8 Best Dog Paw Cleaners & Washers of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
By Grant Piper
Updated on
Cleaning a dog’s paws can be a frustrating experience. Most people think that muddy paws can only be tackled with a trip to the bathtub or the use of an outdoor hose. Numerous muddy towels have been balled up and left by the door in an attempt to prevent dogs from tracking dirt into a clean house. Luckily, there are other options. There are numerous different types of dog paw washers, cleaners, and cleansers that are designed to wash a dog’s paws near the door without using a hose or a towel.
Here are the eight best dog paw washers and cleaners available on the market right now.
A Quick Glance at the Winners of 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Dexas MudBuster Dog Paw Cleaner |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Comotech Dog Paw Cleaner |
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
 |
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DOGNESS Automatic Dog Paw Cleaner |
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Check Price |
| Best for Puppies |
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PetClan No-Rinse Paw Cleaner Foam |
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Check Price |
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Paw Plunger Medium for Dogs |
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Check Price |
The 8 Best Dog Paw Washers & Cleaners
1. Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner – Best Overall
| Type: | Paw plunger |
| Water: | Yes |
The Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner is the best overall paw washer on the market right now. It offers the best features of the most popular dog washers for one affordable price. The Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner is durable, portable, effective, and safe. It is dishwasher safe, is available in multiple different colors, and is easy to use. Just fill the tumbler with warm water and a dash of soap and put your dog’s paw in. Twist two or three times, and viola, you have a clean dog paw. It is very simple and has a better design and construction than other similar products. It has tens of thousands of good reviews and has been listed as the best dog paw washer numerous times. And all for very good reasons.
Some dogs can make a mess with this product by spilling water, which can be frustrating if you use it inside. The other complaint about this product is that if you do not clean it out regularly, it can become very stinky. You can use vinegar or bleach to clean it out and eliminate odor.
- Portable
- Well built
- Easy to use
- Highly rated
- Can be messy
- Can be stinky if not cleaned regularly
2. Comotech Dog Paw Cleaner – Best Value
| Type: | Paw plunger |
| Water: | Yes |
Not everyone wants to pay a lot of money for dog paw cleaners. Some people want to spend as little as possible to avoid using an old washcloth to clean their dog’s paws. That is fair. For those people, there is the Comotech Dog Paw Cleaner. This paw plunger is very affordable while still offering the utility of a mechanical paw plunger. Like other plungers, all you need to do is add some water, put your dog’s paw in it, and rotate the plunger to clean. This product also includes a small strap to help you carry it and a small drying towel which are added bonuses, especially for the price.
The Comotech Dog Paw Cleaner is smaller than advertised and does not fit large dog paws which is something to keep in mind if you have a large dog. This product also has some minor durability issues, which is common for products at this price point. However, it’s the best dog paw cleaner for the money you pay.
- Super affordable
- Portable paw plunger
- Easy to use, just add water and twist
- Some durability issues reported
- Small design does not fit all dogs
3. DOGNESS Automatic Dog Paw Cleaner – Premium Choice
| Type: | Automatic paw washer |
| Water: | Yes |
The DOGNESS Automatic Dog Paw Cleaner is a clever automatic paw washer. All you need to do is fill the cup with water, add soap (if desired), place your dog’s paw inside the device, and turn it on. It only takes 30 seconds to make your dog’s paw squeaky and sparkly clean. Doing your dog’s two front paws just takes one minute. The automatic washer takes all of the manual labor out of cleaning your dog’s paws. Using a towel can be frustrating. The washer is filled with 157 dense, soft silicone brushes that spin to safely and quickly clean your dog’s paws. This cleaner even comes with a rechargeable battery that can last for days on a single charge.
There are a couple of reported issues with the DOGNESS Automatic Dog Paw Cleaner. First, the product is smaller than advertised and does not fit large dog paws. It would work best for small dogs. Second, the motor is not as powerful as it could be, which reduces its effectiveness for tough messes.
- Easy to use
- Quickly cleans paws
- Filled with soft brushes
- Can take soap and water for extra cleaning power
- Smaller than imagined
- Motor is not as powerful as it could be
4. PetClan No-Rinse Paw Cleaner Foam – Best for Puppies
| Type: | Waterless paw cleaner |
| Water: | No |
Some paw cleaners are too complicated. They need water or batteries and can still end up making a mess. Combine that with a puppy that won’t sit still, and it can make cleaning their paws quite difficult. The PetClan No-Rinse Paw Cleaner Foam is a great way to clean your puppy’s or adult dog’s paws without water. This also makes it great when you are on the go and do not have access to water. This cleaner is foaming, citrus-scented, and one bottle can be used up to 500 times, meaning you can get months of fresh paw cleaning sessions for one low price. The dollar-per-use ratio is extremely high for this product, making it excellent value. The bottle also comes with a built-in brush that makes scrubbing your dog’s paw pads very simple.
The biggest letdown for this product seems to be the fact that it doesn’t have a lot of scrubbing power. Some owners reported that their dogs did not like the product being used for long periods, which made it hard to get a deep clean. Some people also did not like the ingredients used in the cleaner, which they thought were too industrial. However, the value found in this quick clean is fantastic.
- Smells like citrus
- Easy to use even when there is no water around
- Great for keeping by the door or using on the go
- Built-in brush on the bottle
- Some people didn’t like the ingredients
- Hard to complete a good deep scrubbing on your dog’s paws
5. Paw Plunger Medium for Dogs
| Type: | Paw plunger |
| Water: | Yes |
The Paw Plunger Medium is the perfect portable dog paw washer. This product lets you easily clean your dog’s paws on the go. Throw it in your bag with your dog’s other things and use it after a trip to the beach or the dog park. All you need to do is add a little bit of water and stick your dog’s paws in. You do not need any soap or harsh chemicals. The Paw Plunger Medium cleans your dog’s paws quickly and effectively. It comes with an easy-to-grab handle and a cover, making it ideal for travel and portability. It even comes in two different colors, black and blue, to fit your particular style.
This product is effective when the dog cooperates but not all dogs like paw plungers. Some dogs refuse to put their paws into a cleaner like this, and if they do, it can make this product difficult or impossible to use. It can be hard to tell if your dog will take to this type of product before you buy it. But when it comes to a portable dog paw washer, this is definitely the best.
- Super easy to take on the go
- Effective design
- Multiple colors
- No soap is needed, just water
- Not all dogs like this type of product
6. Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub Paw & Nail Dog Cleanser
| Type: | Waterless paw cleaner |
| Water: | No |
- Type: Cleansing soap
- Water: Yes
The Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub Paw & Nail Dog Cleanser is a great paw cleaner that targets every type of contaminant. This cleanser targets germs like viruses, fungi, bacteria, and yeast. This prevents a multitude of different infections from taking root on dirty paws. This cleanser also includes antioxidants and aloe vera that keeps your dog’s paws moisturized, soft, and healthy. Some paw washers focus on mechanical action. Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub Paw & Nail Dog Cleanser focuses on the germs and fungus that lurk beneath the dirt. The focus on disinfecting power makes this product the best for people worried about their dogs getting into gross things outside beyond just regular dirt.
One thing that people were disappointed in is the fact that you need to use water and a brush to scrub the disinfectant into the paws. It is not like hand sanitizer. It requires a little extra work to get the disinfecting power to set in.
- Targets viruses, fungi, yeast, and bacteria
- Also moisturizes and softens
- Affordable
- Requires water and scrubbing for best results
7. Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Dog Paw Balm
| Type: | Balm |
| Water: | No |
One type of paw cleaner is balms. Balms work to soften rough paws, soothe wounds, and moisturize the pads. Dog paws can easily get infected if they are wounded or rough. Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Dog Paw Balm is a great thing to apply to your dog’s paws after they come inside. This balm is used for treating and healing wounds, scars, paw allergies, hyperkeratosis, dry elbows, and more. All of these things are great benefits for people looking to care for their dog’s paws. Some dogs can get things like gravel, cement, and asphalt stuck on their paws, and balms like this can soothe and mend after incidents like this.
You do need to watch your dog when you apply this balm because if they like it off, they can get an upset stomach. You should not let your dog lick too much of this balm, it is for their paws only.
- Soothes, heals, and moisturizes paws
- Can help clean paws that have things like gum or asphalt stuck to them
- Affordable
- Can’t be safely licked
8. Warren London Deep Cleaning Paw Soak
| Type: | Medicated pellets |
| Water: | Yes |
Not everyone wants to buy a paw washer for their dog. Yet sometimes, just wiping their paws off with a towel is not good enough. Instead, you can create your own at-home paw washing station by using special medication that is designed to soak your dog’s paws. Warren London Deep Cleaning Paw Soak softens the dog’s paw pads, removes dirt, and moisturizes the paws. All you need to do is add a tablet to a soaking tub (bathtub, bucket, pan, etc.) and put the paw in. You can buy these tablets in packs of 12, 75, or 300, so you can get as many as you need at one time. You save money if you buy in bulk. This is an easy way to upgrade your paw-cleaning ability without having to get something that will clutter up your house.
The only downside is that you can replicate these effects by using soap, olive oil, or hydrogen peroxide. Using common household products to create your own soaking tub might save you money, but they will not be as effective as Warren London Deep Cleaning Paw Soak.
- Easy way to clean your dog’s paws
- Able to buy in bulk and stock up for months at a time
- Moisturizes, cleans, and softens
- You can replicate many of these effects with some basic household products
Buyer’s Guide
Why Use Paw Cleaners?
Paw cleaners are very useful for people who have dogs that go in and out a lot. Dogs can go outside and end up getting muddy, dirty, and dusty paws. They can track this dirt inside and make your floors messy. Some dogs can also get into yucky things like poop, gum, tar, and trash, which can potentially cause an infection in the paw. Using a paw cleaner can catch these problems right when your dog comes inside and can prevent dirt and infections with a simple method.
If you do not use a paw cleaner, you either have to hope that your dog gets the dirt and grime off their paws by walking over your floors, or you have to use a washcloth or take your dog to the tub every time they come in from outside, which can be a pain. Paw cleaners and washers can make this process easier and can catch the mess as soon as it enters the house.
Types of Paw Cleaners
There are various types of paw cleaners and washers that have different ideal uses. Each of these types will appeal to different types of dog owners.
Cleansers
Cleansers include things like soaps and washes. Cleansers are usually applied to the paws and sink in or use water to scrub them. Cleansers disinfect and clean the paws and focus on the underlying germs that can infect your dog’s feet. Cleansers are used in conjunction with a brush or water for the best results.
Balms
Another type of cleaner is a balm which is used to treat cracked, dry, or itchy paws. Palms are similar to cleansers, except they are focused more on moisturizing and less on disinfecting. Balms have specific uses and are great for people who walk their dogs frequently on concrete or asphalt. Balms can also help remove tar from a dog’s paws.
Brushes
Some paw cleaners are simple brushes that are designed for use on a dog’s paws. Brushes are often used in conjunction with cleansers, but not always. Some brushes are purely mechanical. Many brushes and cleansers come packaged together in sets that can take care of your dog’s paws.
Automatic
Lastly, one of the more niche and modern types of paw washers is automatic. Automatic washers take the mechanical action of a brush and use a motor to automate it. These are easy to use but are often more costly and require batteries. You can add water and cleansers to the automatic washers to create a more powerful clean.
Which Paw Cleaner Is Right for You?
Budget
One question you need to ask is how much you want to spend on a paw-cleaning method for your dog. Some people don’t want to spend a ton of money on their dog’s paws. And that is okay. Some people want to spend a little to get a lot of value out of their paw cleaning choice.
Usage
How often are you going to use your paw washer? How dirty are your dog’s paws? These are two important questions that need to be answered before buying a dog paw washer. Some people only need to use their paw washer every once in a while after a special day. Other people might want to wash their dog paws daily. If you want to use your washer consistently or even daily, you might want to invest in something durable that will hold up to repeated use or something convenient that you enjoy using. If you only need to wash your dog’s paws periodically, you might want to use a simple cleanser.
Conclusion
There are a variety of different paw cleaners and washers on the market to choose from. From powerful disinfecting cleansers to innovative automatic paw washers, there are options for every type of dog owner.
Our best overall choice is the Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner. For the best value, we like the Comotech Dog Paw Cleaner. A good premium option is the DOGNESS Automatic Dog Paw Cleaner.
There are numerous ways to wash your dog’s paws, and every dog is different. All you have to do is choose the type and option that fits your budget, dog, and lifestyle the best.
