| Winner | Runner-Up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| MudBuster | Paw Plunger | Doggie Dipper |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Let’s face it. Dogs’ paws get dirty, and not just when it rains or after being dragged through the mud. Walking on the sidewalk and playing in the yard daily can cause your dog’s paws to collect germs and dirt in her pads and paw fur. Over time, the buildup can lead to more serious health problems like yeast infections.
But what’s the best way to clean dog paws so you don’t have to bathe your dog after every potty break? The best paw cleaner for dogs can help keep your dog’s paws fresh so you can have guilt-free snuggles in bed and not have to worry about ruining your rugs. Let’s check out some paw cleaner solutions.
Best Paw Cleaner For Dogs
You have several options for cleaning your dog’s paws before coming inside. There are portable dog washers and dog paw wipes that are suitable to take with you on the go or to keep in the car. Dog paw cleaning doormats or other dog paw cleaning stations that use a dog paw cleaner spray might be better to keep at home by the front door. I picked the top three best dog paw washers and then a few other options for cleaning their feet.
Winner: Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Washer Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
A dog paw washer cup is an affordable and easy way to clean dogs’ paws. Our top pick is the MudBuster. Simply fill the cup with warm water (and optional soap), insert their paw into the cup, and rotate the cup back and forth so the rubber bristles inside can scrub their paws. Then, remove the paws and towel dry. For most dogs, a cup can clean at least one round of paws before you need to change the water. Bonus: the cup is clear, allowing you to see if the water is dirty and needs changing.
The MudBuster is a silicone dog paw cleaner, one of the most popular cleaning products. Its patented, compact design is made from BPA-free plastic and is easy to throw in your purse or dog bag. The MudBuster comes in a variety of colors and three sizes for all dog types. I recommend getting one with a leak-proof lid so you pre-fill it in case water isn’t available where you take it with you. The cup disassembles for cleaning and is dishwasher safe.
Our Personal Experience With MudBuster
We use this at home when letting our dogs in from playing outdoors, especially on rainy, muddy days. The MudBuster does a great job of removing the pesky red clay from their paws (we live in NC, where there is lots of red clay in our soil), but we still use an old towel to dry their feet before they come in. The MudBuster is also dishwasher-safe, so it is easy to clean and reuse regularly.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent & Canine Journal Co-Founder
Price
- Starting at: $14.99
Runner Up: Paw Plunger Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
The Paw Plunger is our second pick for the best paw cleaner cup for dogs. Like the MudBuster, it comes in three sizes and various color options. It uses the same technique to clean but is in the shape of a coffee mug with a handle so you can get a firm grip.
The Paw Plunger has a detachable lid (with a chain attached so you don’t lose it). The rubber top squeeges away excess water and prevents spills. It also comes apart for handwashing between uses.
Price
Third Place: Doggie Dipper Review
Rounding out our top three is the Doggie Dipper. It only comes in one size and color, but it’s an ideal dog paw cleaner for extra-large pups. The handle on the side is shaped like a bone, and I love that this cleaning cup has a clear side window so you can see how full it is (and how clean or dirty the water is).
The Doggie Dipper has silicone bristles that clean the paws and a soft, absorbent sponge that soaks up the excess water and dries the paws upon removal. It has a lid to keep it watertight and dishwasher safe. However, the Doggie Dipper is a bit bulkier, so it’s not as easy to take on the go.
Price
Other Top Picks For Cleaning Dog Paws
Here are some other effective options you may want to consider.
Best Wipes For Dog Paws: TrueBlue Super Fresh Body And Paw Wipes Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
There are wipes for just about every part of your dog. But the best dog paw wipes are TrueBlue’s super fresh wipes. These thick, large dog paw cleaning towels are intended for one use so you can wipe and toss them. They’re useful if you’re in a hurry or your dog doesn’t need more intense cleaning.
TrueBlue uses natural cleaning ingredients, including coconut, grapefruit essential oil, lavender extract, and aloe vera, for a fresh scent while providing moisturizing elements. The manufacturer works with veterinarians to develop safe, effective formulas that are tough on grime but easy on the environment. Wipes work for dogs of all shapes and sizes and are more gentle than other dog washers.
Price
- 100 Pack: $17.99
Best Mat For Cleaning Dog Paws: Gorilla Grip Soak Stopper Review
Gorilla Grip Soak Stopper is our top pick for the best dog mat for muddy paws. It’s an indoor mat with rubber backing, so it won’t slip and slide around on the floor. It comes in a range of sizes (from 30″ and up) and various colors to match any decor. The absorbent design has an extra top layer to help capture mud and moisture from muddy boots and paws. It’s made of a dense chenille pile that traps moisture when your muddy dog comes through the door. The microfiber dries quickly and is fade-resistant. Plus, you can throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty and re-use as needed.
Price
Best DIY Solution
If you want a do-it-yourself option, try cleaning dog paws with a vinegar-water mixture. Combine equal parts of warm water and distilled white vinegar in a refillable spray bottle and shake. For better results, use distilled water (which you can buy or boil your own). To enhance the smell and effectiveness, squeeze some lemon juice into the mixture.
Spray on their paws, then wipe dry with a clean towel. It’s not quite as powerful as the other products I feature above, but it does the trick in a pinch. Pro tip: put this mixture in a travel-sized spray bottle for paw cleaning on the go.
Price
- Distilled Vinegar: $18.99 ($0.15 / Fl Oz)
- Spray Bottles (2-pack): $4.99 ($2.50 / Count)
Learn more about other pet-friendly cleaning products you can buy or make at home.
How To Clean Dog Paws After Walk (Video)
If your dog isn’t used to having her paws touched, your post-walk cleaning routine might take some getting used to. Start slow and gradually build up to your cleaning method of choice. Be patient, and have lots of treats on hand to reward good behavior.
Over time, your dog will adapt to the sensation of her paws being scrubbed and/or wiped (and some dogs might even look forward to it). This short video from our top pick, MudBuster, shows how easily you can clean your pup’s paws using their product.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve covered a few common questions about cleaning a dog’s paw, but if I didn’t mention yours, please post it in the comments.
How To Disinfect Dog Paws After A Walk?
Cleaning your pup’s paws after a daily walk can be done in a few ways. One is to use a commercially made paw wipe or cleaner. You can wipe your pup’s paws with a wet paper towel or wash them with gentle, soapy water. Be sure to dry your pup’s paws thoroughly after cleaning. If they are really messy, you may need to rinse them off with the hose.
Should You Wash Your Dog After A Walk?
You do not need to fully wash your dog after a walk unless it was a messy, wet, or muddy walk. Cleaning your pup’s paws after a walk helps keep them clean, keeps your home clean, and can prevent germs from spreading in your home. If you have taken your dog along the beach or other sandy, rocky, or dirt terrain, washing their feet removes the sand, small rocks, and other debris they may have picked up.
How To Clean Dog Paws After Stepping In Poop?
Clean your dog’s paws as soon as possible after stepping in poop. If you can, try to wipe them off on the ground, grass, or leaves. When you get home, wash your dog’s paws with the hose. This will get a good amount of the poop off. Of course, this is not a pleasant task, but if you can get the poop off before you get inside, you can prevent the poop from getting all over your home. Try your best not to panic or get feces on yourself in the process.
You will likely need to wash the paws off with soap and water or use a disinfectant pet wipe. If you can try to clean outside, you can keep the feces from getting into your home. This greatly reduces the risk of your human or four-legged family members being exposed to any germs or bacteria risks from contact with the poop.
Shoes & Booties Help Keep Paws Protected
You can also keep your dog’s paws protected with booties for winter snow and dog shoes for hot pavement. And you might also consider getting a pet hair vacuum or even a robot vacuum to remove fur and other debris they might track through the door.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sadie has more than two decades of dog care and ownership experience, specializing in the care and companionship of her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Over the years, she’s spent hours of extensive training, collaborating with multiple certified trainers across various settings, from in-home sessions to virtual private lessons to training academies and online courses. She uses positive reinforcement training to build a strong bond with her dogs, emphasizing encouragement and rewards for good behavior. Sadie’s dog suffers from separation anxiety and situational anxiety, food allergies, and her dogs have had several pet illnesses and issues, including anal gland problems, kennel cough, poisoning, cancer, heart murmurs, dental extractions, and more. She bathes and grooms her Cavalier regularly and loves traveling with her dog and taking her beloved fur-baby to dog parks, outdoor patios, and other dog-friendly bars and hang-out spots.
