Some cost-friendly and readily available household products like apple cider vinegar are safe ways to clean paws. Mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar to get a potent and pet-friendly cleaning solution. You can use this homemade solution when you don't want to use dog shampoo or if you don't have one.
It's especially useful to minimize itchy feet and ears. Thoroughly soak the dog's paws in a vinegar-water mix. Use cotton swab or gauze pads soaked in the mixture to clean ears. A massage with a diluted ACV mix will go a long way toward relieving strained muscles from overactivity.
Recipe 1: Warm water and organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. This dog foot soak works to treat yeast infections and soothe irritated paws. Because of its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. When choosing an apple cider vinegar go for an organic one that has “the Mother” inside.
The Simple Clean Method
You can make your own saline solution by boiling a cup of water and a half a teaspoon of salt. Once the two ingredients have boiled, let it cool before pouring it over your dog's paw. With a soft, gentle cloth gently pat the area dry.
Apple cider vinegar is a great remedy for stopping dog licking paws. Because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, apple cider vinegar can help soothe the skin and eliminate possible irritants that may be causing the dog to lick.
Soak for about 3 minutes, but not over 5 minutes. Use this as a good time to bond with your pet by offering treats and pets. Simply dry your pet's paws after you use the rinse. You can do this every day for a while, but a couple of times per week is acceptable.
White vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe your dog's itchy skin. Mix equal water and white vinegar, dip a cloth, and apply it to the itchy areas. This will help reduce inflammation and soothe your dog's skin.
Our Pick: Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner
Our best overall pick is portable, easy-to-use, and effective, making it a great tool for cleaning your dog's paws. This dog paw cleaner cup holds water and has silicone bristles that brush off dirt and debris from paws.
To make the paste, mix 50% baking soda with 50% water and apply the paste to their paws. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Apple Cider Vinegar Water Spray
If your pet has itchy skin, this concoction of 50/50 water and ACV spray can help relieve your pet's skin allergies or irritation. This home remedy can also be used in a bath format. Fill up a small container with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar and soak your pet's paws in it.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Paws? Unlike bathing your dog, which the ASPCA recommends you do at least every three months, there aren't specific guidelines for how often dog paw cleaning should occur. However, consider checking your dog's paws on a regular basis.
"Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice to bathe your dog in rare circumstances, but it is not recommended as a regular shampoo." Your dog's skin can be sensitive to allergies, have different coat conditions, and even different pH levels than human skin, so this strong soap can be very irritating to their skin.
You can also use Epsom salt soaks on a smaller scale to soothe sore paws. Make a bowl of salt water and place your dog's paws in the water to soak for at least 10 minutes. You can also use terry cloths or sponges to make compresses to use on injured skin.
2. Dishwashing detergents can be irritating to your dog's skin. The chemicals in these detergents can cause skin irritation, redness, and even chemical burns. Dogs have much more sensitive skin than humans, so even a small amount of dishwashing detergent can be harmful to them.
Once a week, spray your dog's fur with the mixture. Although not scientifically proven to get rid of flea, the acidic taste of the vinegar may repel fleas and other parasites. If your dog dislikes being sprayed, dip a washcloth into the mixture and rub your dog's coat. There is no need to rinse your dog afterward.
Keeping Fleas and Ticks Away
To make your own flea and tick repellent, mix one part vinegar with one part water and spray it on your pet's fur. You can also add a few drops of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to help repel fleas and ticks from the inside out. Morgan recommends one teaspoon per quart of water.
According to its advocates, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the least expensive, most versatile, and most effective canine health aids. Applied topically it's a popular treatment for: Itchy, flaking skin and dull coats. Flea infestations.
Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks
Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them great additions in a dog bath for itchy skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.
Treating Skin Problems
Apple cider vinegar applied to your dog's skin will treat a variety of problems, including rashes, ringworm, fungus and bacterial infections.
That remedy is as simple as white vinegar! White vinegar is the most effective when treating Malassezia dermatitis in dogs, while apple cider vinegar is superior for treating Candida albicans infections. A vinegar rinse is made by diluting vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and is applied to the skin and left to dry.
Outside of just getting mud, dirt and dust on your floors and carpets, not cleaning your pup's paws could lead to bacteria outbreaks in your home. These can be very harmful for you and your family.
No, it is not recommended that you use baby wipes on dogs, or any other pets. That's because the pH level on human skin is different to dogs so baby wipes are unsafe because they may cause irritation or itching.
Castile soap is a plant-based soap that's free from animal fats and synthetic ingredients. It is natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and 100% safe for pets. In fact, you can even use it to wash your dog. Just be sure to use the non-scented variety as some essential oils can be irritating to your dog's skin.
Itchy skin caused by dryness is one of the most popular reasons why your dog may keep licking his/her paw. Skin irritation often is rooted in environmentally caused allergies. Specific weeds, woods and dust may trigger a reaction in dogs. Additional symptoms like swollen eyes or runny nose are telling tackle signs.