Over 30,000 5-Star Reviews Say the Mudbuster Makes Cleaning Dog Paws Easy
Updated: Jul. 15, 2022
When you have a dog, muddy paws happen. I'm a pet expert and one of the 30,000 Amazon customers who use the Mudbuster to keep furry feet clean and my floors tidy.
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Here in North Texas, spring brings rain that turns backyards soggy. Sure, rain brings flowers, but it also transforms our furry companions into mudpuppies. Labradors love getting wet and seek out the boggiest spots to romp. Other dogs like to dig for fun or kick up dirt after eliminating to mark their territory.
Sure, you can bathe your dog or just hose off the grungy pooch if he wallowed in the muck, but your dog may not always require a complete grooming after a run through the dirt. Often, you only need to clean messy feet. I use the Mudbuster to clean paws and keep my floors mud-free. (If I don’t get to them in time, I turn to the best pet stain removers and carpet cleaners.)
Why use a Mudbuster?
Paw fur absorbs dust and moisture, and mud packs between toes. When your pup bounds into your house after playing outside, those paws generously share the bounty, leaving dirty tracks everywhere. Licking paws won’t take care of that mess. Wiping paws with towels muddies the fabric, and hosing paws off is inconvenient. Sure, you could invest in some dog boots to protect your pup’s feet and your floors—but then you have to clean the boots just as you would bare paws.
Before I got the Mudbuster, my 120-pound Bravo-Dawg and 20-pound Shadow-Pup raced around, leaving skid marks all over the carpet. I was constantly cleaning the carpet mess they made, but now I prefer to prevent the mess in the first place. It’s one of the best dog-owner gifts I ever got myself.
What is a Mudbuster?
Alongside getting rid of dog smell, removing pet hair, and cleaning dog pee or poop out of carpet, cleaning dirty paws is a constant concern for dog parents. The Mudbuster offers a convenient and effective way to clean dirty paws without the need for hoses or multiple cleaning supplies. It includes three pieces: a heavy-duty plastic tumbler that holds water, an inside “scrubber” to gently clean the paws, and a screw-on lid that holds everything together.
Overall, the tool has a high-quality, sturdy feel to it, and its bright color makes it attractive. Its silicone bristles are long enough to clean between the paw pads, but they’re soft enough to avoid hurting your pet. And since the scrubber is removable, it’s easy to clean.
How we tested it
For my big dog Bravo, I tested the Mudbuster after a particularly rainy, muddy day. In the past, I’d used the hose on the back patio to rinse off his feet, and he hated the cold water. So I filled the cup with lukewarm water to make the process less aggravating for him.
Bravo’s extra-large paws fit well inside the container, and he didn’t object at all. I pushed and pulled the Mudbuster up and down on his first paw, removed his foot, dried it with a towel, and moved on to the next.
After cleaning two paws, I had to change the water in the cup. For smaller, less muddy paws, you may get by rinsing all four. But for the big dogs packing lots of dirt, I’d suggest having a pitcher of clean water handy for refills as needed. Also, as you pull the foot out of the tumbler, water runs off, so you need to have the towel ready especially if you’re indoors. I used the Mudbuster outside on the brick patio, so that wasn’t an issue.
While my big laid-back Bravo tolerated the cleaning like a champ, my new dog Shadow-Pup hates to hold still for anything. Every dog is different, and some like Shadow require more introduction and training to accept something new. But just like with cleaning your dog’s teeth, in time, they’ll likely warm up to the task.
MudBuster product features
- Heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic tumbler
- Lined with a variety of soft, thick silicone bristles
- Comes in nine bright colors and three sizes to fit your dog’s paws
- Small size: Fits paws up to 2 inches wide. This tumbler measures 4.3 inches tall and 3.65 inches wide.
- Medium size: Fits paws up to 2.5 inches wide. This tumbler measures 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide.
- Large size: Fits paws up to 3.5 inches wide. This tumbler measures 8.85 inches tall and 4.75 inches wide.
Pros
What we like about the Mudbuster:
- Works great for quick cleaning
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive price
- Over 30,000 five-star ratings on Amazon
- Available in three paw sizes
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Rugged construction
- Variety of fun colors
- Some models offer a lid to contain water when away from home
Cons
What to consider about the Mudbuster:
- Some dogs require training to accept the Mudbuster
- The large sizes can be hard to hold when filled with water
- May require multiple water changes with very muddy paws
How to use a Mudbuster
First, be careful to order the right size for your dog’s paws. When it arrives, properly introduce your dog to the concept. Show your dog the tumbler first and reward her interest with a treat or favorite toy. If she knows how to shake, or puts her paws on you, use that behavior and reward it.
Introduce the Mudbuster by putting your dog’s clean, dry paw inside the empty tumbler while giving lots of treats—it might be helpful for a second person to dole out the treats while you attend to your dog’s paws. Associate the paw-cleaning ritual with good stuff, so your dog accepts the Mudbuster. Once your dog is comfortable with the device, keep it handy by the back door or for trips to the dog park. Here’s how to use it to clean muddy paws:
- Add warm water into the tumbler. Your dog’s body temperature runs higher than humans, and she won’t like cold water even if her paws are wet.
- For especially dirty paws, add a bit of dog shampoo to the water.
- Spread out an old towel to minimize drips and cleanup.
- Insert the first paw and pull the tumbler up and down, or twist slightly.
- Pull out the clean paw and dry with a towel. It comes out clean but sopping wet.
- Repeat on the next paw. If the water turns too dirty, change it to rinse each remaining paw clean.
@failing_full_circle This works better than I thought! (Not an ad, not sponsored) #MudBuster #labsoftiktok #corgisoftiktok #FarmDogs #HobbyFarm #AmazonFinds
What other reviewers have to say
Verified Amazon purchaser Rachel writes, “I have a terrier/schnauzer that likes to dig, a mini golden doodle that is prissy about her paws, and a standard labradoodle puppy that is still very fuzzy. The amount of sand they were tracking into the camper was driving me CRAZY. It takes me three minutes to clean and dry off all of their paws. Seriously, the best purchase I have made!”
Fellow verified Amazon purchaser Sandra loves the Mudbuster: “It cut my cleaning time in half. It cleans the salt off my dogs’ paws so easily. When it’s super dirty and the streets are covered in salt, I’ll refresh the water supply. I add a few drops of their doggie shampoo, and it works great.”
Final verdict
The Mudbuster offers a clever way to prevent indoor tracking. It also works effectively for quick clean-ups while hiking or camping, to keep muddy paws from staining car seats. It might require a bit of training for some dogs to become comfortable with it, and it won’t beat a bath. But for a quick cleaning in between full-body rinses, you can’t beat the price or convenience.
Where to buy the Mudbuster
The price varies based on the size, color, and style of the MudBuster, ranging from $9.97 to $45. You can purchase Mudbusters on Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
For more pet stain removal products, check out the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser, Folex Carpet Cleaner, and Bissell Little Green Machine.
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