Any walk with the dog ends with washing its paws and belly. Many owners have a whole arsenal of various rags and brushes, which they have adapted to effectively clean the animal’s paws from street dirt. Not long ago, an interesting device appeared in online pet supply stores, and then in regular ones - the paw plunger. This is a special paw washer, made in the form of a glass with a built-in brush. From the article you will learn: how to choose the right container, where you can buy it, how to use it and how to make it yourself.
What does a dog paw wash look like?
A device for daily hygiene of the paws of four-legged pets is a plastic container made in the form of a glass, on the neck of which a silicone nozzle with antennae is attached. Water and shampoo, liquid soap or other cleaning and disinfecting composition are added to the container itself. In addition to the shape of a glass, the paw wash can be made in the form of a box, have one or two handles and other modifications. The devices differ depending on the size of the dog whose paws they are intended to wash.
Main parts of the paw washing device:
- container for cleaning liquid: glass, box, small bucket with or without handles;
- a cover-nozzle with a hole for the paw, inside of which there are silicone antennae. They can be built directly into the walls of the glass. Users note that this is not a very convenient container, since it is necessary to be able to clean the structure itself.
Criterias of choice
When purchasing a paw washer, you should pay attention not to the appearance of the product, but to its functionality. The design is essentially a glass into which the dog's paw is immersed to clean it from dirt. Therefore, the first factor that is important to pay attention to is the appropriate size. To avoid mistakes, you should measure the diameter of your pet's paw and check in the store whether it will fit in the chosen sink.
Jack Russell Terrier: black, white, brown, tri-color and other colors
Modern manufacturers offer many models, so you can choose the internal structure to suit your taste. The glass contains brushes, pipe cleaners, some have a ribbed surface.
When choosing, the shape of the product is also taken into account. Most often, sinks are made in the shape of a mug, but some owners prefer designs in the form of quadrangular boxes with a lid.
Finally, it is important to pay attention to the material. Cheap Chinese plastic can cause allergies in both pet and owner. Therefore, it is better to purchase an option made of durable, high-quality plastic.
Note! The product should not have a characteristic plastic smell.
How does a paw washer work?
To clean your paws from street dirt, you need to follow a series of steps:
- Pour the required volume of clean warm water through the top hole. It must be taken into account that with the forward movement of the paws, water may splash onto the floor. Typically, the manufacturer marks the container with a strip indicating a safe level. You can add a few drops of shampoo, disinfectant solution or essential oil to the water;
- calm the dog down, take one of its paws and put it in a glass. Cleansing is performed with progressive movements up and down. Another option is rotational movements of the paw inside the glass;
- Remove the dog's limb from the paw wash. Usually the antennae remove excess moisture from the dog’s paws, but the owner can additionally wipe them with a dry cloth. It is worth choosing microfiber - it will effectively remove excess moisture and additionally clean the pads.
It is not worth changing the water in the paw wash separately for each limb, since you will have to leave the dog and perform manipulations to replace the fluid. The main thing in the operation of the device is mechanical cleaning using silicone antennae. You should start with the cleanest paw; the dirtiest paw should be given a little more time. At the end of the procedure, wash the container and dry it well.
You can store it with other grooming equipment, but it is better to choose a place that will not allow the dog to get to it.
If chewed, the plastic edges of the paw wash can injure the animal, and the silicone antennae can clog the esophagus if swallowed.
Types of paw washers for dogs
Modern pet supply stores offer a huge number of varieties of devices for hygiene of animal paws. Let's look at the most popular ones that can be found on the open market.
Anti-scratch
The manufacturer offers an inexpensive paw washer, made in the form of a regular plastic glass, inside of which there are silicone “sticks”. There are three sizes available: S, M, L. The device is suitable for dogs whose weight ranges from 5-35 kg. The device is easy to disassemble and clean. Just leave the clean parts of the device for a few minutes and they will dry. This will keep the paw washer clean.
Country of origin: Russia. Cost: from 500 rubles.
Paw Boss
The improved design is a whole washing complex for the pads, claws and fingers of the animal. The paw wash is made in the form of a small rectangular box with a container in the middle. Inside there are several containers connected by watercourses. The bottom of the box is lined with a special ribbed mat, which allows you to more thoroughly wash the paws and the space between the toes. Feature: it is possible to change the water to clean water without having to drain and refill the liquid. To do this, just tilt the container in a special way. Disadvantage: expensive, rarely found in stores.
Country of origin: Switzerland. Cost: from 1800 rubles.
Paw Plunger
One of the most popular paw washers for dogs in domestic stores. It has a very simple but effective design: the container itself is made in the form of a mug with a handle, additional brushes are provided inside, and a silicone lid-nozzle to protect against water splashes. The manufacturer offers three sizes, which are selected depending on the dog’s weight: up to 10 kg, from 10 to 30, and more than 30 kg. For convenience, the lid is connected to the container with a special chain.
Country of origin: USA. Cost: from 1000 (depending on size) rubles.
In addition, on the Internet you can find models with built-in massagers or electric paw washers that will do all the work for the owner. All that remains is to persuade the dog to calmly wait until the procedure is over.
Rating of quality paw washers for 2022
According to buyers, devices for cleaning pets’ paws from street dirt should have the following qualities:
- Have good functionality;
- Be easy to use;
- Easy to clean;
- Have a compact size that allows you to take the device with you on a trip;
- The material of the washing container should be durable, and the bristles should be moderately soft and pleasant to the touch;
- Prices for goods should not “bite”;
- Ergonomics and environmental friendliness are prerequisites.
Based on these requirements, the editors of the Yanashla website have prepared a review of the best, from the point of view of dog breeders, paw washers that can be bought in the online store.
TOP 5 best mechanical paw washers
The rating of the best paw washers in this segment includes products from American, Chinese and Russian manufacturers. Customers of online stores note the ease of use of the devices and the quality of workmanship.
5th place: Xiaomi Jordan & Judy Pet Foot Washer Brush
Sold at a price of 650 rubles.
A practical device for washing the paws of a four-legged pet. The design features a filter with a ribbed surface, thanks to which you can easily and quickly remove dirt particles from paws and claws. The material of the “glass” is ABS plastic.
Xiaomi Jordan & Judy Pet Foot Washer Brush
Advantages:
- Tactilely pleasant material;
- Cleans quickly and efficiently;
- You can take it with you.
Flaws:
- The hole at the top of the “glass” is rather narrow;
- The bowl is large for small dogs, and small for medium dogs;
- The design is simple;
- Impractical color.
4th place: Paw Plunger medium
The average price is 2188 rubles.
This type of cleaner is designed for breeds weighing 7-34 kg. The principle of use is simple: the animal's paw is placed in a cup and moves up and down. The bristles will gently remove dirt, and the petals at the top of the container will prevent moisture from splashing out.
Paw Plunger medium paw washer
Advantages:
- Quality materials;
- The case is disassembled;
- Cute design;
- Simple and convenient use.
Flaws:
- Poor rinsing between fingers;
- A bit short;
- Weak wool extraction.
"Bronze": Cool
Sold at a price of 498 rubles.
Portable model for large dogs. The height of the container is 14.5 cm, width is 9.5 cm. The device can also be used as a washcloth by turning the silicone brush with the bristles outward and putting it on your hand.
paw wash Krutyak
Advantages:
- Versatility;
- Ease of use;
- Compactness;
- You can take it with you;
- Removes dirt well;
- With washcloth function;
- Soft bristles, pleasant to the touch.
Flaws:
- Soft body and non-rigid bottom;
- The structure is unstable and cannot be placed on the floor.
"Silver": Skiico
Costs 549 rubles.
The portable Clean Dog design with dimensions of 90x150 mm is suitable for medium-sized dogs. The soft fibers inside the bowl remove dirt well. An ideal device for dog owners who don’t want to bother with basins and brushes.
Skiico paw washer
Advantages:
- Easy to use;
- Quality goods;
- Soft silicone “antennae” are washed well;
- Portable device.
Flaws:
- Not identified.
"Gold": ZDKPetsy
Sold at a price of 932 rubles.
Comfortable cup with internal removable silicone brush. The anti-scratch model is designed for dogs from 5 to 35 kg. Silicone “antennae” will clean out dirt in a couple of minutes. Dog owners just need to immerse their pet's paw in a device filled with water and detergent and twist the container clockwise. The design is suitable for both dogs and cats.
paw washer ZDKPetsy
Advantages:
- Easy to use;
- It washes away dirt well not only on the pads, but also between the animal’s toes;
- You can take it with you;
- Collapsible, easy to clean;
- Inexpensive product.
Flaws:
- Not identified.
Rating of the best electric paw washers
The best inexpensive devices with batteries for cleaning the paws of four-legged friends are presented by sellers from China. With Ali Express you can order the product you like at an affordable price. Reviews about the devices are mostly positive.
"Bronze": Pb+
Costs 3500 rubles.
A good helper will quickly remove dirt from your pet's paws. The design is a 200 ml bowl made of durable plastic. Product size M is suitable for puppies and kittens.
paw washer Pb+
Advantages:
- With handle, comfortable to hold;
- Soft fibers remove dirt and massage the pads;
- Easy to use.
Flaws:
- The color of the product is easily soiled;
- Doesn't wash very well between fingers.
"Silver": Portable sink
Sold at a price of 2290 rubles.
The design has parameters of 100x100x160 mm, the diameter of the inner bowl is 8 cm. The device has a built-in 1500 mAh battery, the charge lasts up to 8 hours with daily use. The sink easily removes dirt from the animal's fur, pads and between the toes. The silicone brushes are removable, making them easy to clean.
paw washer Portable wash
Advantages:
- Bowl made of high quality durable plastic;
- Ergonomics;
- Compact device;
- It does not make noise, so it does not scare the animal;
- Convenient to use;
- Cleans well.
Minuses:
- The easily soiled color of the plastic is white.
“Gold”: OfficialPet Electric Washer
The product can be purchased for 1,595 rubles.
The Chinese-made model consists of a container made of ABS plastic and a silicone insert. Dimensions of the washing bowl: 10x16 cm. The model is suitable for small animals weighing no more than 15 kg. Battery capacity is 2000 mAh, can be used for at least 12 days on one charge. Can be used for cats and dogs.
Electric washer OfficialPet
Advantages:
- You can wash your paws in the entrance so as not to bring dirt into the house;
- Cleans the pads and space between the animal’s toes well;
- Does not scare the pet;
- Durable housing;
- Convenient to use;
- Compact device.
Flaws:
- Not identified.
The rating is based on customer reviews and has no advertising purposes. User opinions are subjective.
What is important to know?
Whatever model of unit is chosen, it is necessary to take into account a number of points that will make hygiene comfortable:
- the model is selected based on the manufacturer’s recommendations for the dog’s weight;
- the pet’s fingers should not rest too heavily on the bottom of the container, but they should fit in it - it may be impossible to choose a magazine container for your dog due to its large size;
- It is worth paying attention to how tightly the cap-nozzle fits. If she sits loosely, you will have to constantly wipe the floor;
- The material of the product also matters. Ideally, dense plastic. It is light in weight and is not susceptible to splitting when dropped;
- a good option is a mug or box with a separate insert of silicone “tentacles”. This design can be easily disassembled and washed. In addition, you should give preference to models with additional ribbed inserts on the walls;
- When cleaning, you should be careful with dewclaws, they can be injured.
Do-it-yourself paw wash for dogs
If you don’t want to buy a product or none of those offered in stores are suitable for your pet, you can make the device yourself. For this:
- Select a container that will become the base. This could be a glass, a jar or a plastic bucket. The condition of the top edge of the container is important - it should not have chips, scratches or other damage. When using a sink, such damage can cause injury to your pet. The paw should move freely in and out of the container. Do not use glasses or jars made of breakable materials (for example, glass). During the washing process, they can break and injure both the dog and the person.
- Make a cover to prevent splashing of dirty water. It can be made of rubber, silicone cover or nylon.
- Equip the interior of the device with special cleaning antennas. You can take part of a brush, but a children's toy in the shape of a silicone hedgehog is better suited. It is necessary to attach it to the walls of the structure.
- There are no restrictions on setting up your own paw wash. The main condition is not to use materials that can cause injury. Perhaps your device will be the most effective.
Is it possible to do it yourself
You can make a washer for your dog's paws on your own. To do this, first select a container; a mug or glass made of plastic will do; the size depends on the size of the pet’s paws. For more effective cleaning, brushes or dishwashing sponges are attached inside, but they should not be very rough so as not to injure the animal.
Note! The selected glass should not have nicks, cracks or other damage, otherwise there is a risk of injury to the animal.
To avoid splashing, the structure is equipped with a rubber or nylon cover on top.
Advantages and disadvantages
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Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages include:
- portability (with a pre-prepared solution, the paw washer can be used anywhere at any time, preventing unwanted contamination in the car, at a party, in public institutions, in a hotel, etc.);
- small size and light weight of the product;
- ease of use and subsequent cleaning of the device;
- the ability to simplify the procedure for washing paws, reducing to minimal actions before, during and after the process;
- safety for the owner and pet;
- relative durability;
- wide selection of individual models;
- a large assortment on the market, as well as the opportunity to make a paw wash yourself.
Flaws:
- the pet needs to get used to the device;
- inability to properly clean the paw between the toes (important for long-haired breeds);
- minimizing contact between the owner and the pet during the washing process, which almost eliminates the possibility of a thorough examination of the condition of the animal’s skin;
- product price.
Briefly about the main thing
- A dog paw washer is a device that helps with paw hygiene after a walk.
- A container with cleaning liquid and special “antennae” saves time and leaves the floors clean.
- The dog needs to be accustomed to this type of washing.
- There are many models: from regular glasses to automatic ones.
- Most owners talk about positive experiences using the device.
Do you use similar paw washing devices? How does your dog feel about this method of hygiene? Which model did you choose and why? Please tell us about your experience using the paw washer in the comments. This will help our other readers.
Terms of use
Recommendations:
- During the warm season, it is best to use water at room temperature. In cold weather - cool, which will avoid discomfort and problems due to temperature differences.
- Do not neglect thoroughly drying your paws with a towel after procedures. This will ensure not only more thorough cleaning, but also prevention of the development of microdamages.
- When using a paw wash regularly, you should periodically inspect the condition of your pet's skin. If cracks or calluses are detected, carry out treatment without delay, and temporarily replace the use of the device with a regular high-quality wash in a bathtub or basin.
