Quick answer: After a walk, check between your dog's toes for debris, wipe or rinse the paws with lukewarm water (add a little mild dog shampoo if they're very dirty), then gently pat them completely dry. In winter, always rinse off road salt and ice melt so your dog doesn't lick it off. See your vet for cuts, swelling, limping or redness.
Why paw cleaning matters
Paws pick up mud, pollen, de-icing chemicals and city grime, and dogs lick their feet. The ASPCA recommends checking paws regularly for debris such as foxtails, pebbles and bits of glass (source). VCA Animal Hospitals recommends washing or wiping paws after winter walks so your dog doesn't lick chemical residue off them (source).
Get your dog comfortable first
Many dogs dislike having their feet handled. Hill's suggests starting slowly: touch and hold your dog's paws during calm moments, reward with a treat, and never force it (source). Some dogs need a few weeks of practice.
How to clean your dog's paws in 5 steps
1. Find a comfortable spot
Large dogs often do best lying down. Small dogs can sit on your lap. Keep a towel and your supplies by the door.
2. Check for debris
Look between the toes and pads for burrs, acorn shells, small stones or matted fur. Gently remove anything loose. If something is stuck or the fur is badly matted, ask your groomer or vet for help.
3. Wipe or rinse
Use a soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water and wipe each paw, including between the toes, without scrubbing (Hill's). For very dirty paws, add a couple of drops of mild dog shampoo, then rinse well. A soft brush or a paw cleaner like Petopia Pet Paw Cleaner, made with coconut oil and oat extract, can help with mud between the toes.
4. Dry thoroughly
Pat or gently squeeze each paw with a clean, dry towel. Avoid hard rubbing between the toes. Preventive Vet points out that moisture trapped between toes can lead to irritation (source).
5. Check nails and fur
Long nails and long fur between the pads collect more dirt. The ASPCA suggests trimming the hair between the toes level with the pads. Ask a groomer or vet if you're not comfortable trimming nails.
Seasonal paw care
Winter: salt and ice melt
Rock salt and chemical ice melters can irritate paws, and dogs can swallow them by licking. Rinse paws in warm water after winter walks (ASPCA, VCA). Booties or a paw balm applied before walks can also help.
Summer: hot pavement and sand
Hot surfaces can burn paw pads. The ASPCA's tip: if you wouldn't walk barefoot on it, neither should your dog. Walk early or late in the day and stick to grass when you can.
Rainy days: mud
Keep a towel and a shallow tub or paw cleaner by the door so muddy feet get cleaned before your dog reaches the carpet.
If the whole dog needs more than a paw rinse, see how often you should bathe your dog.
When to call the vet
Paw cleaning is grooming, not treatment. See your vet if you notice cuts, cracked or bleeding pads, swelling, redness, limping, or constant licking of one paw.
Build a quick after-walk kit
- A few old towels by the door
- A soft cloth or brush
- A waterless refresh between baths, such as Pet Dry Shampoo Powder
- A mild dog shampoo, such as Petopia Oatmeal Shampoo
- A paw cleaner such as Petopia Pet Paw Cleaner
Browse more everyday grooming tools in Dog & Cat Grooming Supplies and Pet Wellness.
FAQ
Should I clean my dog's paws after every walk? Not always. A quick look and wipe is enough on clean, dry days. Do a full clean after mud, salted sidewalks, or anywhere your dog may have stepped in something.
Can I use baby wipes on my dog's paws? It's better to use plain water, a mild dog shampoo, or grooming wipes made for pets, since products made for people are formulated for human skin.
What can I use to clean my dog's paws at home? Lukewarm water, a soft cloth or brush, a few drops of mild dog shampoo when needed, and a dry towel cover most situations.
How do I clean paws if my dog hates it? Go slowly, reward often, and clean one paw at a time. Short, positive sessions work better than a struggle (Hill's).