opening for the paw, and it is 9 inches deep. Inside, there are multiple levels of soft bristles to scrub the pads clean. This product features a no-spill silicone opening and removable brush apparatus.
What We Like About It
- The opening can fit any paw size.
- It has a handle that makes it easy to carry.
- The brushes are gentle and effective in cleaning the paw.
- It’s easy to clean
What We Don't Like
- The spill-proof squeegee at the top is stiff and sharp. It can cut your pup’s paws.
- It’s heavy when you fill it with water.
- The bristles can fall out after several uses.
The Petcabe Portable Dog Paw Cleaner comes in medium and large sizes. You can clean feet that are up to 3 inches across with the bigger version. This product includes a cup, an inner washing chamber, a removable silicone brush cleaner, and a screw-on lid that has an opening for your pal’s paw. It also comes with a 12-month warranty.
What We Like About It
- The bristles are gentle on the feet.
- It’s easy to disassemble and clean.
- There are grips on the cup that make it easy to hold and twist around.
- It cleans better than wiping with a towel alone.
- It’s affordable.
What We Don't Like
- It can spill if you fill it too high.
- The sizing of the opening is too big. The medium is more suitable for a large dog’s paws.
- You still have to wipe the dirty water off the feet after you wash them.
- When feet are really muddy, you’ll have to change the water in between each paw.
With the Paw Boss Wash, you should be able to soak and wash all four feet without changing the water. This product features different reservoirs for clean and dirty water. There’s a washing cup with a cleaning pad on one end of the tub. You can empty used liquid by tilting the container one way. Then reload the bowl by tipping the tray in the opposite direction.
What We Like About It
- You don’t need to change water in between paws.
- The cleaning pad has soft fingers on it that are gentle on the feet.
- It’s portable.
- The design has a low profile that makes it easy to slide under each foot for cleaning.
What We Don't Like
- It can slosh and spill if your dog resists having his foot placed in the cup.
- For larger dogs with big paws, it’s hard to move the foot around in the wash bowl.
- The cup is too shallow. It cleans the bottom of the paw well but doesn’t get very far up the foot.
- The container can’t be opened to clean inside after use.
YITOOK Portable Dog Paw Cleaner with Towel, 2019 Upgraded Version.
The YITOOK dog paw cleaner comes in one size. It has a 3.2-inch opening and is 6.3 inches deep. The removable lid is a soft silicone brush that also doubles as a grooming tool. A second soft scrubber lines the inside wash chamber for thorough cleaning. The outer cup features a 12-sided polygonal shape for non-slip gripping. This product comes with a lanyard to add to its portability.
What We Like About It
- The soft silicone brushes are gentle and clean the paws effectively. It’s easy to take apart and clean after you use it.
- You can take it anywhere with you. The lanyard is an added bonus.
- You can use the top part to groom your pooch. I love that it has more than one function!
What We Don't Like
- If you tip the cup, water can spill out.
- You’ll still need to dry the feet. At least this one comes with a towel.
Much like a foam-based carpet or upholstery cleaner,
PUPMATE Waterless Shampoo comes in a pressurized can. There’s a detachable silicone brush on the top of the product to gently scrub the dirt and other debris from Fido’s paws. The ingredients in the shampoo are all-natural, pet-safe, and hypo-allergenic. This solution has a rose scent that can help your furbaby’s feet to smell fresh.
What We Like About It
- It’s completely portable. You can bring the can with you anywhere you go.
- There’s no water or mess involved with the product.
- The silicone brush is gentle on the paws.
What We Don't Like
- The bottle can be leaky if you tilt it.
- With the new formula, you may have to wipe or wash the shampoo off the paws to avoid a sticky residue.
- The scent is really strong if the feet get wet.
Why Do I Need to Wash Fido’s Paws?
Unless you have a fastidious pooch, he’s going to get his feet dirty from time to time. Keeping your pal’s feet clean offers several advantages:
- It keeps mud and grime off your floors. You can set up your cleaning station at or just outside the door so Fido’s feet are washed before he gets inside.
- It lets you check your furbaby’s paws. Dirt can hide issues like cuts or other wounds.
- It removes mud and other debris that can irritate your pal’s pads. Some dogs could have an allergic reaction to items that get stuck between their toes.
- It helps protect your pooch from unsafe products. In winter, de-icing materials can stick to the paws. The chemicals can be toxic if your four-footed friend licks them off his feet.
In our house, we’ve been using a towel to wipe our furbabies’ feet when it’s wet outside. Some days, it works fine, but at other times there are still paw prints all over the place. A good paw washer would provide a more effective way to clean those pads.
These products provide a thorough cleaning of one paw at a time.
Traditional Washers
In most cases, you stick your pal’s foot in a cup or other chamber with wash solution and a scrubbing surface. Then you spin the container around the paw or rub the foot against a brush and let the bristles go to work. Remember to change the water each time you use the washer. For extra-soiled pads, you may need to pour out the muddy fluid and refill the chamber in between each foot.
Waterless Washing Foam
There is a waterless option available to clean Fido’s feet. This type of product involves spraying a foam shampoo on the paw and using a soft-bristle brush to scrub the pads clean.
When choosing a paw washer, you’ll want to know details about different features like the brushing and cleaning mechanism. Another thing to check on is how easy the product is to operate and maintain. And of course, you’ll want something that can clean your pal’s feet well.
Brushes
Look for washers that have brushes with soft bristles. These products rely on a brushing mechanism to help with removing the dirt and debris that’s sticking to Fido’s pads. With that in mind, you need a scrubber that can get the job done without hurting your furbaby’s paws. Look for a cleansing feature that uses pliable materials like rubber, silicone, or soft plastic.
Cleaning Mechanism
In addition to learning about the brushes, you’ll want to find out about the washer and how it works. For many of the products you insert one paw at a time into a cup-like chamber and swish it around to employ the bristles. Find out the size of the reservoir opening and whether it will fit your pup’s foot. Other options include a cleaning cloth or a dry shampoo. What works best for your needs depends on what kind of dirt your pooch usually encounters.
Ease of Operation
How much time and effort do you want to spend cleaning Fido’s paws? Find out whether the product is manual or automatic. With manual cleaners, you’ll have to use your elbow grease. Some automatic products do the work for you. Weigh the cost with the benefit to you.
Ease of Maintenance
For many paw washers, you can unscrew the top and remove the brush mechanism for cleaning. Find out how easy it is to take the product apart. Does the scrubber require extra care, or can you use soap and water? Make sure the owner’s manual has clear instructions.
Cleaning Effectiveness
If you’re investing your funds in a dog paw washer, you want it to work well. Not all products are equal. Learn from other pet owners how well the cleaner removes the dirt in real life.
Your furbaby can suffer from abrasions, cuts, blisters, ulcers, cracked or torn nails, and more. That’s why you want to check your pal’s feet regularly. It also helps to understand the underlying cause of the problem so that you know how to take care of your furbaby and prevent future problems.
Fungal and Bacterial Infections
Like our skin, a dog’s pads have some resident bacteria and fungus. While this isn’t a problem normally, sometimes the organisms can multiply and cause issues. If you notice these signs your furbaby might have an infection:
- Licking or chewing the paws
- Redness or inflammation between the toes
- Discharge or drainage from the feet
- Fido acts like his feet are itchy
- Lameness
Consult your veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
Dry and Cracked Paw Pads
Dry, cracked paws can be painful for your special pal. Ruptures in the pad surface can also put your pal at risk for infections. Factors that contribute to drying and cracking are:
- Constant licking
- Exposure to weather extremes - hot pavement or ice
- Chemical exposure - plants like stinging nettle, ice melt solutions, and others
Dry air
If you notice that your pup’s paws are dry or cracked, talk with your vet about treatment and prevention options.
Parasites
Ticks: One parasite that can affect a dog’s feet is the tick. These parasites can climb into the warm crevices and embed in Fido’s tissues. If you find one of these bloodsuckers in between your pup’s toes, you should call your veterinarian to remove and examine the creature. Some species can carry diseases that could affect your furbaby. If you attempt to pull the tick out, grab near the head with tweezers or a hemostat.
Mites: Another common foot parasite is the mange mite. In most cases, a dog with mange will show signs all over the body. When the condition affects the feet, you’ll probably see signs like:
- Licking or chewing of the paws
- Reluctance to walk on hard surfaces
- Inflammation around the feet
- Hair loss
- Crusting or scaling
Your veterinarian can take skin scrapings or other tests if you suspect that Fido has mange.
Dog’s paws are in constant use, so it’s important to do everything possible to keep them healthy. With regular examination, protective measures, and proper care, you can help protect your furbaby’s well-being. Below are the top five things you can do to keep your pup’s pads in top condition:
- Check feet regularly: You can catch issues earlier and head off problems if you routinely take time to examine Fido’s paws. Spread his toes apart and look at all surfaces. Note if there’s redness, swelling, or unexpected objects between the digits.
- Keep them clean:Don’t let gunk, dirt, or chemicals like ice melt linger on your pal’s pads. A buildup of mud and debris can contribute to infections or other issues.
- Use protective booties: If you and your pooch spend time hiking or running over rough terrain, consider protective booties. Sharp rocks or constant exposure to rugged conditions can lead to cuts and injuries. This footwear can also shield Fido’s pads in extreme cold.
- Trim nails and fur: Long nails can be uncomfortable for your pooch when they walk. They can also catch on things like bushes and clothing and tear away from the pad. If your pooch has longer fur, keep it short between the toes. Tufts of hair can trap snowballs, ice, and foreign objects.
- Protect and Moisturize Pads: Use a dog-safe moisturizer or balm to condition Fido’s pads and prevent drying and cracking.
Our Top Pick for Dog Paw Washer
As I reviewed these products, I had my Springer Spaniel and my Labrador Retriever mix in mind. I looked for a product that fits their larger paws and can effectively clean the feet without hurting them. Taking the criteria I mentioned above into consideration, my top pick for a washer is the YITOOK Portable Dog Paw Cleaner with Towel:
- I love that this product comes with its own towel to wipe the feet after I wash them.
- The bristles are made from silicone, which is a gentle and pet-safe material. There are multiple layers of brushes allowing for a more thorough cleaning than other products.
- I can also use the top brush to groom my lab mix’s coat in the spring.
- I’ll be able to take it apart to easily clean the wash chamber and brush mechanisms.
- It’s small enough to take with me to the park or beach, and it comes with a lanyard for easier toting. Other products don’t have a carrying strap.
- The 3.2-inch opening is big enough to insert my pups’ paws and to rotate the washer to get a thorough cleaning. Some of the other products are either too big or too small.
In addition to having the features that I find desirable, this product is available in five color options. That means I can get something that fits my personal tastes. The YITOOK cleaner is my clear winner.
Woof On The Street
Share your experience with the products mentioned throughout this review in the comments below or Feel free to share your own product recommendations as well.
One request from Speedy
Dr. Libby Guise put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to the dog parent community. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media networks.
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