The best paw wipes for pups, according to vets

Wiping your pet’s paws regularly not only helps keep your home clean but also keeps your pup’s feet healthy. Certain things, like salt from the ground during the winter, can irritate your dog’s paws, so it’s a good idea for pet owners to have dog wipes on hand. But, with so many types of wipes for paws out there, it can be a challenge to choose between them.

To help, our team of professionals reviewed and tested popular products on the market. We evaluated everything from the ingredients and price to the smell and packaging to help you pick the best pet wipes for your pup.

Petkin Dog and Cat Paw Wipes don’t just clean the dirt off your dog’s paws. Aloe vera and vitamin E combine to provide dry skin relief, leaving your dog’s paws feeling smooth and soft. They’re great for multipet families, too, as these wipes work on both dogs and cats.

• Ingredients. Our product reviewer loves that these dog wipes contain a limited number of ingredients, all of which are safe.
• Affordability. At $12.99 for 100 wipes, Petkin’s product is one of the priciest on our list, though our reviewer felt they were worth the cost.
• Cleaning power. Our product reviewer took her dog to her barn, where chickens roam, and said these pet wipes were strong enough to remove the dirt and debris from her pup’s paws.
• Smell. These wipes have a light orange scent that didn’t bother our reviewer’s pets.
• Packaging. The resealable snap lid keeps these wipes moist.
• Residue. Our product reviewer didn’t notice any residue on her dog’s paws after using these wipes.

Natural Dog Company Grooming Wipes boast safe and soothing ingredients. But they’re also powerfully effective at getting gunk off your dog’s paws.

• Ingredients. Natural Dog Company Grooming Wipes include aloe, which is both soothing and anti-inflammatory.
• Affordability. These wipes are the priciest on our list. One package of 50 will cost you $9.99.
• Cleaning power. Natural Dog Company’s wipes were plenty moist, which was good news for our product reviewer. She used them after her dog dug in the mud.
• Smell. This product is fragrance-free, making it a great option for dogs that are sensitive to certain smells.
• Packaging. It’s a cinch to get these wipes out of their light green package.
• Residue. These wipes didn’t leave anything extra behind.

A dog with sensitive skin needs a product with gentle ingredients. Pogi’s Deodorizing Wipes fit the bill, using ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and cucumber extract to soothe paw pads.

• Ingredients. Pogi’s Deodorizing Wipes are full of safe ingredients that clean and soften a pet’s paws, such as aloe vera, Hawaiian awapuhi, cucumber extract, vitamin E, and purified water.
• Affordability. These wipes are fairly affordable. They cost $11.99 for 100 wipes.
• Cleaning power. Pogi’s Deodorizing Wipes are moist enough to clean dirt and grime from your pup’s paws.
• Smell. Though these wipes are supposedly unscented, our product reviewer compared the scent to green tea leaf extract. Others say they smell like chemicals.
• Packaging. The package is durable — the tape stays firmly closed even after removing 20 wipes. It’s also a cinch to get the wipes out of the package, which has a hypoallergenic, earth-friendly bamboo base.
• Residue. These wipes didn’t leave behind residue.

Let’s be honest: Dog wipes aren’t necessarily the most environmentally-friendly item. This single-use product can add to your carbon pawprint. But Earth Rated Dog Wipes are vegan and compostable, allowing you to cut down on your environmental impact while keeping your dog’s paws fresh and clean.

• Ingredients. Older versions of these wipes contained propylene glycol, but Earth Rated removed this ingredient after finding it was harmful to pets. These days, the safe, vegan ingredients include shea butter, chamomile, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
• Affordability. At $8.98 for 100 wipes, this option is the least expensive on our list.
• Cleaning power. Our product reviewer said these wipes worked like a charm, quickly cleaning dirty dog paws after playtime. The wet wipes stay moist for 10 minutes after removing them from the package.
• Smell. You can purchase either lavender or unscented wipes from this brand.
• Packaging. The packaging is simple and clean on the outside — white with green, blue, and black accents. But it seals well, ensuring the wipes stay moist and are ready to use when they’re needed.
• Residue. Our product reviewer said this product left a little residue behind — though it wasn’t too much of a problem.

Wet Ones for Pets are a hypoallergenic wipe that gets the job done — at a fraction of the cost of other options. Bonus: You can even use these multipurpose grooming wipes on your dog’s coat.

• Ingredients. Wet Ones for Pets contain safe, nourishing ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E. They’re also hypoallergenic.
• Affordability. A pack of 50 wipes will run you $4.99 on Amazon, making this product an affordable choice.
• Cleaning power. Our reviewer had to use multiple wipes to get the job done, and other customers made similar remarks.
• Smell. These wipes don’t have a smell.
• Packaging. These wipes come in a large canister, but our product reviewer noted that it was challenging to get them out of the container.
• Residue. After our reviewer used these wipes on her dog, there wasn’t any residue in sight.

Why you should trust our reviews | How we picked | At first glance | How we tested these products | Honorable mention | What else should pet parents consider? | Frequently asked questions

We dug through listings of the most popular dog wipes on the internet, scouring marketplaces like Chewy and Amazon. Our veterinarian Dr. Diener helped us narrow down our products, ensuring they were safe and effective before shipping them off to reviewer Christy Caplan, CVT. She tried the dog wipes out on her pets, evaluating whether or not they effectively cleaned paws without causing any irritation. After reviewing, our vet and expert chose a “top pick,” the product that ranked the highest in all of our criteria.

On paper, here’s a glance at how the various choices on our list stack up against each other.

*price at the time of our review

We wanted to provide you with the best dog wipes on the market. We worked with our product experts and veterinarians to develop criteria we thought would be of utmost importance to pet parents like you.

• Ingredients. Safety is a priority for dog parents. We asked our vet and product reviewer to evaluate each ingredient label for harmful substances and tell us if everything was safe.
• Affordability. Affordability is relative, but we provide you with the price per wipe so you can decide which product best fits your budget.
• Cleaning power. You want an effective product. Our professional team of experts sounded off, evaluating how moist each wipe was and how well they cleaned.
• Smell. Some pets don’t like smells, so we let you know what to expect when you open the product.
• Packaging. Packaging is important for ease of use and moisture retention. If a product stays moist, you’ll get better results.
• Residue. Residue can be irritating and messy. Our product reviewer let us know whether this was something pet parents would have to worry about if they purchased a specific brand of dog wipes.

We were hoping to get our hands and paws on TrueBlue Super Fresh Body & Paw Wipes but were disappointed to find it was out of stock. Dr. Diener did take a look at the label and reviews, though. She loved that it was hypoallergenic and known for cleaning and moisturizing paws. But there’s no indication when it will be available again, so she hesitates to recommend it at this time.

Does your pup need paw wipes?

Dog wipes are an easy way to give your dog’s paws a quick clean after they walk or play in the rain or mud. They’re especially convenient if you’re traveling and want to clean dirt, salt, or sand off your dog’s paws. The best options keep your pet safe and your house and car clean.

Paw wipes might be especially useful for pet owners who live in cold climates since roadside de-icing chemicals can irritate a pet’s paws. Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. Go to source They can also be toxic if licked, so it’s always a good idea to wipe your pup’s paws after coming in from the cold. That said, even if you use a wipe, you should still bathe your pet regularly to wash away hard-to-remove dirt.

How to choose the right paw wipe for your pup

The best choice for your pet will depend on your dog’s needs and your reason for using the product. Not all wipes are multipurpose. Some simply clean a pet’s paws, though others can be used on your dog’s fur. A few options even contain natural ingredients like aloe and vitamin E to help soothe your dog’s cracked skin.

If cleaning is your top priority, you’ll want to find wipes that are durable and stay moist, as they’ll have the most power. Keep in mind that some pets don’t like scented products, so a fragrance-free wipe will be a better choice for these doggies. If your dog has sensitive skin, they may have a better result with a hypoallergenic option.

Caring for your dog’s paws is an essential part of pet parenthood. A doggie’s paw pads serve as versatile cushions. They insulate their bodies during extreme winter weather, keep bones and joints safe from shock, and make it easier to walk on rough terrain.

Be sure to inspect your dog’s paws frequently for cuts, torn toenails, salt, dirt, sand, ticks, or infections. Regular grooming appointments also prevent bacteria and parasites from making their way into your pet’s paw pads. Treat wounds quickly with antibacterial ointment and bandages, and talk to your vet if a cut looks deep or doesn’t heal.

👉 Paw care shouldn’t be a footnote. Regular cleaning, inspections, and communication with your vet can keep your dog’s feet in tip-top condition.

Wipes are an excellent addition to your dog’s paw-maintenance regimen. They can help wipe away any number of the following:

• Chemical irritants. Debris and chemicals, like harsh ice-melting salt in the winter or lawn chemicals in the spring and summer, can irritate your pet’s paws.
• Parasites. The eggs of various parasites can get on your dog’s paws while they walk. Wipes can help remove them, but giving your dog year-round protection against heartworm, fleas, and ticks is also important.
• Bacteria. Bacteria is a common cause of paw and nail infections. A wipe can help clean off all the dirt you can see on your doggie’s paws, as well as the microscopic stuff you can’t.
• Allergens. Dogs that have environmental allergies are often allergic to various types of pollen. Wipes can help to remove pollen from a dog’s paws.

The answer to this question will vary based on your pet’s activity level, needs, and where you live. Generally, you should clean your pet’s paws at least once a week. But you may need to clean your dog’s paws daily if you live in a muddy area or go for a walk in unpleasant weather. Rain can cause muddy conditions, and snow and ice bring toxic, irritating salt.

Your dog may not enjoy having their paws cleaned, especially at first. This reaction is normal — new things are a bit scary and uncomfortable. The process for using paw wipes is simple enough, though, and your pup will probably get used to it in time.

Remove the wipes — Have the wipes out and ready to go. Otherwise, your dog may sense something’s up. You’ll want at least one wipe per paw.

Check your pup’s paws — Do you notice something that doesn’t belong, like a splinter or an open wound? Remove the splinter (if it’s present) and address any injuries before using a wipe.

Treat them — If your pup is hesitant to let you hold their paw, give them a treat. A tasty treat can help them associate paw cleanings with good things.

Hold your pup’s paw gently but securely — You’ll want the cleaning session to be comfortable but efficient and effective. A gentle but firm grip helps.

Wipe the paw — Take one wipe and gently clean your dog’s paw. Repeat the process for each foot.

Treat them again — Another treat and some snuggles can help your pup learn to love their clean paws.

👉 Make sure to follow the instructions on the back of the wipes, and be sure to only use pet-friendly products on your dog. You should also be careful to avoid contact with your dog’s eyes.

You’ll want to look for safe and effective ingredients for your pet, especially if they have an issue like cracked paws. Here are some of our fav ingredients to look for:

Glycerine

Glycerine is a pet-safe ingredient. It can help your doggie’s paws lock in moisture and reduce dryness. It’s also odorless. You don’t have to worry about products with this ingredient if your pup isn’t a fan of certain scents.

Aloe

Humectants are a type of moisturizing agent in aloe vera that help to bind moisture to the skin. ​​Aloe can help soothe and treat cracked paws. It can also relieve itchy skin, reducing your pup’s desire to bite or lick the affected area.

Vitamins C and E

Just like humans, dogs can benefit from topical products with vitamins. Vitamin C Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that protects the skin and helps to treat dry or itchy skin.

 👉 Vitamin A is not essential and should be used sparingly. Too much vitamin A can be harmful to a dog that ingests it. 

Shea butter

Shea butter is a common ingredient in doggie paw products. The ivory-colored ingredient deeply penetrates the skin to moisturize and soften. Shea butter can help heal cracked, damaged paw pads. It’s also anti-inflammatory, so it can prevent and relieve skin issues triggered by injury or infection.

Phthalates and parabens

Phthalates Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Government agency. Go to source are used as a plasticizer in cosmetic products. They reduce cracking in nail polishes and are sometimes used as solvents in fragrances. You may also see them in pup products. It’s best to avoid them — research Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source shows they may disrupt your pet’s endocrine system.

Brands may use parabens as preservatives. You’ll see them on ingredient lists as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben. Some pets may be sensitive to these chemicals.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a common ingredient in household cleaners. But it’s best to avoid it in paw wipes. Alcohol can dry out your pup’s skin. This issue is the opposite of what many dog owners are looking for in a paw wipe.

If you have baby wipes on hand or regularly wipe down countertops with Clorox wipes, it may be tempting to repurpose these items by using them on your pup. But you don’t want to use just anything on your pet. Dog-safe products are always best.

Though baby wipes are perfect for your human baby, they can be particularly dangerous if your furbaby were to ingest or lick them. And Clorox wipes can be super irritating to both your skin and your pup’s. Talk to your vet about products you plan to use on your dog. They can steer you in the right direction and flag any harmful ingredients.

Paw wipes aren’t exactly on Mother Nature’s nice list. Most single-use wipes typically end up in our garbage bins and then head to landfills.

Your dog loves the outdoors. If you want to keep the earth a bit cleaner, there are more eco-friendly options out there. Gentle dish soap on a reusable rag is one such option. You can also use a spray bottle to spritz some water on your dog’s paws and then dry them off with a towel.

If you’d like to use a wipe, look for biodegradable and compostable options, such as the wipes offered by Natural Dog Company and Earth Rated.

Besides paw wipes, you’ll want to have a couple of other items on hand to help keep your pet’s paws clean and healthy.

• Dog booties. Humans aren’t the only ones who can wear boots in the winter. Many brands sell boots made for dogs that protect your pup’s paws from the elements and irritants like salt. It may take some time to get used to them — so be patient with your pet.
• Dog paw balm. Paw balms help heal and protect against dry, cracked paws.
• Nail trimmer. Overgrown nails can cause injuries, pain, and infections. Regular trimmings can keep these issues at bay.

Keeping your pup’s paws healthy and clean

You know it’s important to care for your pet’s paws. Simplify the process for yourself and your pet by heeding our vets’ advice:

Create a designated paw cleaning station — Keep all the supplies you need in one spot so you don’t have to go looking for something when you need it. A designated station also lets your dog know what to expect when they head to that area.

Invest in a doggie mat — A mat can prevent extra messes. You may even be able to teach your pup to wipe their paws.

Don’t forget to groom their paws — Nails aren’t the only thing to keep short. Overgrown fur can trap bacteria and moisture, so be sure to trim your dog’s paws.

Keep an eye out for cuts — You’ll want to find and flag cuts. Early detection can prevent infections.

Bathe your pup regularly — Wipes are great, but regular bathing is still necessary. Aim for once every two to three months. Too much bathing can irritate the skin, so talk to your vet to develop your perfect schedule.