Paw wash for dogs: how to use and how to make it yourself?

The structure and principle of operation of a paw wash for dogs

A paw wash is a container filled with water with the addition of detergent. Inside there is a dense cluster of vertical bristles located in a circle. By placing your pet's paw in a glass, working with progressive movements up and down, gently massaging, you can easily clean it of dirt. After extraction, part of the liquid is retained due to dense, soft side edges or a pseudo-lid. Remaining moisture is removed by wiping with a towel.

For ease of transportation of the device along with water prepared in advance, most models include a tight lid. It ensures the sealing of the vessel, making the device an indispensable assistant when visiting or traveling.

Description and principle of operation

A paw wash is a compact container that is filled with water. Add dog shampoo here if desired. The appearance of such a device varies. Equipment for washing paws is purchased in the form of a plastic thermos mug, a transparent glass, or a rectangular box. The device is covered with a lid, which allows you to take it with you on the road.

Mr. Tail recommends: a review of industrial models of paw washers for dogs

Today you can find both homemade and industrial forms of this useful invention. Let's look at the latter in more detail.

Paw Plunger

Country of origin: USA.

The form is presented in the form of a cup with a lid. The structure includes a system of vertically located brushes. On top there are rubber sides that prevent water from splashing. The insides can be disassembled and easily washed.

Dimensions:

large Large – for dogs from 30 kg;
medium Medium – weighing from 10 to 30 kg;
small Petit – for animals up to 10 kg.

Price – from 1000 to 2000 rubles. depending on size.

Paw Wash

Made in USA.

The shape is an elongated translucent glass. The neck is equipped with a rubber cuff to prevent liquid splashing.

Dimensions:

big;
small.

The set includes a towel mitt and a lid.

Cost – from 1000 rubles.

Paw Boss

Produced in Switzerland.

Quite massive in size and complex design. The product is presented in the form of a box containing many containers connected by tubes. When holding the paw washer at an angle, the space of the working glass is filled with water flowing from the additional internal section. To remove waste liquid, tilt it in the opposite direction. In this way, clean water will be provided for each limb of the animal, without having to replace or top up from the outside.

The internal structure also includes a porous rubber bottom for better cleaning of paw pads.

Price – about 30 dollars.

Dirty Paws Footbath

Manufacturer – USA.

Clear acrylic plastic bowl with soft neoprene insert. It also acts as an absorbent sponge.

Included is a microfiber towel.

Cost – about 600 rubles.

Clean Dog

A transparent plastic glass, inside of which there is a bright silicone insert with many soft bristles around the entire perimeter.

A lid is not provided.

Dimensions:

big S;
average M;
small L.

Color: green, blue, pink.

Price: about 1000 rub.

Operating principle

To wash your pet's limbs in a paw wash, you need to do the following:

Pour warm, clean water into the container through the top hole. If you wish, you can add a little special shampoo for animals.
Lower the animal's paws . To do this, you will need to slowly make translational movements up and down or simply rotate clockwise.
Remove the paw. After the limbs are clean in the paw wash, they are carefully removed. Each paw is washed separately.

Immediately after the unit operates, the pet’s limbs should be wiped dry with a bath towel. Otherwise, the dog may leave wet paw marks all over the house. After each use, it is recommended to thoroughly wash and dry the unit. The product can be stored in the same place with other pet accessories.

Make sure that your pet does not chew the paw washer, because its edges can become sharp and injure the dog’s limbs.

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 special design of the product allows you to receive a portion of clean water for cleaning the second limb without adding new liquid.

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.

The same set with the unit itself also includes a microfiber towel. This device is considered the most budget option.

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.

Do-it-yourself paw wash for dogs

To make a paw washer with your own hands, you will need:

large plastic cup or glass;
sponge;
soft homemade pipe cleaners on the liner;
an airtight lid suitable in diameter for the container.

Process of creation:

Make sure the edges of the bowl are smooth and safe for your pet. You can use an additional rubber nozzle.
If desired, equip the inner walls with a ring of sponge or tab to which soft bristles are attached.
Place a sponge on the bottom.
Fill the container with liquid. Close the lid. Check for leaks.

How to use: instructions

Despite the differences in models, the use of paw washers has many similar rules. Each device comes with instructions to understand the principle of operation and features of using a particular model.

Procedure:

open the lid of the device, pour in cool clean water, add pet shampoo for dogs if desired;
Place one paw into the container and make several movements clockwise or up and down. The brush system gently cleanses pads and limbs while dirt remains in the water. Some models have a rubber seal, thanks to which the wool is delicately “wrung out” in the upper part of the device;
Some models have a drainage hole to collect contaminated liquid. There is no need to add water from the outside until the treatment of the animal’s paws is completed; it is enough to tilt the container at the desired angle;
at the end of the procedure, the owner empties the container with the waste liquid.

On a note! Some options include a convenient mitten-towel for comfortable drying clean llamas after washing in the original container, mug or glass.

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.

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.

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.

How to make it yourself

An improvised paw washer can be easily made from a large plastic glass or mug, with a nylon lid placed on the top. The container should not have sharp edges or protruding parts that could injure the pet’s paws during the procedure. Pour water into the container and close it with a tight lid. How to use a homemade paw washer? You can watch a video on the topic.

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