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PET MESSES

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How to Clean Dog Paws

Viva® Towels | April 09, 2023 | 5 min Read
Dogs on the lawn

Pamper your dog with our step-by-step guide on how to clean your dog’s paws

As the saying goes, your home is only ever as clean as your dog's paws. (We’re kidding, but it certainly helps!) After taking your dog for a walk or a romp in the mud, knowing how to clean dog paws before coming inside can save the day. Not to mention, paw health is an important part of any dog’s well-being routine.

We’ve heard directly from our pet-owning friends that Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towels are their favorite tool for keeping paws primped and polished. We’ve paired Viva®’s cleaning prowess with the advice of dog care experts to create a step-by-step guide on how to clean dog paws. In it you’ll find tips for keeping paws healthy and protected, no matter what kind of mischief your dog gets into in the great outdoors.

So wrangle your dog, grab your Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towels, and we’ll get started.

How frequently should you clean your dog’s paws?

The short story: it depends on each dog’s routine and environment.

If you often take your dog on walks along muddy or rocky trails, experts recommend checking their paws after each outing for any lodged debris or caked-on mud. Dogs walking on city streets may also need a more regular clean. However, if your dog is more of a homebody, accustomed to light neighborhood walks, they’ll need less frequent cleaning. In this case, it should be enough to give their paws a clean when they’ve been out in wet or muddy weather.

If in doubt, some pet experts recommend a weekly paw check to keep your dog safe and healthy—and give you a little peace of mind as well.

Supplies for cleaning paws

Once you’ve established the best routine for your dog, it’s time to get started on cleaning. But first things first—when you’ve got a dog wriggling in your lap ahead of a paw cleaning, you’ll want to have everything you need right on hand.

If you’re wondering how to clean your dog’s paws after a walk, get these supplies ready ahead of time!

- Pet-friendly soap or dog shampoo

- Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towels

- Bucket of warm water (you can also use your sink or bathtub)

How to clean dog paws—step by step

With all the supplies you need ready to go, it’s time to give those paws the attention they deserve. Follow the steps below, tweaking as needed depending on how dirty your dog’s paws are on a given day.

1. Remove debris

Before you start cleaning, gently pull apart your dog’s toes to check for any debris. Also, look around and between their paw pads, and underneath nails, for any dirt or small pebbles that could cause irritation. Use a damp Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towel to carefully wipe away debris from these delicate areas.

(Hot tip: Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towels are perfect for wiping dog paws since they’re 2x more durable when wet*, but also soft like cloth. Remove all that stubborn dirt, while being gentle on your dog’s paw pads.)

2. Wash or wipe clean

If your dog’s paws are only a little dusty, you can just give them a quick wipe clean with a damp Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towel.

If your dog needs a more thorough clean, fill a bucket or bathtub with warm water, and add some pet-friendly soap or shampoo. Dip your dog’s feet in the soapy water, and use a Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towel to clean away the dirt.

3. Final check and dry off

After completing a thorough clean, do one last check for any remaining debris between paw pads or under and around nails. Finish off your dog’s pamper session by drying off their paws using a Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towel. Soft like cloth, these paper towels are perfect for giving your dog some extra gentle love and care.

How to maintain paw health

Once you get into a paw cleaning routine, these grooming moments are also the ideal time to check for paw health. This includes making sure the fur around your dog’s feet isn’t getting overgrown, as well as trimming their nails.

The fur around paw pads can get matted when it grows too long, trapping more dirt as a result. Experts suggest that it’s time to trim your dog’s paw fur when it starts to stick through their toes and foot pads. (Be careful not to trim too much, as paws can get irritated when directly exposed to debris on streets or trails.)

Nails should be trimmed as often as needed to make sure they don’t touch the ground when your dog is standing. If it feels a little overwhelming to do this part yourself, you can always take them to the groomer!

Preventative care for dog paws

When your dog’s paws are clean and cared for, we know you’d rather keep them that way for as long as possible. To help you make those spotless paws last longer, we’ve gathered together preventative tips and tools you can use to help stop your dog’s paws from getting dirty or irritated.

1. Invest in a pair of booties

Dog booties are great to have on hand if you often walk your dog in the cold or snow, as they help prevent dry, cracked paws, and protect against irritation caused by road salt.

Choose booties with flexible soles and adjustable velcro straps so they can walk naturally. Additionally, experts recommend looking for booties that have a textured sole for extra traction, as well as a waterproof coating that keeps paws warm and dry. It’s also a good idea to let them test their boots out at home first, so they don’t get frustrated when you take them out on a walk.

2. Clean on the go

When you’re traveling with your dog or going out for a long hiking trip, it’s a good idea to have the tools you need to clean on the go, rather than waiting until you get home.

Because wet wipes sometimes contain alcohol and can be harsh on delicate dog paws, we opt for a gentler approach. Put a few damp Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towels in a reusable bag or tote and give paws a quick wipe clean or remove debris as needed.

We hope you found some handy tips to help keep your dog clean and healthy. Turns out, our furry friends seek out that zen feeling of clean as much as we do!

*vs. the leading value brand