How to Clean Dog Paws: Tips for Success

You know your dog benefits from regular bathing and brushing to maintain skin and coat health. But did you know cleaning your dog's paws is another important part of their grooming routine? Paw pads provide cushioning to help protect your dog's bones and joints from shock; create a barrier against hot, cold and rough surfaces; and protect paw tissue from harm.

But what's the best way to clean dog paws after a walk or other adventure? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean dog paws to keep them (and your home) free of muck, grime and debris.

Dogs' characteristics and sensitivities are as unique as their paw prints. As with any general grooming guideline, let your dog set the pace and adjust as needed to ensure they're comfortable. If your pup doesn't like their feet touched, don't dive right into paw cleaning. Start by touching their paws when you're hanging out together, gently lifting them or holding them in your hands. Reward them with a treat, and never force the issue.

It may take some dogs weeks of practice before they're comfortable enough to let you clean their paws — and that's OK. Some dogs are sensitive about their feet being touched and may never be a good candidate for paw cleaning. That's OK, too!

If your dog allows you to touch their paws, you're ready to get started. Here's the best way to clean dog paws after a walk or other outdoor romp in five simple steps.

1. Find a Comfortable Position

In general, big dogs do best lying down. If you have a small dog, try holding them on your lap or a helper's lap with your pup's feet facing you. Experiment with different positions to see what works best for your dog.

2. Check Their Fur and Remove Debris

Some breeds, like poodles and poodle mixes, have curly fur that can form tight mats between the pads on the bottom of their feet. Fur can even get tangled around the toenails if your dog isn't groomed regularly. Other breeds, like golden retrievers, don't have curly fur, but the fur between their toes can easily collect mud and snow.

Before washing, check your dog's paws and surrounding fur for items like cockleburs and acorn shells (two common suspects). If you find something on or near their paw pads, gently remove it. If it doesn't disentangle easily, or if your dog's fur is matted or otherwise in the way, ask your groomer or veterinarian for help.

3. Wash and Rinse

Soak a soft, clean cloth in lukewarm water. Gently wipe your dog's feet, getting between the toes to wipe away dirt and residue. Avoid scrubbing or tugging. Some people prefer to use dog cleansing wipes or a soft-bristled brush. If their feet are especially dirty (e.g., they stepped in something smelly), add a couple of drops of mild dog shampoo to your cloth or brush before wiping. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

4. Gently Dry

Gently squeeze each paw with a clean, dry towel to remove excess moisture. Excessive rubbing between the toes can cause irritation, so go easy!

5. Trim the Nails if Needed

You may want to trim your dog's nails and dewclaws — the extra nails on the sides of their paws — if they seem particularly long or sharp. In active dogs, the nails on the back feet often require less frequent trimming than those on the front feet. (When dogs run, they tend to push off from the hind limbs, gradually wearing the nails down.) If you're uncomfortable trimming your dog's toenails, ask a professional groomer or vet to do this at your pup's next appointment.

There aren't specific guidelines for how often to clean your dog's paws. The ideal schedule depends on your dog's activity level and the season (harsh summers and winters can be tough on pets' paws). If you frequently take your dog hiking, for example, you may need to wash their paws after every trip to the trails. On the other hand, a dog who spends most of their time indoors, sticking to light neighborhood walks, might only need a cleaning when their paws get visibly dirty or wet.

Check your dog's feet regularly, such as after each big outing or at least once a week, and adjust your paw-cleaning schedule to fit their lifestyle and needs.