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

Collage of four of the best Dog Paw Cleaners, each on a different color background. — Photo:
People / Brian Kopinski

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.

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

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~~ $12

Jump to Review

Best Wipes:

Earth Rated Dog Wipes at Amazon $35

Jump to Review

Best Foam:

Dandylion Foaming Cleanser at Amazon $18

Jump to Review

Best Balm:

Natural Dog Company Dog Paw Balm at Amazon $28

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

Well & Good Paw Cleaner at PETCO $15

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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 Itchy Paws:

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog & Cat Paw Spray at Chewy $15

Jump to Review

Best for Removing Salt:

Bealy Dog Paw Cleaner at Amazon $15

Jump to Review

Best Mat:

Gorilla Grip Indoor Chenille Doormat at Amazon $38

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Dexas Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

Amazon Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

$12 at Amazon $40 at Walmart View on PETCO

Star Qualities

Ideal for most scenarios, but especially when coming inside after active or rainy days
Least expensive option on our list
Easy to use and clean

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

Earth Rated Dog Wipes

PHOTO: Amazon

$35 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Tractor Supply Co.

Star Qualities

Great for those who clean their dog's paws frequently throughout the day
Tight seal keeps wipes moist and effective

Red Flags

Can dry out paws, especially on chapped skin

One pack of Earth Rated dog wipes comes with 100 individual wipes — enough to last you at least a month if you use two to three wipes per day. They are easy to use and convenient to grab every time you and your dog come into your home. There’s a tight lid closure to keep any moisture from escaping, and the lavender scent adds a lovely touch to the whole experience. While the wipes have many hydrating ingredients and are good for most dogs to use on a daily basis, if your dog has extremely cracked or sensitive paw skin, you might consider an even gentler option since wipes can sometimes dry out your dog’s paws with frequent use.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“Living in New York City, my dog’s paws do not pass my apartment threshold without a good wipe down," says PEOPLE editor Madison Yauger. "The wipes are so easy to use throughout the day, have a tight seal so they last well over a month, and execute a solid clean. They take a whole layer of NYC grime off my dog’s paws every time, which is both horrifying and impressive."

Number of Wipes: 100 | Scent: Lavender | Ingredients: Aloe, shea butter, cucumber, chamomile

People / Madison Yauger
People / Madison Yauger
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

Great for dry paws
Thoroughly cleanses paws, including hard-to-reach spots

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,” says PEOPLE associate editorial director Erin Johnson. “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.”

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

People / Erin Johnson
People / Erin Johnson

Best Balm

Natural Dog Company Dog Paw Balm

Chewy Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Dog Paw Balm

PHOTO: Chewy

$28 at Amazon $14 at Chewy

Star Qualities

Gives extra TLC for dogs with dry, cracked paws
Calms inflammation and moisturizes 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,” says Yauger. “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.”

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 Scrub

Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub

PHOTO: Chewy

$15 at Chewy

Star Qualities

Scrubs dried mud or other unmentionables
Includes aloe vera and antioxidants to soothe irritated skin

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
No rinsing necessary

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 Itchy Paws

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog & Cat Paw Spray

PHOTO: Chewy

$15 at Chewy $14 at PETCO View on Petsupermarket.com

Star Qualities

Treats yeast and fungus on paws
Perfect for pups who chew on their paws

Red Flags

Should only be used for dogs eight weeks of age or older

Not all paw cleaners are designed just to superficially clean; some can actually work to treat deeper conditions, such as the growth of yeast and fungus in between your dog’s paws. The Skout’s Honor Probiotic Dog Paw Spray is a non-medicated spray that uses natural ingredients like probiotics to help soothe common paw irritations. It’s completely hypoallergenic, and happy customers have said they see a difference. Simply spray it on and massage the formula into their paws daily or as needed.

What Pet Owners Are Saying

“My Lab has bad allergies and has been getting recurrent yeast and bacterial infections on her paws for at least a year,” said one dog parent. “Between infections, her paws are often inflamed and bright red. I've been using this paw spray every day for over two months now, and there are no more paw infections! Based on how much we've used so far, I expect the bottle to last about six months with everyday use.”

Type: Spray | Size: 8 ounces | Features: Hypoallergenic, non-medicated, blocks growth of yeast and fungus

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

$36 at Amazon

Star Qualities

No-fuss, simple solution to dirty paws
Machine washable for easy cleaning

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). There are so many products designed especially for cleaning a dog’s paws that aren’t harmful to them that 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 commerce editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. She is also a mom to golden retriever Stevie and has written about 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.

Meet Our Expert

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

Earth Rated Dog Wipes

Best Foam

Dandylion Foaming Cleanser

Best Balm

Natural Dog Company Dog Paw Balm

Best for Travel

Well & Good Paw Cleaner

Best Scrub

Warren London Paw Sani-Scrub

Best for Puppies

PUPMATE Paw Cleaner

Best for Itchy Paws

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog & Cat Paw Spray

Best for Removing Salt

Bealy Dog Paw Cleaner

Best Mat

Gorilla Grip Indoor Chenille Doormat

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