Dirty or muddy paws can cause quite a mess that no dog owner wants to deal with. They can be a constant and frustrating problem, that there is no easy DIY solution for. However, by using a portable dog paw cleaner you can have those feet cleaned both quickly and easily. So here is your complete guide to this helpful doggie product.
Dirty Paw Problems
When dogs go outside, whatever they have been walking, playing, or digging in, usually gets on their paws (and also sometimes under their nails and on their legs as well). And if those paws aren’t cleaned that means they’ll leave dirty paw prints wherever they go.
Often this means that floors, furniture, carpets, beds, clothing, and car upholstery will have to be cleaned. And sometimes they may even be stained and permanently damaged. The problem can become a nightmare when you own multiple canines, there’s long-term bad weather, or you just happen to be cursed with a muddy backyard.
DIY Options Doomed To Fail
Many dog owners actually try to create their own DIY dog paw cleaners or cleaning stations to solve this problem. However these never really work well. For example, placing your pet’s paws in a dishpan or bucket filled with water often creates more of a watery mess and these are easy for a stubborn dog or clumsy human to knock over.
Wipes and damp towels simply can’t get the job done efficiently. And it’s not always possible or safe to try and carry your pet straight into the tub from outside for a foot-washing session.
Portable Dog Paw Cleaner Basics
A portable dog paw cleaner solves all of the problems of dirty and muddy doggie paws. It allows you to clean your pet’s feet quickly and easily with no mess. And because it is portable this can be done anywhere you’d like. While each brand may be a little bit different, in general, portable cleaners have a very simple design and most of them work in a similar way.
On the outside, they usually look just like a cup which is of course why they are sometimes also advertised as a, “dog paw cleaner cup.” Inside the cup is a removable mat that has soft silicone bristles that clean the dog’s feet. The soft silicone material is ideal for all dogs including pooches that are sensitive about their feet being handled. On the top of the cleaner, there is a twist-on plastic lid that holds the mat of bristles securely in place.
What Do Paw Cleaners Actually Clean?
A portable paw cleaner can be used to clean just about anything that gets on your dog’s feet. It will remove dirt, mud, sand, clay, lawn chemicals, and allergens. A cleaner can also be used to remove snow, ice, and salt during the winter months.
The bristles don’t just clean the actual paw pad, but also the nails and in-between the toes. And because a portion of the leg is inserted in the paw cleaner cup, it cleans the lower leg of the dog including the dewclaws. A cleaner will also work for dog breeds that have long hair on their feet as well.
How To Use A Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
Using a portable dog paw cleaner only takes a few minutes at the most, and is very easy. All you have to do is add a small amount of water to the cup. Then place the dog’s paw inside. While holding your pet’s leg and paw just twist the cup to the left and the right, or up and down depending on the instructions that come with the model you choose.
This motion along with the water inside the cup allows the soft flexible silicone bristles to clean the paw thoroughly. After each paw is done dab it with a soft and dry towel. Then simply pour out the dirty water wherever it’s convenient for you such as outdoors or in the toilet. To make sure it’s clean for the next use twist off the rim, take out the removable mat, and rinse all of the pieces in warm soapy water or the dishwasher.
When And Where To Use Your Cleaner
The best time to use a dog paw cleaner is after your pet has gone on a walk, run, hike, or played outdoors and before it enters your home. To make sure you don’t get stuck without it you may want to bring your cleaner with you and your pooch. Or you may want to make a habit of placing it by your door before you leave so it’s waiting for you when you get back.
Choosing The Best Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
When choosing a cleaner for your pet, there are many fun colors to pick from. And some brands offer helpful features as well. For example, some cleaners have handles on the cup which make them easier to hold, no-spill openings, and straps so they can be attached to your bag. Others may have extra bristles for better cleaning or come with a free towel to wipe your doggie’s feet.
Before you purchase any cleaner you will want to make sure you measure your pet’s paw first. And then compare it to the size of the opening in the cleaner you are considering. This will make sure your dog’s paws will fit inside. This is important because each brand is different in terms of sizing.
Some brands come in small, medium, and large. And they may tell you what size to choose based on your pet’s paw size, breed, or weight. Or they may not. Other brands may be one-size-fits-all however this may not work for you if you have an extremely large dog or one that’s super small. But you really can’t go wrong if you measure first. Well-known and trusted options include the Dexes Mudbuster paw cleaner, Paw Plunger, along with the rest of the cleaners whose images are featured in this guide.
Quick Tips
-While you definitely don’t need it, you may want to add a drop of doggie shampoo to the water in your cleaner. This can give it a cleaning boost and also make sure your pet smells great afterward.
-Don’t overlook bringing a cleaner with you on your next camping trip with your canine. It’s easily the best way to prevent your tent and whatever’s in it from becoming a mess.
-During the wintertime be sure to use warm water in your cleaner. This will feel much better for your pet and quickly melt any snow or ice.
-For dogs that don’t like having their feet touched, practicing putting their paws in the cleaner a few times can be a huge help. You don’t need to add any water. But be sure to use a lot of positive praise and provide some treats to help create a positive connection to the paw cleaner in your dog’s mind.
With this guide, you now have all the information you need to choose the best portable dog paw cleaner for your pooch. There’s no reason for any more mess or muddy paw prints!
Start Shopping for Dog Paw Cleaners!
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