Natural Dog Paw Cleaner

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Pamper Your Pup’s Paws: A Daily Ritual

Our furry friends lead exciting lives, filled with outdoor escapades, daily walks and joyful romps through the grass. As they explore, their paws collect dust, dirt, and sometimes unwanted hitchhikers. While this is a sign of a life well-lived, it’s essential to ensure their paws stay healthy, clean, and free from irritations. Which is why we created a natural dog paw cleaner and keep spray bottles near both our front and back doors. The recipe is super simple and very quick to make.

Daily paw cleaning isn’t just about hygiene; it’s also an opportunity to bond with your dog and show them some extra love. Moreover, it’s a proactive measure to prevent common paw issues like yeast infections. And your floors and furniture will thank you too; keeping your pet’s paws clean keeps dust and dirt out of your house.

The Benefits of Daily Paw Cleaning with Natural Cleaners

Daily paw cleaning offers several advantages:

1. Health: Regular cleaning reduces the chances of dirt, debris, or bacteria causing infections or irritations. It’s especially vital for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
2. Comfort: Clean paws mean your dog will be more comfortable. They won’t be constantly itching or licking their paws to relieve discomfort.
3. Bonding: Daily paw cleaning can become a bonding moment for you and your pet. It’s an opportunity for some extra TLC. A daily foot routine can help your dog get used to having their feet touched when you need to clip nails or send them to the groomer.
4. Prevention: By keeping your dog’s paws clean, you reduce the risk of potential issues like yeast infections.

The Power of German Chamomile & Vinegar

Our DIY natural dog paw cleaner spray uses simple ingredients, the stars of the recipe are German Chamomile and vinegar. Chamomile is a soothing and anti-inflammatory herb is a natural healer and has been used for centuries in various remedies. Likewise, vinegar is one of the best natural cleaning ingredients around (see our tips on cleaning with vinegar).

German Chamomile is especially beneficial for paw cleaning. It helps to calm and soothe any irritation or redness your pet might experience from the day’s adventures. Chamomile is also known for its anti-fungal properties, which make it an excellent choice to combat yeast infections. Vinegar, a natural yeast and germ killer, plays a crucial role in keeping your pet’s paws free from harmful irritants and infections. It also is a natural deodorizer and can rid your pet of odors. Surprisingly, vinegar is great for softening fur and hair, which is an added bonus!

Checking for Paw Yeast Infections

Yeast infections in a dog’s paws can be uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to more severe issues. To check for yeast infections, look out for these signs:

• Redness between the toes or on the paw pads
• Unusual odor coming from the paws – some say this odor can smell like corn chips or a sour smell
• Excessive licking or chewing of the paws
• Persistent itching and discomfort

If you notice any of these signs, then our paw cleaner with German Chamomile can be an excellent addition to your daily routine.

Keep a Spray Bottle Handy

It’s all about making daily paw cleaning easy and convenient. Having a spray bottle of our natural paw cleaner with German Chamomile ready makes this routine a breeze. Your dog’s paws stay fresh and healthy, and you both get to enjoy the benefits of this bonding experience.

This recipe is easy to scale, the ratios are as follows:

• 1 part white vinegar
• 6 parts distilled water
• 1-2 drops German Chamomile (see the essential oils we use and why)

How to Use Our Natural Dog Paw Cleaner

• Spritz and Wipe: After a fun outdoor playtime adventure or a long walk, spritz your dog’s paws with the cleaner. Make sure to cover the paw pads and the spaces between the toes.
• Wipe Clean: Using a clean, soft cloth, paper towel, or baby wipe, gently wipe your dog’s paws to remove dirt and irritants. We cut up a few old t-shirts and keep them handy for this task and wash them weekly. Reapply the spray if needed until no more dirt is seen on the cloth. For super muddy paws, rinse with water first and then apply the spray.
• Apply a Weekly Moisturizer: If you notice your dog’s paws getting dry and cracked from daily walks, try massaging the pads weekly with Shea Butter or a product like Burt’s Bees Restoring Nose and Paw Balm.
• Air Dry: Let the paws air dry naturally. There is no need to get rid of all of the spray. In fact, the vinegar and chamomile will best work their magic if allowed to soak into the cracks and crevices of your dog’s feet.

So go on and pamper your pup’s paws, and ensure they’re ready for their next adventure! And if you’re interested in finding more natural products for your dog, then take a peak at our natural homemade dog conditioner recipe.