The 10 Best Dog Paw Cleaners of 2024, According to Pet Owners

Dog Paw Cleaner next to Dog — Photo: People/Madison Yauger

Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or out in the country, your dog is going to encounter dirt. Short of mopping every day, a good dog paw cleaner will save you time spent on cleaning floors, furniture, and everything else susceptible to muddy paw prints.

Experts Say

"When looking for paw cleaners, you want to focus on a product that has natural ingredients but also gets the job done. [Also, consider] providing “some sort of enrichment or treat so that paw cleaning time is a positive experience.”—Dr. Lindsey Wendt, DVM CVA CVFT CCRT, an in-house veterinarian for Antelope Pets

Whether you prefer an occasional cleaning or frequent daily sanitation, there’s a paw cleaner for every type of dog and need. After considering ingredients, application, and a host of other factors like sensitivity, portability, and more, we rounded up the best dog paw cleaners from Amazon, Chewy, and Petco.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Dexas Portable Dog Paw Cleaner at Amazon ~~$24~~ $17

Jump to Review

Best Wipes:

Floof Renewing Wipes at Amazon $10

Jump to Review

Best Foam:

Dandylion Foaming Cleanser at Amazon $18

Jump to Review

Best Balm:

Natural Dog Company Dog Paw Balm at Amazon $25

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

Well & Good Paw Cleaner at PETCO $15

Jump to Review

Best Spray:

Floof Smart Skin Spray at Amazon $28

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Best Scrub:

Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub at Chewy $15

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Best for Puppies:

SALE

PUPMATE Paw Cleaner at Amazon ~~$22~~ $15

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Best for Removing Salt:

Bealy Dog Paw Cleaner at Amazon $15

Jump to Review

Best Mat:

Gorilla Grip Indoor Chenille Doormat at Amazon $35

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Dexas Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

Amazon Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

$17 at Amazon $44 at Walmart View on PETCO

Star Qualities

Ideal after active or rainy days, easy to use and clean, and budget-friendly

Red Flags

Even though the bristles are gentle, it might not suit dogs with cracked or irritated skin

The Dexas MudBuster is a go-to for muddy paws everywhere, with over 41,000 five-star ratings at Amazon. To use this simple device, just add a little water to the cup and screw the bristle top on. Place your dog’s paw into the chamber, twist it around gently, letting the soft silicone bristles work the grime off their paw, and then pull it out and dry it off. Do this on all four paws, and you’ll be surprised at how much dirt comes off, even after just one walk. This dog paw cleaner is budget-friendly, and it works for all dogs since it comes in three sizes. To clean it, pour out the dirty water and wash the cup part of the device.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“Both my best friend and I use the MudBuster to keep our pets’ paws clean after walks,” said one dog owner. “It has results you can clearly see when you pour the water out. All that dirt in the water would’ve been tracked around the house instead of down the drain. Definitely worth it.”

Sizes: S, M, L | Colors: 9 | Material: Silicone

Best Wipes

Floof Renewing Wipes

PHOTO: Floof

$10 at Amazon View on Ourfloof.com

Star Qualities

Moisturizes and doesn't catch on rough paw pads which is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin

Red Flags

Couldn't find any

I've struggled to find paw cleaning solutions that don't irritate my allergy-prone dog's skin. That said, I've been really impressed with the brand Floof and how every product is designed to really soothe and maintain the health of my dog, Stevie's paws. I live in New York and wipe her paws every time we come back from a walk, and other wipes have often left her paws dry. These wipes thoroughly clean Stevie's paws and have moisturizing and soothing ingredients like aloe vera and honey. And unlike some wipes, these don't catch on any rough spots on the paw's surface. Plus, they have a nice fresh scent.

Type: Wipes | Count: 72 wipes | Star Ingredients: Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Ginseng, and Honey

PHOTO: People / Madison Yauger
PHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Best Foam

Dandylion Foaming Cleanser

Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser

PHOTO: Amazon

$18 at Amazon View on Dandylionworld.com $18 at Chewy

Star Qualities

Thoroughly cleanses paws, including hard-to-reach spots, and are a good option for dry paws

Red Flags

Takes a few minutes to clean all paws

A water-free foam cleanser is a good paw-cleaning option, and this one from Dandylion also acts as a moisturizing scrub. It’s not as quick as grab-and-go wipes, but it does generally leave a dog's paws really clean and helps hydrate the skin to restore some moisture.

“I like Dandylion Clean Paws because it is a foaming cleanser that can successfully get in between the toes and all the pads while also providing a clean ingredient deck with no fragrance,” says Dr. Wendt. “It is great for on-the-go or at home.”

The application is user-friendly: Just press down on the pump brush, and foam will release, which you can use to gently scrub your dog’s dirty paws. Then wipe the foam off with a paper towel, making sure to get all the residue. There’s no water needed, and the whole process takes five minutes or less.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“Even though my Chihuahua is 14 years old, she’s always put up a fight against paw wipes. I wasn’t sure she would even let me get close to her with this foam paw cleaner, but, much to my surprise, she did not resist. Instead, she closed her little eyes in relaxation as I scrubbed each paw. We now both look forward to this post-walk ritual.”—Erin Johnson, associate shopping director

Type: Foam | Size: 5 ounces | Ingredients: Aloe, grape seed oil, pomegranate juice

PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson
PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson

Best Balm

Natural Dog Company Dog Paw Balm

Chewy Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Dog Paw Balm

PHOTO: Chewy

$23 at Amazon $14 at Chewy

Star Qualities

Calms inflammation and moisturizes dry, cracked paws

Red Flags

Not necessary for day-to-day upkeep

If your dog’s paws need to be cleaned but are dry, cracked, or otherwise irritated, we suggest using a balm like the Paw Soother to help calm down any inflammation and restore moisture to the area. For instance, if it’s really hot outside and you are worried about your dog’s paws getting burned on sand, concrete, or any other surface, this can be a good step in the cleaning process. For highly irritated skin, we’d recommend simply using a damp cloth for an initial clean and following up with this balm to coat and soothe the area. It’s packed with nourishing oils and butters that work quickly on your dog’s paws.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“There are two seasons when this balm really comes in handy: in the summers, when my dog encounters hot sand on sunny beach days, and in the winter, when the sidewalks are salted in the city. Both experiences can cause paw irritation, and this balm works wonders on the texture and health of my dog’s paws during these times.”—Madison Yauger, shopping editor

Type: Balm | Size: 0.15, 1, 2, 4 ounces | Ingredients: Mango butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, camomile, rosemary, vitamin E

Best for Travel

Well & Good Paw Cleaner

Petco Well & Good Pet On-The-Go Paw Cleaner

PHOTO: Petco

$15 at PETCO

Star Qualities

Perfect for road trips, hikes, or other on-the-go adventures

Red Flags

Might not be ideal for sensitive or irritated paws

If you frequently take your dog with you on adventures, whether hiking in a national park or taking a cross-country road trip, the Well and Good Paw Cleaner allows you to clean your dog’s paws easily wherever you go. It uses a simple silicone brush-like design to clean dirt and other debris out of your dog’s paws. Fill it with water, insert their paw into the chamber, and gently twist it between the silicone bristles. After you clean their paws, you can give your dog a good brushing, too.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“I take my dogs to the lake and for outdoor activities often and have had to dry them and wipe them clean with a towel. This product makes cleaning dirty paws so much easier," said one dog parent.

Sizes: S, M | Colors: 1 | Material: Silicone

Best Spray

Floof Smart Skin Spray

PHOTO: Floof

$28 at Amazon View on Ourfloof.com

Star Qualities

Provides a cooling sensation and instant relief for hot spots and itchiness

Red Flags

Not exactly a cleaner, but part of the cleaning process

My dog is a chronic paw licker, and with the summer heat, I've noticed the skin between her paw pads gets super angry and red. I've been rather shocked with the immediate effect of the Smart Skin Spray from Floof. It uses an ingredient called Hypochlorous Acid is a naturally-occuring compound that dogs already have in their bodies as part of their immune system — so it's a great solution to skin irritations, bacterial concerns, and allergies.

While this isn't a paw pad cleaner, it does give the skin around the paws a reset. I tried it on the back of my hand to see how it felt before using it on my dog and loved the cooling sensation. The first time I applied it to my dog's paws, I noticed a stark difference within four hours: The red skin had turned back to its normal white/pink shade and she wasn't chewing on her paws. Since the ingredients are natural, it's okay if dogs lick their paws after spraying them, but honestly, I haven't noticed Stevie licking nearly as much lately, so it definitely seems to soothe the irritations — and the formula is so gentle, you can use it multiple times a day.

Size: 8.5 fluid ounces (travel size, 2.2 fluid ounces) | Star Ingredient: Hypochlorous Acid

dog paw spray next to dog — People/Madison Yauger

Best Scrub

Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub

PHOTO: Chewy

$15 at Chewy

Star Qualities

Scrubs dried mud or other unmentionables and has soothing ingredients

Red Flags

Not necessary for daily use

Sometimes a quick clean doesn’t do the trick, and that’s when it’s time to introduce some scrubbing action. The Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub brings soothing ingredients like aloe vera and antioxidants together with an effective scrub brush to thoroughly clean your dog’s paws and nails. This cleaning solution comes in handy when your dog has dried mud on their paws or if they stepped in something unsavory that needs to be efficiently cleaned off. In addition to providing a superficial clean, this scrub also helps eliminate unwanted bacteria, fungi, and other germs that can accumulate between your dog’s paws. This can be especially beneficial to dog owners who notice their dogs constantly chewing on their paws (a sign of discomfort!).

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“[Dogs] dig, scratch themselves, and get into all types of messes,” wrote one dog parent. “As a result, our pup's feet and nails can become pretty gross. I allow her on the furniture, so I wanted to make sure I was minimizing the spread of germs from her feet. This product works so well, and the scrubbing brush is a perfect addition. I use it on her once a week.”

Type: Scrub | Size: 10.10 ounces | Ingredients: Antioxidants, aloe vera

Best for Puppies

PUPMATE Paw Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

$15 at Amazon

Star Qualities

Soothing ingredients and soft brush are gentle on puppy paws, plus it doesn't have to be rinsed

Red Flags

Not as quick to use as wipes

Puppies definitely enjoy their playtime, and that can create a mess. The Pupmate Paw Cleaner uses gentle silicone bristles and a lightweight foam to clean any residue off your puppy’s paws. Similar to the Dandylion cleanser, this foam is a no-rinse product, so you can just wipe it off with a paper towel after use. It uses ingredients like coconut oil and citric acid to moisturize your puppy's paws, while a subtle (and natural) rose essence keeps everything smelling fresh.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

One dog parent raved about the ease of use. “When I say it is so easy to use, I mean it! The little scrubber is silicone, so it’s super easy to clean. All you do is pump the bottle, and the scrubber is filled with soap. It makes cleaning paws so easy instead of a full-on bath. Also, you don’t realize how dirty little paws are after a few days of regular play.”

Type: Foam | Size: 6.8 ounces | Ingredients: Citric acid, coconut oil, rose essence

Best for Removing Salt

Bealy Dog Paw Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

$15 at Amazon

Star Qualities

Removes salt and mud from paws

Red Flags

Not as effective for dried or caked-on messes

If you live in a place that gets a lot of snow, you're likely familiar with salted sidewalks and roads. This salt can be picked up by your dog’s paws when on walks, so it’s important to wash it off to prevent any irritation. The Bealy Dog Paw Cleaner is an effective system that gently brushes any salt or other grit from between your dog’s paws. Just slip their paw into the container, similar to the MudBuster, and gently twist the device around their paw to utilize the cleaning power of the bristles. And since it’s made from plastic, the device is easy to wash.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“This is an awesome invention,” said one dog parent. “My current pup likes to dig. [She] doesn’t mind the rain or wet grass, so dirty paws are a constant. This has made my life so much easier. She’s used to coming in and sitting on the patio while I get her cleaned up and seems to enjoy the ritual.”

Sizes: 4.8 x 2.6 x 5.4 inches (petite), 6 x 3 x 6.5 inches (large) | Colors: 1 | Material: Silicone brush, plastic base

Best Mat

Gorilla Grip Indoor Chenille Doormat

Gorilla Grip Soak Stopper Absorbent Indoor Chenille Doormat

PHOTO: Amazon

$35 at Amazon

Star Qualities

No-fuss, simple solution to dirty paws, and it's machine washable

Red Flags

Keeps mud out of your home but won’t sanitize paws

If you live in a rainy climate or have a lot of mud in your vicinity, this absorbent doormat is the most hands-free and consistent paw cleaner to have around. The Gorilla Grip Soak Stopper Doormat starts absorbing moisture the moment your dog steps on the plush surface, removing a layer of mud, water, or anything else that could track into your home. It has a solid rubber backing, so it won’t slide around, and it’s machine washable, which makes for easy cleaning. Plus, if you live in an apartment building, any doormat rules don’t apply because this is an indoor doormat. With six sizes and 20 colors to choose from, this is a versatile and long-lasting paw-cleaning solution.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“We purchased this about a year ago, and it still works just as [well] as the first day,” said one dog parent. “[I] got one of these to reduce how much the dogs tracked in, [and] it traps sand, dirt, mud, and water. I position it portrait to the door instead of landscape, so all four paws make contact before they walk in. My floors stay cleaner longer, and the broom dust pan is only half as full when it is in use with two large dogs going in and out frequently. It stays in place quite well and is super easy to shake out between vacuum and washing days.”

Sizes: 24 x 17, 30 x 20, 36 x 24, 48 x 30, 60 x 36, 70 x 24 inches | Colors: 20 | Material: Chenille, microfiber, TP rubber backing

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What to Know About Dog Paw Cleaners

Dog Size

Most physical paw cleaners come in a variety of sizes, so you want to make sure you’re selecting the right size for your pet to get the best possible results, just like you would for a dog bed. We think the travel-sized Well and Good pick is best for smaller dogs, whereas the Dexas MudBuster has sizes applicable for all dogs, with more variety for larger pets.

Your Environment

If you live in the suburbs, your dog’s paws might get dirty from backyards and parks, but they might not see as much dirt as in other environments. In this case, the Dexas MudBuster is good to have on hand for rainy days and other muddy encounters. Those living in the countryside will probably experience muddy paws as well as a good amount of dirt, and having accessible dog wipes like the Earth Rated ones can make the cleaning process easier.

If you live near the beach or in a cold climate, your dog might get a lot of sand or salt on their paws, in which case a balm like the Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Dog Paw Balm can come in handy to restore some moisture after you’ve removed the grit with a damp cloth. For our urban readers, your dogs are walking on concrete and asphalt frequently, and that can dry out their paws, causing cracks and other irritations. For city dogs, we suggest the Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser to clean your dog’s paws while also restoring some moisture so they don’t get chapped.

Skin Sensitivities

Again, there are many factors that can cause sensitive skin, but if your dog tends to walk on warm asphalt or sand frequently, you’ll want a more soothing option like a balm or a foaming no-water cleanser that can restore some moisture. While wipes are excellent in many cases, they can cause more dryness if the skin is already irritated or cracked. The MudBuster is also great for all dogs, and it uses water, which won’t irritate the skin, but the bristles might cause further discomfort if the skin is already irritated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are good distractions while cleaning your dog’s paws?

Dr. Wendt frequently uses a lick mat with suction cups to distract the dog so she can “focus on making sure their paws are spotless.” Thankfully, most of these are quick solutions, so you won’t have to keep your dog still for very long. Of course, dog treats always serve as popular entertainment too.
Should you clean your dog’s paws after every walk?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but we’ll say it depends on your environment. Regular paw cleaning is a more common practice in urban environments where sidewalks aren’t as clean as their suburban counterparts, but ultimately, it’s up to you. That said, we encourage suburban pet owners to try one of these solutions because they will be surprised at how much dirt comes off, even when their dog’s paws look clean (lots of grime hides between the pads of their paws).
Can you use dish soap to wash a dog’s paws?

Dish soap can have harsh ingredients that strip away at the dog’s skin barrier, causing irritation that will likely lead to discomfort (lots of paw licking and chewing). Products like paw wipes and dog shampoos are designed especially for cleaning a dog, and they aren’t harmful to them, so you shouldn’t need to reach for dish soap. If you really get into a pinch, baby wipes are another safe alternative that can clean effectively without harming your pup.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE and a mom to golden retriever Stevie. She has covered the best products for dogs, including the best cooling pads for dogs and the best dog bowls. For this story, she researched the latest and greatest dog paw cleaners, referencing her dog’s experiences with several products on our list. She also spoke to Lindsey Wendt, DVM CVA CVFT CCRT, an in-house veterinarian for Antelope Pets. Yauger looked at the types and ingredients (if applicable) of each dog paw cleaner to determine who would benefit from them the most. Using all of this information, she curated a list of the best dog paw cleaners of 2024.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Lindsey Wendt, DVM, is the owner of Crystal Lotus Veterinary Care and an in-house veterinarian for Antelope Pets.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

In This Article

Best Overall

Dexas Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

Best Wipes

Floof Renewing Wipes

Best Foam

Dandylion Foaming Cleanser

Best Balm

Natural Dog Company Dog Paw Balm

Best for Travel

Well & Good Paw Cleaner

Best Spray

Floof Smart Skin Spray

Best Scrub

Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub

Best for Puppies

PUPMATE Paw Cleaner

Best for Removing Salt

Bealy Dog Paw Cleaner

Best Mat

Gorilla Grip Indoor Chenille Doormat

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