Every new dog owner learns two things very quickly. First, dogs love taking walks. Second, dogs have no problem tracking all kinds of mud into your house!
As much as dogs love trouncing around in the muck during outdoor adventures, eventually, they have to come home. When that happens, you have to do everything you can to clean up your pup before they run all over the place.
One option is to pick up your dog and carry them over to the shower, but this is a whole project in itself. Maybe you don’t have time for a bath, and you just want to clean off your dog’s feet.
The next thing you can do is try to spray your dog’s feet with a hose, but, of course, that becomes an entirely different game as now your dog thinks it’s playtime.
Fortunately, there’s an alternative thanks to a simple but genius product type known as a paw washing cup. This article will break down exactly what a paw washing cup is, some great options on the market today, and a buying guide to help you figure out which paw washing cup might be best for you and your canine friend.
What Exactly Is A Paw Washing Cup?
A paw washing cup is a simple yet brilliant invention that will help keep your dog, and your house, clean. Generally, a paw washing cup, or portable dog paw cleaner, includes a plastic vessel to hold water capped with a circular brush at the top.
Your dog’s paw is pushed through the brush bristles in order to clean off any mud or gunk that may have gotten built up in there. The brush is usually made from silicone to allow for a smooth and easy cleaning experience. Brush bristle stiffness varies by brand and model, but they’re usually soft and comfortable for your pet.
How to Use a Paw Washing Cup
Using a paw washing cup is pretty simple, but here is a step-by-step process to help you out!
- Fill the cup with clean water or a pet-safe cleaning solution of your choice.
- Dip your dog’s paw into the cup. Use a gentle back and forth motion to work the bristles through the dog’s paw pads. You can rotate the cup as well.
- Dry each paw after cleaning to remove any excess water, dirt, or mud.
- Empty the water from the cup.
- Be sure to clean the cup and brush after each use.
That’s pretty much all there is to it! It’s a simple solution to dirty dog paws, assuming your four-legged friend feels like cooperating. But, with a little bit of training and patience, it will be part of your dog’s routine in no time.
1. Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Washer
- Available in 3 Sizes: The Dexas MudBuster ensures a perfect fit for any dog with three size options: Small (4.3" tall, 3.65" wide, for paws up to 2"), Medium (6" tall, 4" wide, for paws between...
- Easy to Use: Simply add water, insert the muddy paw, twist, dab dry, and repeat for all four paws.
- Mess-Free Cleaning: Gentle silicone bristles help remove dirt and mud from your dog's paws, keeping the mess in the MudBuster and not in your home.
Last update on 2024-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Washer is an excellent choice for getting your dog’s paws clean after their muddy adventure. Soft silicone bristles gently clean your dog’s paws without creating a big mess.
The small size of this product makes it easy to carry to the dog park, on hikes, or on road trips, giving you a ready option to clean your dog’s paws before they get back in the car. Whatever adventure you and your dog find yourselves on, the Dexas MudBuster will be right there with you!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Dexas International, LTD
- Dimensions: 4.0 x 4.0 x 6.0 Inches
- Weight: 5.8 Ounces
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perfect for medium-sized dogs
- Easy to use
- Soft silicone bristles
- Convenient to carry on-the-go
- BPA-free plastic
Cons
- Requires water change after cleaning each paw
- May still be too large for smaller dogs
2. CHOOSEEN 2 in 1 Dog Paw Cleaner
Last update on 2024-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Chooseen 2 in 1 Dog Paw Cleaner is both a paw cleaning cup and grooming brush. After you finish cleaning your dog’s paws, you can pop the top off the cleaning cup, unfold the silicone bristles, and now you have a brush for even further cleaning.
This simple and easy design is also environmentally friendly and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. However, if you don’t like this paw washing and brush system, you can return it to Chooseen to receive a full refund.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Chooseen
- Dimensions: 4.0 x 4.0 x 6.3 Inches
- Weight: 13.1 Ounces
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Includes 2 grooming tools in one
- Easy to use
- Well designed for your dog’s comfort
- Environmentally friendly
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Large size might not be big enough for some dogs
3. Paw Legend 2 in 1 Dog Paw Cleaner & Pet Grooming Brush
- 2-IN-1 USE:Paw cleaning & gromming.
- HIGH QUALITY: Made of soft silicone bristles. BPA free.
- SMALL&EASY TO USE:Add some water to the dog paw cleaner, just place the paw inside the dog foot washer, move the paw cleaner up and down, dry the paw, and repeat on the remaining paws.Once you are...
Last update on 2024-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re concerned about your dog’s comfort and well-being, the Paw Legend 2 in 1 Dog Paw Cleaner & Pet Grooming Brush is exactly what you need. As with the previous product on this list, the top can be detached to create a gentle grooming brush.
The bristles are made from high-quality, pet-safe silicone, which is firm enough to clean off excess dirt and grime, but soft enough to keep your dog happy and comfortable throughout the grooming process. A clean dog is a happy dog!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Paw Legend
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 6.0 Inches
- Weight: 11.2 Ounces
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality soft silicone bristles
- Simple and easy to use
- 2-in-1 design for convenience
- Gentle and durable design
- Perfect for big dogs
Cons
- Large paws may cause the top to pop off
- Water must be changed after cleaning each paw
4. Anipaw 2-in-1 Silicone Dog Paw Washer Cup with Towel
Last update on 2024-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Anipaw 2-in-1 Silicone Dog Paw Washer Cup with Towel is another great dual cleaning system available for your dog. The silicone material is extra soft to make sure your dog stays comfortable during every paw cleaning.
This dog paw washing cup is also extra durable, so it will survive just in case your dog decides it’s playtime and wants to chew it up. The strong yet flexible plastic material can survive even the toughest bites. Plus, the plastic is BPA-free so it won’t harm your dog.
Specifications
- Manufacture: Bougainvillea
- Brand: Anipaw
- Dimensions: 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.5 Inches
- Weight: 12.0 Ounces
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Safe and soft silicone brush
- Durable plastic bottle
- Easy to use
- Portable design for easy carry
- Full refund available if dissatisfied
Cons
- Size isn’t very accommodating to all dogs
5. Bealy Dog Paw Cleaner
- The large dog paw cleaner with silicone washer measures 6.5 inches tall and 4.4 inches wide, it is perfectly sized for 2.5-3 inch wide dog foot. The dog foot washer is great for larger breeds like...
- Easy to use and carry, The dog paw cleaner advantages are very easier to disassemble and install than other cup cleaner and will not tip over than soft cup, which make it easier to use. The large pet...
- Completely safe and painless, The dog paw washer use environmentally-friendly silicone bristles, soft and elastic . It help remove dirt and mud from your pet's paw and doesn't injure your pet's paws...
Last update on 2024-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bealy Dog Paw Cleaner is a great choice for all dogs, large and small. Available in two sizes, you can buy the paw washing cup that best suits your dog’s paw size. This way, you can be sure your dog’s paw is a good fit for the cup, which will help make sure you end up with clean paws.
As with the other products on this list, this pet paw cleaner is made from high-quality materials, extra durable, and is convenient to carry around to any location. If having a clean house is important to pet parents like you, it makes sense to clean your dog’s paws after every outing.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bealy
- Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.8 x 4.7 Inches
- Weight: 12.4 Ounces
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use and carry
- 3-inch diameter cup easily fits in your hand
- Safe and painless
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Two sizes available
Cons
- Easy to spill dirty water
Buying Guide
Let’s take a look at some key factors to consider before deciding which paw washing cup might be right for you and your dog.
Size of Your Dog
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a paw washing cup is the size of your dog. If your dog is big, you need to make sure you get a larger cup to match.
If your dog is really huge, you might have trouble finding a cup that fits its super-size paws. In this case, you will have to resort to other methods of paw cleaning such as using wipes or investing in a more permanent paw washing station.
On the other hand, the paw washing cup might not be effective if your dog is too small. Tiny paws won’t really be cleaned by the medium-sized bristles within the cup. In this case, you probably need to use wipes to clean your dog’s feet.
Outdoor Time
The key benefit of using a paw washing cup is that it quickly and easily cleans your dog’s paws after being out in the dirt or mud. However, if your dog stays inside all day or only walks on concrete, there is little use for a paw washing cup.
In this case, regular baths are probably enough to keep your dog and your house clean.
Paw Sensitivity
Anyone who has ever tried to clip a dog’s nails knows that some dogs just have sensitive paws. Even if you’re using a cup or brush with gentle bristles, they might freak out if anyone touches their feet.
If this sounds like your dog, then a paw washing cup is probably not a great solution for you. The experience of silicone bristles working their way into your pup’s paw pads will be a constant source of irritation and, honestly, a battle not worth fighting.
The solution is to just use a bowl of water to dip your dog’s feet in, then place a mat or towel for the dog to walk on after the dip. Of course, this method is not as effective as the paw washing cup, but it’s better than nothing. Another option is to use special paw wipes.
Portability Requirements
Part of what makes paw washing cups so useful is that they are extremely portable. It’s easy to just throw the cup in your bag or purse and have a way to clean your dog’s paws before they get back into the car or before you arrive at any destination.
However, if you never plan to take your dog anywhere and you have extra money to burn, you’re probably better off getting a permanent paw washing station. This is less of a hassle for both you and your dog because the station basically does all the work.
If your dog goes outside infrequently, paw wipes are always a good option. Paw washing cups are most effective if they are used frequently. If they sit around too long unused, they can deteriorate.
Cleaning Solutions
Choosing which cleaning solution to use will depend on your specific dog. Generally, you can fill the cup with plain water or a pet-safe soapy solution. If your dog has sensitive skin, you might want to opt for plain water.
The other factor to consider is that some dogs will barely sit still long enough to dip their paws in the cup. In that case, you might not have a chance to wipe the soapy or muddy water off the dog’s foot. If so, it might also be best to opt for plain water.
Material
Depending on the age and temperament of your dog, they may think that paw washing is a game and decide to start chewing on your paw washing cup. In this case, you need to be sure the cup is made with materials tough enough to withstand some playful bites.
Also, as you will probably be storing your washing cup outdoors, the materials need to be strong enough in order to withstand the elements of wherever you live.
Conclusion
Now, you should have a good idea about what paw washing cups are, how they work, what options are available on the market today, and what factors you should consider before buying.
Just remember to be patient at first as your dog gets used to this new and strange activity. As with developing any dog skill, it requires time, patience, and love.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you’re interested in other content about natural dog care, please feel free to check out some of the other great articles on our site!
