How to Clean Dog Paws: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Every Season

How To Clean Dog Paws: Key Points

• Regular paw cleaning is essential for your dog’s health
• Use pet-safe supplies 
• Always dry paws thoroughly after cleaning
• Trimming paw pad hair and setting up a cleaning station at home 
• Watch for signs of unhealthy dog paws

Introduction

Keeping your dog’s paws clean isn’t just about tracking less dirt indoors—it’s vital to their overall health and comfort. Regular paw care can save you trips to the vet and extend your pet’s comfort between grooming sessions, from preventing infections to managing seasonal hazards like mud, salt, or allergens. Whether you're looking for DIY tips or natural alternatives, this guide will show you how to clean dog paws the right way.

👉 Read on to learn how to clean and care for your dog’s paws—after walks, at home, and year-round.

Why Cleaning Your Dog’s Paws Is More Important Than You Think

Cleaning your dog’s paws regularly is more than a cosmetic habit—it’s a health safeguard. Every time your dog walks outside, they can bring back irritants, allergens, or even toxic substances on their feet. Furthermore, that buildup doesn’t just affect your floors—it can affect your dog’s wellbeing, too. 

Regular paw care helps:

• Prevent bacterial and yeast infections, which can fester between toes.
• Reduce indoor allergens, such as pollen, mold, and lawn chemicals.
• Protect against cracked or unhealthy dog paws, especially in dry or cold climates.
• Help spot injuries early, like cuts, swelling, or redness.

Routine paw checks and cleaning can help you detect issues BEFORE they escalate into costly vet visits or chronic discomfort for your pet.

Essential Tools and Supplies for Cleaning Dog Paws

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools. Whether you're looking for quick wipes or full paw-soaking sessions, the right supplies make the job easier—and more comfortable for your dog.

Pet-Safe Wipes vs. DIY Natural Alternatives

You can clean dog paws using:

• Pet-specific grooming wipes: Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and designed for paw pad sensitivity
• DIY natural rinses: Diluted apple cider vinegar (1:10 with water) works as a natural antifungal; baking soda mixed with water can help neutralize odors
• Lukewarm water and mild dog shampoo: Best for deeper cleans

Microfiber Towels & Paw Dryers

Drying is critical. Moisture trapped between paw pads can cause fungal infections or yeast overgrowth.

• Use microfiber towels to gently pat paws dry
• Consider a low-heat paw dryer or cool setting on your hair dryer for dogs with thick coats
• Towel-dry between toes to avoid water buildup

Recommended Products for Paw Cleaning

Here are tools we recommend for different cleaning needs:

• Paw washers (like Dexas MudBuster): Great for muddy days
• Pet-safe wipes (Earth Rated): For everyday use
• Balms (Musher’s Secret): To prevent and treat dryness or cracking
• Booties: Protective gear for extreme weather or sensitive paws

How to Clean Dog Paws After a Walk: Step-by-Step

If your dog spends time outside, cleaning their paws afterward helps prevent infections and keeps your home tidy. Whether it’s just a little dust or full-on mud madness, here’s how to clean your dog’s paws after a walk!

Quick Wipe-Down for Light Dirt

This method is perfect for dry days or short walks on clean paths. Simply:

1. Use a pet-safe wipe or a damp towel.
2. Wipe each paw gently, paying attention to nails and paw pads.
3. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

This takes less than two minutes and should become a habit after every outing.

Deep Cleaning Muddy Dog Paws

Wondering how to get mud out of dog paws after a rainy walk? Here’s all you need to do:

This is especially important during spring and fall when mud is unavoidable.

Cleaning Cuts

Check your dog’s paw for cuts, abrasions, or stuck pebbles. If you spot:

• A small cut: Rinse with a diluted antiseptic (like Betadine).
• Deep cuts or limping: Contact your vet for professional advice/assistance.

Should it simply be a small cut you’ve just cleaned, you’ll finish by applying balm (after drying the paw) to soothe the skin.

Cleaning Between Toes & Nails

Gunk, salt, or grass seeds can also get trapped between toes. Therefore:

• Use a soft cloth or baby toothbrush to remove any of these things.
• Regularly check for burrs or ticks, especially between March and June, when ticks are most active.
• Carefully trim fur if debris collects often.

Drying and Moisturizing

Always end by drying thoroughly. When drying your dog’s paws:

• Finish with a paw balm to seal in moisture.
• Focus on cracked or dry areas.

How to Keep Dog Paws Clean (Before Coming Inside)

Prevention is key when it comes to how to clean dog paws before coming inside. These simple strategies can reduce cleanup time and protect your floors—and your dog’s feet.

Doormats and Paw Stations

Create a designated “paw check” area where you keep:

• Absorbent doormats (indoor and outdoor).
• Wipes, towels, and a spray bottle station near the door.
• Treats to reward good behavior during wipe-downs.

Protective Booties for Outdoor Use

Booties prevent salt, hot pavement, sharp objects, and mud from touching paw pads. When buying booties for your pooch, keep the following in mind:

• Choose breathable, non-slip designs.
• Make sure they’re durable enough to be used in summer, winter, and/or on rocky trails.
• Ensure proper fit to avoid uncomfortable rubbing.

Trimming Hair Between Paw Pads

Long or fluffy fur between your dog’s paw pads can easily trap dirt, mud, salt, and moisture—all of which can lead to irritation or infection. Keeping this hair trimmed not only improves hygiene but also helps your dog get better traction on smooth surfaces. Use a pair of grooming scissors or electric paw trimmers designed for pets, and gently trim the hair so it’s flush with the pads—never shorter. Go slow, work in a well-lit area, and reward your dog with praise or treats to keep the experience positive.

🎥 Not sure how to do it safely? Watch our step-by-step video below, where certified groomer, Nadia Bongelli, shows you exactly how to trim your dog’s paw pads with confidence.

How to Clean Dog Paws Naturally and Safely

If you prefer natural methods, you're in luck! You can still clean your dog’s paws thoroughly using non-toxic, gentle solutions:

• A DIY rinse: 1 tablespoon of baking soda or 1 part apple cider vinegar in 10 parts warm water.
• Natural balm recipe: Mix coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax for a DIY paw moisturizer.
• Pet-safe ingredients ONLY—skip alcohol, essential oils, or hydrogen peroxide.

Common Dog Paw Issues to Watch For

Even with regular cleaning and care, paw problems can still develop—especially if your dog is active outdoors or has sensitive skin. Knowing what to look for can help you catch issues early and prevent more serious complications. 

Warning Signs

Below are common signs of unhealthy dog paws that may require a closer look or a trip to the vet:

• Redness or swelling between the toes may indicate inflammation, irritation, or the beginning stages of infection.
• A strong odor or visible discharge can be a sign of a bacterial or yeast infection that needs prompt treatment.
• Limping or frequent licking and chewing of the paws often suggests discomfort, pain, or something lodged between the pads.
• Cracked, dry, or bleeding paw pads could point to environmental damage from heat, ice, or chemical exposure.

If you notice any of these symptoms—especially if they persist or worsen—it’s best to contact your veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

Expert Dog Paw Cleaning Tips You Can Trust

Want to clean your dog’s paws like a pro? Here are three expert-backed tips from the team at Paw Parent Academy to help you keep your pup’s paws healthy, comfortable, and mess-free:

🧼 Always check between the toes – Dirt, salt, and grass seeds often hide in those small spaces. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to gently clean between the pads and around the nails.

💧 Dry thoroughly—every time – Leaving moisture between your dog’s paw pads can lead to yeast infections and irritation. After cleaning, pat paws dry with a towel and check for any lingering dampness, especially in dogs with thick fur.

✂️ Trim excess fur around the pads – Long hair between the pads can trap debris and moisture. Keeping this hair trimmed flush with the pads helps reduce odor, improve traction, and keep paws cleaner between washes.

These simple steps go a long way in preventing unhealthy dog paws and keeping your home cleaner, too. Consistency is key!

Next Steps: Ready to Master DIY Dog Grooming?

Keeping your dog’s paws clean is more than just a tidy-up after a walk—it’s a key part of their health, comfort, and overall well-being. Regular cleaning helps prevent infections, minimizes indoor mess, and allows you to spot small issues before they become big problems. With the right tools, techniques, and a little consistency, you can make paw care a simple and rewarding part of your routine!

Learn More with Paw Parent Academy

If you’re ready to go beyond paw care and build real confidence in grooming your dog at home, we’ve got you covered. Paw Parent Academy’s online courses teach you everything from safe trimming and bathing to advanced grooming techniques—all at your own pace. Enroll today and start giving your dog expert-level care, without ever leaving the house.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Paw Cleaning FAQs

How often should I clean my dog’s paws?

After every walk during muddy, salty, or allergy-prone seasons. For light days, 2–3 times a week works.

Can I use baby wipes on dog paws?

Only if they’re unscented, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic. Pet-specific wipes are safer.

What if my dog licks their paws after cleaning?

If you used pet-safe products, it’s generally fine. Just avoid licking after medicated rinses.

How do I know if my dog has an infected paw?

Look for redness, swelling, odor, or limping. Contact a vet if symptoms persist.

Is daily paw cleaning safe?

Yes—just use gentle, pet-safe products and dry thoroughly to prevent fungal buildup.

What’s the best way to clean muddy paws naturally?

Use a warm water basin with baking soda or diluted vinegar. Rinse and dry well.

What can I bathe my dog’s paw in?

Try warm water with Epsom salt, mild shampoo, or vinegar for gentle cleaning.

Should you wipe dogs' paws after a walk?

Absolutely. It removes dirt, chemicals, and allergens that affect both your dog and your home.

How to clean yeast from a dog's paws?

Consult your vet for antifungal treatments or medicated cleansers.

What is the best dog paw cleaner?

Top picks include the Dexas MudBuster, Earth Rated wipes, and homemade soaks.