Have you ever been able to track your dog through your house just by following his muddy paw prints? Has your dog ever walked through a mud puddle just before he has to jump up into your vehicle? Dealing with dirty dog paws is a hassle, but paw washers (like the Paw Plunger dog paw wash) make it quick and simple to wash Fido's feet without having to wrestle him into the bathtub.
Paw washers aren't a necessity, so if you're on a tight budget you shouldn't feel obligated to purchase one. However, these products usually aren't very expensive. Paw washers also make an inexpensive and unique gift for the pet owner that has everything.
The Paw Plunger wash is designed like an oversize coffee mug with a lid. You fill the mug with warm water, and there is a hole in the lid that you place your pup's paw into. With a few quick plunges, the bristles inside brush most of the dirt and debris off the paw and into the water.
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Paw Plunger Dog Paw Cleaner Review
The Paw Plunger is great for removing dirt, mud or sand from your dog's feet. It's handy to clean his paws before he comes inside on a rainy day or before he jumps into your vehicle after a fun afternoon at the beach. You can also use a paw washer to remove environmental toxins (like salt) and allergens from your dog's feet after a romp outside.
I live in Maine, and in the winter there are dangerous chemicals on every sidewalk and driveway. Ice melting products can be extremely toxic to dogs, so the Paw Plunger comes in especially handy after winter walks. If you have a dog that has an allergy to pollen, this product may come in handy to clean his feet after summer walks through the grass as well.
I've used a couple of other paw washers, and I like the top of the Paw Plunger best. It has a wide rim and a no-spill silicone opening to prevent a mess. It's available in 3 sizes:
- Petite – for dogs up to 15 pounds
- Medium – for dogs weighing 10-100 pounds
- Large – for dogs weighing more than 100 pounds
The multi-layered bristles on the inside of the Paw Plunger are soft enough so as not to hurt your dog's sensitive feet, but they are also durable enough to clean off dirt and debris. As you can see in my video review (and the photo below), the bristles are also removable for easy cleaning.
Unfortunately, paw washers are not for every dog. Some dogs do not like having their paws touched. You know your dog better than anyone. If you think he may warm up to the Paw Plunger with a little gradual training, then I would recommend giving it a try. But, if your dog growls or snaps when you touch his paws, this isn't going to work.
Likewise, dogs that are more timid may have a problem with you sticking their paw inside this product. Unlike paw washers that have mechanical rotating bristles, this one doesn't make much noise. The water sloshes around a little bit while you're plunging the paw up and down, but that shouldn't bother your pooch unless he's afraid of water.
You can purchase the Paw Plunger on Amazon for $16.99-$39.99, depending on the size you need. As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, a paw washer is not a necessity. While it is affordable on most budgets, if you're looking to cut your pet care budget, you can leave this product out.
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