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Dog paw wipes are great to have in the car when toting your dog to the park, for road trips, to and from the vet, and for all the scenarios you can imagine curious dogs may get themselves into. And, as we navigate these difficult days of the stay-at-home-mandate, many of you may be wondering about dog paw wipes to keep your dog extra clean.
Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinarian on Rover’s Dog People Panel and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide, has said in our Resource Guide for Pet Parents About COVID-19 that “there are no particular precautions regarding keeping pets clean relative to the coronavirus [however], bathing the pet should resolve any concerns about them carrying the virus on their fur.”
Of course, if your pet is water-averse, or if you have your hands full managing homeschooling, working full time, and the demands of a busy household, dog paw wipes for a quick, get-er-done job can be a Godsend.
So, whether you are homebound as a result of quarantine and walking (and cleaning up after) your dog five times a day, or just looking for simple, effective, and convenient ways to clean up after your busy pet, dog paw wipes can be an indispensable part of the pet owner’s tool kit. Here are some solutions and brands to try.
Homemade Paw Wipes for Dogs
Each time we come in from a walk, I wipe down my dog Rudy’s paws. It helps to keep my house clean, and paw wiping reinforces the idea that it’s OK for me to touch her paws—some dogs really hate to have their feet touched, which can lead to drama when it’s time for a toenail trim or grooming session.
I use a cloth that I spray with a homemade mixture that I call, “Fresh Dog Spray.” It’s really easy to make:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 drop dish soap (truly just one drop)
- 3 Tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
Mix these ingredients together in a jar and shake to mix. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. When it’s time to wipe down your pup, spray a cloth and wipe.
I use this recipe because it smells nice and is safe for dogs. More importantly, hydrogen peroxide is an antimicrobial compound, which has been shown to help protect against norovirus and coronavirus on hard surfaces. Bear in mind that dogs are not hard surfaces: they are very fluffy, wiggly, and complex surfaces! But using this spray makes me feel better, cleans my dog’s paws nicely, and leaves her smelling really clean.
As always, we echo the CDC’s common-sense precaution to “wash your hands after being around animals.”
Dog Paw Wipes Available Online
These wipes have a bright smell accented with honey. Made of 98% natural ingredients, these multipurpose grooming wipes can be used from ears to tail to paws, each time your dog comes in from a walk.
Pogi’s wipes are big, thick, bamboo fiber cleaning machines. Available in both unscented and “green tea leaf” scent, according to reviews, dog parents say that these are great for post-walk scrub downs, for even tough jobs, such as caked-on-mud.
When I brought home my new puppy Rudy last month, a dog-loving friend sent me a gift basket that included some squeaky toys and a bottle of Nature’s Miracle. This stuff really works on pee stains and deodorizing many varieties of pet odors.
Nature’s Miracle wipes use the power of the enzyme-based cleaner with the convenience of a cleansing cloth.
Booyah’s fiber wipes are alcohol-free, tree-free, and made from planet- and panda-friendly bamboo.
For a quick post-walk wipedown, these wipes are generously sized and conveniently packaged.
These all-natural wipes come in three varieties: hypoallergenic and fragrance-free (for sensitive skin), mango scented, and an extra gentle variety for puppies with a wild cherry scent.
A long-time favorite of dog owners, Earthbath wipes can be used on a dog’s paws, coat, and face.
These moisturizing wipes are designed to keep your pup smelling bright and looking fresh. They remove dust and deodorize a dog’s fur and paws.
These gentle wipes are alcohol-free and can be used on your pet’s face, paws, and body. A good value, Petkins is a longstanding pet brand trusted by many pet parents.
These jumbo wipes from International Veterinary Sciences are great for muddy springtime walks.
Does your dog tuck her tail at the sight of a bathtub? This bath alternative might be just the trick.
If your dog has sensitive skin, Arava Eye Wipes might be the right choice.
Formulated with green tea, aloe vera, cucumber, and other natural ingredients, these wipes are gentle enough to clean goobers from a pup’s eyes and nose, but they can also be used on the paws and coats of dogs with irritable skin. A biodegradable formula is available for a few dollars more.
PL360 wipes contain a gentle cleanser that will help wick away mud and pick up dirt from your dog’s paws and coat.