Autumn and spring are the “favorite” months of dog owners. Visiting the training site at this time becomes problematic. And the weather simply doesn’t allow you to walk outside for too long. With all this, when returning from a walk, you first have to thoroughly wash the dog’s paws, and then also the floors in the hallway and bathroom. As you know, you should walk with your pet at least twice a day.
Not so long ago, a very interesting device appeared on sale in specialized stores - a paw washer for dogs. These accessories have received very good reviews from pet owners. They have a simple design. In some cases, dogs can make life much easier for the owner.
Operating principle of the paw washer
Such devices are ordinary, not too large containers, shaped like a glass or a vase. Paw washers for dogs have earned good reviews, among other things, because they have special rubber inserts on top that prevent splashing of water and eliminate the possibility of injury to the animal’s paws. Soft brushes are provided inside the container.
In addition to similar designs, there may be mittens for the owners, towels, etc. The paw washer has a lid on top.
Top 5 most interesting devices for washing dog paws
Among the most popular devices for washing dogs' paws are paw washers and brushes with a microfiber attachment. These devices can be purchased at almost any pet store or supermarket in the pet department.
You can buy a paw washer at almost any pet store.
Modern types of paw washers:
- Paw Plunger;
- Paw Wash;
- Paw Boss;
- Dirty Paws Footbath.
Table: brief overview of popular paw washers
| Name of the paw wash | Structure | Principle of operation | Estimated cost, country of production | Advantages | Flaws |
| Paw Plunger | Cup with brushes inside. On top there is a lid and a rubber nozzle that stops the liquid from splashing. |
Some models are battery-powered, so the brushes rotate on their own. There are also models that have a hose for draining dirty water. | USA, 1200 - 2800 rub. | ;
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| Paw Wash | A transparent container that looks like a vase. There is a rubber nozzle on top that prevents water from splashing. The set includes a mitten-towel. | Dirt from the paws is washed off due to the fact that the vessel narrows in the middle of the structure and has a ribbed surface. After washing the paws, wipe them with a glove-towel. | USA. 1000 rub. | ||
| Paw Boss | Square container with three compartments: for clean water, shampoo and dirty water. All these containers are connected to a hole where the pet’s paw is placed - the “working hole” (its bottom is covered with a pimply mat). | When the paw washer is tilted in a certain direction, clean water and shampoo are drawn into the working hole. After washing the paws, you need to tilt the paw washer again, but in the opposite direction, to drain the water. | Switzerland. 1600 rub. | ||
| Dirty Paws Footbath | An acrylic glass with a soft lid that prevents water from splashing and helps squeeze out excess liquid from the paws. A napkin is included. | The paw is placed in a vessel with water, then wiped with a towel. | USA. 600 rub. |
Video: how the Paw Plunger superwash works
Microfiber brush
The brush has an ergonomic shape and is equipped with a microfiber nozzle. This device allows you to remove excess dirt and moisture from your pet’s paws. There are various manufacturers of these brushes, which determines their cost. But on average, such a device costs around 800 rubles.
The average cost of such a brush is 800 rubles
Paw washing devices are a great find. This especially makes work easier and saves time for owners of large pets. There is a husky living in my sister's house. After every walk and before getting into the car, she cleans her paws with a Paw Plunger.
Microfiber brush - a budget option for washing dog paws
Washing paws is a procedure that helps maintain cleanliness in the apartment and promptly detect minor mechanical damage on the pet’s paw pads. Paw washers of various types are excellent helpers in this matter, which can turn hygiene procedures into pleasure.
How to use
The operating principle of such devices is very simple. In this regard, there are also a lot of positive reviews about such devices.
It is advisable to prepare a paw wash just before the walk. The dog should already be clean when entering the apartment after a walk. You just need to pour water into the device and place it somewhere near the door - to the side. After returning from a walk, the dog is seated on the mat. Next, they take one of her front paws and simply put the device on it from below. Next, make several up and down movements with the glass or vase. This allows you to wash off all the dirt from the animal’s paw.
At the next stage, you need to set the container aside and wipe the pet’s fur with the towel included. Next, the washing procedure is repeated with all remaining paws. After this, you can let the dog into the apartment.
Description
The paw wash is compact, convenient and practical. The invention can be safely considered ingenious and innovative, because you can avoid painful bathing. The product initially resembles an ordinary large glass. Despite this, it is carefully thought out. The compact size allows you to take the paw washer on a trip if necessary.
In addition, the design contains a silicone brush, which allows you to quickly and successfully clean dirt particles from your pet’s paws
Just pour water into the container and carefully place the dog's paw, turning clockwise. The procedure is easy and quick for your pet
Moreover, you can clean your paws even in hard-to-reach places that are usually dirty.
It should be noted that the silicone brush is removable and can be quickly cleaned if necessary. This will allow you to use the paw washer for a long time. The device is offered in two sizes: M is suitable for dogs of medium and large breeds weighing up to 20 kg, L – for very large breeds (over 20 kg). The size of the first version of the product is 11.5x9 cm, the second - 22x11 cm.
Size
When choosing a paw washer, first of all, experienced pet owners advise paying attention to the second indicator from the list above. The capacity of the device must correspond, of course, to the size of the dog’s paws. Before purchasing, be sure to read the instructions for using the paw washer. Judging by the reviews, such devices are also convenient because manufacturers usually indicate the weight range of the dogs for which they are intended. The diameter of modern paw washers can vary between approximately 4-10 cm, height - 9-25 cm.
Main selection criteria
In order for your pet to wash his paws without any problems every time he walks, the paw wash should be quite convenient
Therefore, it is important to properly purchase a suitable device with which you can quickly carry out deep cleaning of the limbs. The main criteria for choosing a lap washer are:
The main criteria for choosing a lap washer are:
- Size. The hole in the device should correspond to the circumference of the pet's paws. The dog's entire lower leg, pads and toes should fit comfortably into the wash container.
- Form. The paw wash can be round or in the form of a box. A mug with a handle is considered the most convenient option.
- Design features. They produce containers with ribs inside and brushes to remove dirt. Cheap products may not have cleaning aids.
- Product material. Most often, paw washers are made of durable plastic. It is quite strong and lightweight, which allows you to easily carry the device in your bag.
- Additional containers. The presence of separate containers for water and shampoo ensures convenient washing and rinsing.
When purchasing a dog grooming product, you should pay attention to the included instructions for use. The manufacturer indicates in it what breeds the paw wash is intended for and what weight category it is suitable for. The size of the coat may also be indicated
Dogs with long hair may have trouble cleaning themselves and dirt may not be completely washed away. Therefore, for such breeds, special models of paw washers are produced, the design of which allows you to thoroughly wash long hair.
The size of the coat may also be indicated. Dogs with long hair may have trouble cleaning themselves and dirt may not be completely washed away. Therefore, for such breeds, special models of paw washers are produced, the design of which allows you to thoroughly wash long hair.
Material
To make such devices, manufacturers usually use durable plastic. Judging by the reviews, paw washers for dogs break or leak quite rarely. The plastic is light weight, which makes using the device convenient. The color of the material of the device can be very different. Of course, dog owners consider black to be the most practical. But you can, of course, choose some brighter paw wash.
Devices made of transparent plastic are considered very convenient. When using such paw washers, the dog owner has the opportunity to control the cleanliness of its paws during the rinsing process.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of using paw washers are very obvious:
- speed and efficiency of cleaning paws after a walk;
- Convenient design that can be used anywhere;
- ease of use and storage of the product;
- duration of product operation;
- possibility of individual selection of model;
- low cost of the device.
The advantage of a paw wash is the speed of cleaning paws after a walk.
With the help of a paw washer, the pet owner does not need to clean the apartment every time after a walk with the dog. Cleaning of limbs can be done at the doorstep. Therefore, the pet enters the room with clean paws.
Among the disadvantages of using a paw wash, some users note:
- not all animals allow you to put their paws into the container every day;
- When heavily soiled, using a paw washer is ineffective.
If after a walk the dog gets dirty not only its paws, then you will still have to wash it in the bathroom.
Container shape
The degree of ease of use of the device also depends on this indicator. You can also buy a simple, cheap device for your four-legged friend—a glass without brushes—with or without ribs. Such simple designs have also earned relatively good reviews from dog owners.
However, it is still better to purchase a more thorough and expensive paw washer, for example, in the shape of a mug. The presence of a handle will facilitate the rinsing procedure and make it as comfortable as possible for the animal itself.
Paw washers made in the shape of a box are also very popular among dog lovers. Such models may contain several containers inside designed for water, shampoo and receiving dirty liquid draining from the animal’s paw. Using such a paw washer is really very convenient. But it is also quite expensive.
In order for water and shampoo to be poured into the container in which rinsing is done, the box-shaped device just needs to be tilted slightly. Next comes the actual rinsing. Then the paw washer tilts in the other direction. As a result, dirty water is drained into a receiving container. For the next paw, clean water can thus be used.
Kinds
Currently, there are a huge number of varieties of paw washers for dogs:
- Paw Wash;
- Clean Dog;
- Paw Boss;
- Paw Plunger;
- Dirty Paws Footbath.
Paw Wash
This model is a thin translucent device with a small rubber cuff at the neck. It is needed to prevent splashing during operation. This manufacturer today produces samples for small and large breeds of dogs. In one set with the unit itself there is also a special towel-mitten.
Clean Dog
This model looks like a transparent plastic glass with an inserted silicone plate. The insert is completely covered with many small bristles. The material from which the product is made is quite soft and elastic, so it does not cause the animal any discomfort during the procedure. But the set does not include a lid, so you will not be able to fill the container with water in advance. This manufacturer today produces three sizes of devices: S, M, L.
Paw Boss
This Swiss model differs from other models in its more massive dimensions and sophisticated design. The device looks like a rectangular box, which is equipped with several containers connected to each other by watercourses. By slightly tilting the unit, you can pour water into it in advance. You can also drain it after use.
The bottom of the structure is laid with a special rubber mat. Its surface is covered with small irregularities, which help to better rinse the areas between the dog’s toes.
Paw Plunger
The device looks like a mug with a lid. There is a rubber nozzle on top. It is needed to prevent splashing of water during the procedure. The brushes inside the container can be easily removed and washed. This brand produces several types of paw washers: for dogs weighing up to 10 kg, 10-30 kg and over 30 kg.
Dirty Paws Footbath
This paw wash looks like a transparent acrylic glass with a soft nozzle on top. It can absorb water that splashes.
There are a few things you should pay attention to before purchasing the right model. So, consider the weight and size of your dog.
After all, some models are intended only for a certain type of animal. Remember that your pet's fingers should not rest too much on the bottom, but the limbs should fit completely into the container.
Also pay attention to the presence of a lid or nozzle on the container. After all, such elements help prevent splashing of water droplets during the cleaning process.
If it is not included, you will have to constantly wipe off the moisture yourself. When choosing, be sure to consider the shape of the product. Most often it looks like a round structure or a rectangular box. The most convenient design is a container in the form of a mug with a handle.
Pay attention to the material from which the container is made. A good option would be a product made of durable plastic.
This base is quite reliable and strong, while its mass is small. Before purchasing, it is better to pay attention to models with separate plastic containers. They are designed for shampoo and water. This will make washing and rinsing easier.
The design features of paw washers should also be taken into account. There are containers with small brushes and ribs on the side walls
They allow for more efficient paw cleaning. Some cheaper samples are made without such auxiliary elements. When purchasing a product, you should carefully read the attached instructions. After all, it says what breeds of dogs the product is suitable for. The manufacturer also indicates the weight category for which the device is intended.
Positive reviews about paw washers for dogs
The advantages of such devices for pet owners, of course, include, first of all, the fact that they allow them to avoid contamination of the corridor and bathroom. These devices have also earned good reviews for their ease of use. Even a child can learn to use a paw washer in a short time.
Devices of this type are made, as already mentioned, from plastic. And they are light in weight. And the paw washers are not particularly large. Therefore, they are very convenient to carry with you in the car. You can simply put the paw wash in the glove compartment and use it for its intended purpose, for example, in the country or before putting the dog into a car in nature. For this, such modern devices also deserve, of course, excellent reviews from dog breeders.
Benefits and disadvantages
This modern device has its supporters and opponents. Therefore, let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of paw washing.
To make caring for your dog's paws easier, you should trim your dog's nails regularly.
Benefit:
- You can easily wash your dog's paws before getting into the car when necessary. Moreover, its compactness and light weight allow you to keep this device in the car, because it will not take up much space.
- You don't have to drag your dog with dirty paws to the bathroom across the entire apartment. Therefore, after a walk, there will be no need to wash the floor in addition to the pet.
It will be useful for a dog owner to know how to cure a dog from: fleas, ticks (ear and subcutaneous), ringworm and worms.
Although you can ask around at pet stores. There is a chance to find the device for free sale.
Flaws:
- Not every animal will calmly react to such a procedure and will want its paws to be shoved into a container that is incomprehensible to it.
- Dog owners say that it is impossible to clean the dirt between the toes properly. This is especially problematic for long-haired dogs.
- If the dog has also soiled its belly and tail, then in any case it will have to be taken to the bathroom, since in this case there is no benefit from a paw wash.
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Which devices do pet owners think have disadvantages?
The paw washing device, according to dog breeders, is therefore quite convenient. However, this device also has certain disadvantages. These include, first of all, the difficulty of training the animal itself. Many dogs are extremely reluctant to wash their paws even in a basin or in the bathtub. According to some animal lovers, it is almost impossible to accustom them to paw washing.
Also, judging by the reviews available on the Internet, the disadvantages of such accessories for dogs include their fairly high cost. Despite the fact that paw washers are not structurally complex, and most often not so many materials are used on them, they are quite expensive.
Dog owners consider another disadvantage of this type of device to be the inability to control the condition of their animals’ paws. When washing by hand, all injuries, calluses, etc. on the pads and “fingers” are clearly visible. Using a paw wash, the owner may not know in time that the dog has any problems.
Also, judging by the reviews, the disadvantage of such devices is that when using them it is impossible to wash away all the dirt between the dog’s toes. This is especially true for long-haired animals. After using the paw wash, the owners of such a dog have to additionally carry it to the bath.
Tips for paw hygiene:
- During the water procedure, inspect the pads for foreign objects or cuts.
- Choose shoes in the store together with the animal so you can immediately choose the right size.
- When washing your paws, sometimes use a special dog shampoo. If you don’t have one in your household yet, then use tar soap or baby shampoo. Read here about whether you can wash your dog with baby shampoo.
- In winter, never wash your paws with warm water. Only cool or cold. A sharp change in temperature negatively affects the condition of the skin. Remember your impressions if you want to wash your frozen hands with hot water.
- After visiting the veterinary clinic, be sure to wash your limbs with detergent. No one knows how many bacteria those paws picked up.
- If your pet sometimes walks on surfaces contaminated with gasoline or motor oil, then purchase a special car hand washing gel that will cope with the contamination.
Best models
Paw washers in Russia are a fairly new product. Therefore, in terms of manufacturer, the choice of these dog accessories is not particularly wide. Most often in specialized stores you can find models of the following brands of paw washers:
- Paw Wash. Paw washers from this manufacturer usually have a fairly ergonomic “vase” shape. They have also earned good reviews for the fact that they are made of transparent plastic. There are no brushes inside these paw washers. However, on the sides of such a “vase” there are usually plastic, not too hard ribs that facilitate the rinsing process.
- Paw Plunger. Paw washers of this brand are high-quality devices made in the form of a mug with a handle. They have earned the best consumer reviews. The manufacturer supplies the market with three main varieties - Medium, Large and Petit, intended for dogs of different weights.
- Dirty Paws Footbath. These paw washers are made in the form of a glass with a soft pad at the top. Dog breeders have a good opinion about them, partly due to their low cost. The price for them is only about 600 rubles.
- Paw Boss. Models from this manufacturer are made in the form of a box. They look quite attractive and, according to many dog breeders, are very easy to use.
Popular brands
Let's figure out what brands of paw washers are on the market, and which device is better to choose when you get to the store or website.
Paw Plunger (USA)
It is shaped like a large mug with a lid and has a handle for convenience. Available in three sizes:
- Large – for large dogs that weigh more than 30 kg.
- Medium – suitable for medium dogs weighing from 10 to 10 kg.
- Petit – for small breeds of dogs whose weight does not exceed 10 kg.
The paw washer can be easily disassembled to remove and wash the brushes. The rubber nozzle prevents splashing. The device is available in pink, blue, green and black.
Paw Wash (USA)
This brand of paw wash is an elongated vessel made of transparent plastic, shaped like a vase. Thanks to the rubber nozzle on the top of the product, the dog's paws are protected from injury and water is protected from splashing. The set includes a towel-mitten. Available in sizes for large and small dogs.
Dirty Paws Footbath (USA)
It looks like a transparent glass with a soft neoprene nozzle that absorbs water without allowing it to splash. The paw washer comes with a microfiber towel. The product of this brand is considered the most budget-friendly.
Paw Boss (Switzerland)
The device has the shape of a rectangular box, inside of which there are different compartments with containers - for clean water, for shampoo and for draining dirty water. The containers are connected by watercourses - to drain the dirty liquid and fill the compartment in which the animal's paw is placed with clean water, just tilt the device in a certain direction. This paw wash is very convenient, as it does not require changing the water before washing each paw. It is enough to fill the device once - and clean liquid will flow into the working compartment as needed. However, this type of device is the most massive.
Is it possible to make a paw wash yourself?
Devices of this type are, as already mentioned, quite expensive. However, their design is relatively simple. Therefore, if you want to make a paw washer for your four-legged friend, you can do it yourself. The easiest way to make such an accessory is from a large plastic glass, choosing a lid of the appropriate diameter for the latter. If desired, the resulting homemade paw wash can be supplemented with small soft brushes intended for washing dishes. They just need to be secured to the walls inside the glass.
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.
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