When you've got an enthusiastic dog that just loves to greet strangers with their great big muddy paws, things can become a tad embarrassing and fast.
Taking your dog(s) on walks is not always straightforward. There's nothing worse than wrestling your overly friendly pup off an unsuspecting member of the public, only to find them covered from head to foot in your dog's filthy paw prints.
Some dogs seem to have paws that are permanently coated in a thick film of black soil or gloopy mud. It's almost like dirt is magnetically attracted to them.
No matter how difficult it is, keeping your dog's paws clean is really important. Without proper cleaning, paws that have caked-on mud and dirt can become irritated and even lead to infection.
Cleaning your dog's paws might seem like a hassle, especially when trying to control a wriggler. Still, it can be a lot easier than you think.
All you need is a good dog paw cleaner and a little bit of time and patience. Keep a clean car and a clean floor with some tips on the available dog paw cleaners.
So we've done the hard work for you yet again and compiled a list of the best dog paw cleaners on the market so that you can find the perfect one for your muddy mate.
It can be tough to know where to begin when you finally return from your epic adventure of walking the dog around the park, and your soggy best friend looks like a walking mound of squelchy earth and hair.
Cleaning your dog's sloppy paws can seem daunting, especially if you're not sure how to do it properly.
You don't want to use anything that will irritate their skin, but you also want to ensure that you get all the dirt and mud out from between their toes.
The great news is that there are some nifty options available that are fantastic for dealing with this muddy conundrum, and they make the whole process a whole lot easier too.
Since the dawn of time, man has traditionally dealt with this situation by using a towel. If your pup's paws are wet or just a bit dusty, this ancient but trusted method should do the trick.
Expert towel users can brush off any larger pieces of dirt or mud before delicately getting in between their toes. This tried and tested method is quick and easy but not always the most effective, especially if your dog's paws are filthy.
You might also find that you need a clean towel pile in your car if you are walking your dog in a muddy area regularly, so it's not ideal in this respect either.
Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle of clean water to spray your dog's feet and use a towel or paper towel to clean their dirty little pup.
When a towel won't cut the mustard, and you need something on the move, what better than a dog wipe. It's compact and easy to carry, and you can deploy it at a moment's notice to catch that dirt while it's fresh and easy to remove.
Dog wipes are larger and stronger than your average wipe. They're usually alcohol-free and gentle on the skin, making them a genius option for dogs with sensitive skin.
You can find pet-safe moist wipes at most pet stores or online. Simply take a wipe and rub it all over your dog's paw, remembering to get in between their toes. This technique is great for a speedy clean-up, but it's not always enough if your pup's paws are literally caked in mud.
If your dog's paws are buried within thick layers of mud, you will want to give them a good rinse.
Options include dunking your mucky mutt in a sink or bathtub or blasting the mud off in the garden with a hose.
If you're washing your pup in the tub, use lukewarm water, as hot water can burn or cause irritation.
Simply wet your dog's paws in the warm water and then use your fingers to rub away any dirt or mud. You may need to do this a few times to get their paws completely clean. Once you're done, be sure to dry their paws thoroughly.
While this technique is great to use when safely at home, it's not very helpful when out in the field.
What if your furry friend has collected half of the riverbank or beach between their toes and wants to clamber inside your lovely clean car?
This is a situation when you need to bring out the big guns.
Welcome to the 21st century! Dog paw cleaners are the future of spotless paws! This hi-tech method is by far the easiest way to deal with such an unpleasant job.
Using a dog paw cleaner couldn't be simpler. Most dog paw cleaners use a soft brush to gently and safely loosen and remove ground-in muck. Once the device has worked its magic, just dry your pup's paws, and they're as good as new.
These amazing labour-saving devices are designed to clean your dog's paws with minimal effort. They're small and portable, so you can use them practically anywhere and in any situation.
If you're looking for a more hands-off approach, then a dog paw cleaner could be the perfect device for you.
Paw cleaners come in all shapes and sizes, from small handheld brushes to larger tanks of soapy water that your dog can dip their whole foot into.
If you're thinking of getting a paw cleaner for a dog that loves all things muddy, we've got just the thing for you.
We let our intrepid team of fearless researchers put some of the best dog paw cleaners through their paces. After much testing, sleepless nights, and copious cups of tea and cake, they've come up with their best three picks.
The Dexas MudBuster is a fantastic solution for pet owners who dread cleaning their pup's dirty paws. It also comes in 3 sizes, small, medium, and large, so there is one to fit any mucky paw. There are two versions of the MudBuster, the original and a portable lidded version. Both with safe and soft bristles.
Some of the best features of the MudBuster are:
The soft silicone bristles loosen and remove dirt and mud from your dog's paws
It can remove irritants such as salt or grit from your dog's paws and seasonal allergens like pollen and grass seeds
The easy-to-grip tumbler design
It's dishwasher safe
Check out the MudBuster here. It's the perfect paw cleaner for all seasons and all situations, whether you're at home or out and about.
The Paw Buddy is a handy little paw cleaner that's specifically designed to quickly clean muddy paws. The silky-smooth bristles on the front gently clean your dog's paws, while the ingenious comb attachment on the back removes any loose fur.
To use:
Simply fill the Paw Buddy with water
Unlock the water flow to the bristles
To clean your dog's paws, softly brush them
Remove any remaining loose hair and grit with the clever comb attachment
Suitable for all breeds
You can find the Paw Buddy Paw Cleaner here. It's a fantastic option for pet owners who are always on the move and need a fast and efficient way to clean their pet's paws.
The MukkyPawz Dog Paw Cleaner is an excellent tool that is designed to thoroughly clean your dog's dirty paws. This excellent cleaning tool is taking the internet by storm as it's one of those "why didn't I think of that?" products.
It has gentle silicone bristles to remove mud and dust
Provides a calming massage for your pup's tired paws
Tough and hard-wearing but incredibly light, making it perfect for travelling
Easy to use
It is made with 100% safe and non-toxic materials
Comes in a range of sizes to fit most dogs
The MukkyPawz Dog Paw Cleaner also comes with a handy cleaning kit that includes:
A bath brush
An ultra-soft microfibre towel
The MukkyPawz Dog Paw Cleaner is available here. It's a fast, simple solution to problematic mucky paws.
There are many methods to tackle the icky job of cleaning your dog's mucky paws. With a trusty towel, a dog wet wipe or one of the amazing new gadgets currently available, there's literally no excuse for dirty, unhygienic paws.
However, if you're looking for a hassle-free solution but don't want to get your hands dirty in the process, a dog paw cleaner is the perfect answer!
Dog paw cleaners can get your dog's paws sparkling clean in no time, at home or on the move. Look at you now, a pro paw washer thanks to Waggel's ever-helpful pet tips and guides.
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