When returning from a walk with your dog, you must teach it to wash its paws. Some pets have a positive attitude towards this water procedure, others do not like it. But if you don’t wash your pet’s paws, the owner will end up with dirty floors in the house, and the dog may experience discomfort or infection. But to avoid this, you need to properly wash and care for the paws of your four-legged family member. Paw washers and special paw washing products will help with this.

Why carry out water procedures?

Washing paws after a walk means, first of all, the cleanliness of the house for its owner. When a dog returns from a walk on a rainy day, it leaves behind a lot of dirty footprints. If there are small children in the house, you will need to have time to wipe everything off before the baby gets to this dirt. On the other hand, dirty paws will be dangerous for the pet itself.

Firstly, during a walk, the dog can get a splinter in its paw or injure it on a nail or a piece of glass. A minor injury may not cause immediate discomfort, but can lead to infection later. If you wash your paws after every walk, the wound can be easily noticed and treated.

Secondly, there are many bacteria and viruses on earth that are invisible to the human eye. With regular water procedures, this infection will not remain on the paw pads. This can be compared to how a person washes his hands before eating or after visiting public places. A pet is no worse than its owner, and also needs cleanliness.

Thirdly, do not forget about parasites such as ticks and fleas; they are quite active in spring and autumn. After washing your paws, you don’t have to worry about the appearance of “uninvited guests.” You should also not miss the fact that there are many different chemical reagents on the street that will have a negative effect on the paw pads of your four-legged friend. In winter, snow is often sprinkled with salt, and in summer, there may be various liquids on the road surface, for example, gasoline, chlorine, etc. If there are no regular water procedures, these reagents will destroy the skin of the paws, which will lead to dire consequences.

How to carry out the procedure correctly

To begin with, it is worth noting that not every dog ​​is delighted with water treatments. Therefore, she needs to be accustomed to this. You need to get used to this from childhood, and you need to take into account all the dog’s character traits so that washing paws does not cause stress for both the owner and the pet.

First of all, it must be said that one must accustom oneself to these procedures gradually. To begin with, the owner must wipe the puppy’s paws with a towel so that he gets used to the new sensations. It is recommended to take his paws in your hands more often and lightly massage him. This will help your puppy get used to being touched.

If washing will be carried out in the bathroom, then you need to use a mat. With its help, his paws will not slip, this will help him get rid of fear. You can also use a basin for these purposes. If the dog feels uncomfortable during the first water procedures, then there is no need to scold him for it. This will not give him confidence, and bathing will only cause stress.

So, when the dog has already become accustomed to water procedures, you should talk about the rules for constantly washing your paws. For dogs of small breeds, you can wash their paws simply under the tap, but for large breeds you will have to use a basin. First of all, you need to choose the right water temperature. It should not be very hot or cold. During the warm season, the water should be warm, but during the cold season, cool water should be used. Due to a sharp change in temperature, the pads on the paws can be damaged. For washing, you should use a small soft sponge; it will foam the detergent well and also remove dirt perfectly.

For the convenience of the owner and pet, you should first wash the front paws, then the back paws. Also, before starting the procedure, you should spread a towel on the floor where the dog will place its clean paws. Afterwards, dry your paws with another soft towel. The owner should not forget to constantly wash these towels.

What types of paw cleaners are there?

Products intended for washing a dog's paws after a walk can be produced in the form of a spray, soap, shampoo or wet wipes. There are also protective products, such as ointments, balms or oils, which are applied to the paws before a walk and then washed off with water.

Wet wipes can be used in dry, warm weather. With their help, you can not only easily and quickly clean your paws of dirt, but also moisturize the skin on your paw pads. Also, wet wipes may have certain additives that will have different effects. For example, promote rapid healing of wounds or have a nutritional effect. They should not be used in dirty and wet weather.

During rainy and muddy periods, you can use a special shampoo. Such shampoos come with or without additives. A shampoo that does not have additives will simply remove dirt, but will not cope with bacteria or parasites. If there are inflammatory processes, wounds or cracks on the pads, it is better to use shampoo with chlorhexidine. This component has an antibacterial effect, which will not increase the inflammatory process. There are also anti-parasitic shampoos. They contain special herbal components that will repel ticks or fleas, in addition, plant extracts will help eliminate itching and irritation. It is not recommended to use any shampoo daily as it will remove the protective layer from the paw pads, leading to cracks and sores.

Soap for washing paws is available in two versions. The first option is solid soap. Here you will need to soap the sponge, and then treat the paws with it. The second option is liquid soap. It can be applied to the paws or added to water. Soap may have certain additives that will create a protective or nourishing effect.

Spray products are very convenient when you need to quickly clean dirt from your paws. They are easy to use, and depending on the composition, they will not only have a cleansing effect, but will also help in healing wounds, moisturizing the skin or creating a protective barrier.

Basic rules - bathe your pet yourself

None of the dog handlers will ever say how many times a year you need to bathe your pet. Basically, dogs are bathed once every six months or once every three months. Particularly fastidious dog owners bathe their dog once every 5-7 days. If you have a large dog, it is recommended to seek help from specialized salons. It will be very difficult for a girl to cope with, for example, a Newfoundland or a Doberman, who will be afraid of swimming and begin to struggle. And if you have a representative of brachycephals, then you can do such things. It will be necessary to know about blankets for dogs

When washing your pet in an apartment, you need to consider several recommendations:

• About 1-2 hours before swimming, it is necessary to close all doors, windows and vents - a wet dog and a draft are not compatible things;
• The pet must take a bath only wearing a collar and leash;
• Do not allow shampoo, soap or water to get into your pet's ears. Animals with cropped ears are bathed in a hat or their hair is not washed at all - the rule is the simplest, and following it will not allow your pet to get sick;
• You should be concerned about your pet's health and cover the bathroom floor with a large blanket or sheet. These measures are necessary to ensure that, after jumping out of the bathtub, the dog does not slip on wet paws and simply break its bones;
• If your dog has bitten before or still continues to do so, it is recommended to wear a muzzle - this will avoid unnecessary injuries to the owner and a bath from unnecessary pogroms;
• While washing your pet, do not force it to sit there - praise the animal and encourage it. If necessary, treat them to a “yummy” treat;
• For drying you will need several towels - their number is calculated based on the size of the dog. Remember! After washing, the pet should be as dry as possible;
• You can't blow dry your dog! If you use it, then the blowing should be done with a slightly warm air stream;
• After bathing, you should not drag your dog outside. If she starts running around the house, don’t interfere. This is a natural process of muscle recovery and toning.
• To simplify all this, you can cut your dog’s hair (preferably with a clipper).

The question may arise: is it possible to wash a dog with regular shampoo? Let’s answer - it’s possible. The main thing is that it contains components such as protein, fatty acids and substances that leave the skin dry.

How to choose a paw cleaner

Inexperienced dog owners may decide that after a walk the dog’s paws can be washed with ordinary soap or shampoo, which is found in every home. But this would be a big mistake. Firstly, such products contain a large number of different fragrances. These fragrances are not harmful to humans, but they will have a negative effect on your pet's skin. With constant use, cracks will appear on the paw pads or the paws will begin to itch. Therefore, it is imperative to have a special product designed for washing paws.

So, it is better to have in your arsenal not one type of remedy, but at least two. It is better to combine soap or shampoo with wet wipes. Because soap and shampoo are not recommended to be used constantly. When choosing soap or shampoo, you should carefully study the composition. It is better to take the option that contains various additives. With their help, the paws will have additional protection. Particular attention should be paid to owners of dogs who are prone to allergies. Most products are not suitable for such pets; here it is better to choose a hypoallergenic shampoo or soap. They will more carefully clean the paws from dirt.

Since using shampoo or soap is not recommended all the time, it is better to combine it with important wipes. They are ideal for dry weather. But in winter or during rains they can also be used. To do this, you will need to wash the paws in water and then treat them with napkins. In addition, their use will reduce the time of cleaning paws.

Eliminating dog stench from an apartment or house

The smell of a dog remains wherever it goes, and especially where it lives. The strongest one is present in an apartment or house for a reason: poor hygiene, the dog often lifts his leg at home (the stench of urine is very strong and it will be difficult to get rid of it).

Before you start cleaning, make it a rule:

• Regularly clean your pet and comb it;
• Walk more often;
• Wash rest areas more often.

In order to get rid of the stench, use a solution of soda, vinegar, potassium permanganate or citric acid. Treat surfaces and floors in the house.

The best shampoos for washing paws

Cliny Clean paws

This product is a shampoo-balm that is suitable for the constant care of your pet’s paws. It is suitable for both dogs and cats. When applied, the product will carefully cleanse the pet's skin and fur from dust and dirt. At the same time, the balm-shampoo has a moisturizing and softening effect.

With frequent use of the product there will be no negative effects that can harm the pads on the paws. In addition, the shampoo will form a film on the skin, which will create a protective barrier from the negative effects of the environment. The product contains extracts of aloe vera and white lily. Using them during washing can reduce inflammation. These components also help heal wounds or cracks in your pet’s skin. To achieve an antibacterial effect and protect paws from viruses and bacteria, the manufacturer included silver ions in the composition.

“Cliny Clean Paws” does not need to be diluted with water. Before applying the product, rinse your paws with plain water, then apply balm-shampoo and massage until foam appears. After this, the shampoo is washed off and the paws are wiped dry.

The average cost is 350 rubles.

Cliny Clean paws

Advantages:

• Availability of a dispenser;
• Suitable for dogs and cats;
• Compound;
• Odorless;
• Economical consumption.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Elite Organic for paws with phytocomponents

This product consists almost entirely of natural ingredients that have not been subject to active physical or chemical influence. Thanks to this, the components retain all their beneficial properties. This shampoo is suitable for daily use.

"Elite Organic" contains extracts of green tea, nettle, chamomile, ivy, garlic, rosemary. With their help, the product will create a protective barrier against harmful environmental influences during washing. Plant extracts also help in healing wounds and relieve irritation. In addition, the manufacturer included allantoin, which has a moisturizing effect. “Elite Organic” perfectly cleanses wool and skin from dirt, dust, industrial salt or fuel oil. At the same time, the product will moisturize and nourish the skin on the paws.

"Elite Organic" is suitable for washing paws and belly hair. The product can be used diluted or without dilution with water. If the pet is very dirty, then the shampoo is used without dilution. For regular washing, the product is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5, and for daily washing - 1:10.

The average cost is 450 rubles.

Elite Organic for paws with phytocomponents

Advantages:

• Contains a large number of plant extracts;
• Suitable for daily use;
• Suitable for puppies and adult dogs;
• Large volume;
• Availability of dispenser.

Flaws:

• Hard to find on sale.

Milord Winter

This product is ideal for caring for your pet's paws in winter. It perfectly removes chemicals, dirt, and also has a healing effect.

The main components of “Milord Winter” are glycerin, allantoin and panthenol. The complex of these components will provide a nourishing and moisturizing effect, which is so necessary during the cold season. In addition, allantoin will remove dead skin cells and soften the paw pads. It is worth noting that this component has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

“Milord Winter” is applied to wet paws, after which you need to lightly massage them and then the shampoo is washed off with clean water. At the final stage, wipe the paw dry with a towel.

The average cost is 1200 rubles.

Milord Winter

Advantages:

• Compound;
• Softens the skin well;
• Healing effect;
• Availability of a dispenser;
• European manufacturer.

Flaws:

• High price.

Conditions for bathing puppies

Small unvaccinated puppies at the age of 4 months cannot be bathed, but there are times when washing is necessary - for example, if the puppy has lived on the street for a long time. How to wash a puppy for the first time?

• Prepare to wash your puppy . Check that all windows in the apartment are closed and there are no drafts. The bathroom should be warm.
• The puppy may be afraid of being washed in the shower . Fill a bowl with warm water so that its level reaches the puppy’s tummy. To wet the entire coat, water it with your hands.
• The puppy may panic - distract him with a toy or treat, talk in a gentle voice, praise him when he behaves well.
• Use a special shampoo for puppies , gently apply soap lather to the dog, massage and then rinse with warm water.
• After bathing, dry the puppy well and wrap it in a towel.

The best wet wipes for paws

Farmaks Ida for a walk

These wet wipes are suitable for removing dirt from both the paws and fur of a dog or cat. They easily remove not only dust, but also chemicals or cosmetics.

The main components of such wipes are chamomile extracts, allantoin and tea tree oil. With their help, they will have an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. They will also help to heal small wounds and cracks faster and soften the skin. To make the fur shiny and soft, the manufacturer included lanolin and special additives that have a conditioning effect.

The average cost is 350 rubles.

Farmaks Ida walk napkins

Advantages:

• Suitable for paws and fur;
• Contains plant extracts;
• Softens the skin well;
• Has a healing effect;
• Convenient packaging.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Doctor ZOO

These wet wipes can be used at any time of the year. They will be especially indispensable in winter, since they are good at removing de-icing agents from paw pads.

Since the reagents used to combat ice have a negative effect on the soft pads of the paws, the paws need special care in winter. With the help of Doctor ZOO napkins, it will not be difficult to cope with this problem. The product contains glycerin, which will have a moisturizing and nourishing effect.

The average cost is 50 rubles.

Doctor ZOO wipes

Advantages:

• Suitable for use at any time of the year;
• Moisturizing and nourishing effect;
• Convenient packaging;
• Suitable for cats and dogs.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Teddy Pets

With the help of such wipes, caring for your pet's paws will not cause any difficulties for the owner. They will not only help get rid of impurities, but also have moisturizing and healing properties.

The impregnation of the wipes contains vitamin E and shea butter, thanks to which the skin will receive the necessary nutrition. These components also help in healing cracks and soothe itching and irritation.

The average cost is 110 rubles.

Teddy Pets napkins

Advantages:

• They have a pleasant aroma;
• Softens paw pads;
• Helps in wound healing;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Causes of odor

All dogs have a smell, and a rather specific one. He is weak, and we don’t think the dog smells. But something happens and it gets stronger.

Physiology. It's the adults who smell, not the puppies. Males have a stronger stench. The so-called “dog scent” is formed due to the specific functioning of the sebaceous glands. If sterilization is carried out, the dog will smell less;

Hygiene. If the rules for caring for the animal are violated, the stench will only intensify;

Breed. There are breeds that smell stronger: some are hunting;

Pathology. The stench is caused by developing infections and diseases.

If you wash your animal and the stench does not go away, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

The best foams for washing paws

Levrana

With the help of this Russian foam, you can easily clean your paws of dirt after a walk. The foam has a light texture and a pleasant aroma. The main components of the foam are birch bark extract and celandine. These components actively fight microbes and bacteria and have an anti-inflammatory effect. It also contains juniper extract, which has an antimicrobial effect.

Levrana foam is applied to the contaminated area and lightly rubbed in. Afterwards, you can wipe it with a napkin or rinse with water. The volume of the product is 150 ml.

The average cost is 400 rubles.

Levrana foam for washing paws

Advantages:

• Economical consumption;
• Convenient dispenser;
• Natural composition;
• Removes germs and bacteria.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

The best soap for washing paws

Let's go for a walk Active defense

This product is a solid soap that is designed to remove dirt from your pet's fur and paws after a walk. The soap foams well and is easily washed off. It is worth noting that veterinarians and dog owners made a great contribution to the development of this product.

The main components of “Go for a Walk Active Protection” are glycerin and oregano oil. With their help, the growth of bacteria will be inhibited, germs and fungi will be cleaned, and the product will also provide additional hydration. Using this soap will give your pet cleanliness and protection from viruses and parasites.

The average cost is 100 rubles.

Let's go for a walk Active defense

Advantages:

• Protection against bacteria and germs;
• Hydration;
• Foams well;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for regular use.

Ecozavr Eco soap

This liquid soap is a hypoallergenic product. It foams well and is easily washed off with water. The completely natural composition makes it safe to use; even with frequent use of soap, there will be no dry skin, cracks on the paw pads or peeling.

“Ecozavr Eco Soap” contains silver ions, thanks to which there is an active fight against viruses and bacteria. There are also herbal ingredients that will care for your pet’s fur and skin. When applied, the soap creates a good foam, washing away all particles of dirt. Due to its natural composition, soap foam is completely washed off.

The average cost is 300 rubles.

Ecozavr Eco soap

Advantages:

• Compound;
• Does not cause an allergic reaction;
• Antibacterial effect;
• Large volume.

Flaws:

• Lack of dispenser.

Animal Play

This liquid soap was developed taking into account all the characteristics of the fur and skin of pets. It is suitable for washing the fur and paws of cats and dogs. The soap formula will not cause irritation, and will leave behind a pleasant light aroma.

The main components of liquid soap are string extract and D-panthenol. With their help, your pet will receive protection from bacteria and viruses. They will also moisturize and nourish the skin, and give the coat a radiant appearance. Lightly massaging the contaminated areas will create abundant foam, which is quickly washed off with water.

The average cost is 140 rubles.

Animal Play soap

Advantages:

• Moisturizing effect;
• Suitable for washing wool;
• Removes dirt well;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Is it possible to wash a dog that is afraid of water?

Many dogs are afraid of water if they have not been accustomed to bathing since childhood. Washing such an animal at home will cause a lot of trouble for its owners.

Steps to take when washing a dog that doesn’t like water:

• Teach your animal to perceive the bathroom as a safe place - organize feeding in this room.
• Then feed the dog directly in the bathtub. When your pet is no longer afraid of the bath, you can turn on the water briefly. Pet and praise her if she takes the water calmly.
• Then you can wet the dog. If she stands calmly and behaves well, treat her with a treat or give her her favorite toy.
• Don't rush it, teach it gradually to develop positive associations with washing.