People who have a soft spot for pets will know the struggle of keeping them clean and healthy. It can be tough to balance the things we need to do while caring for them in the best way we can. We need to bathe them, keep their paws moisturized, ensure they’re free from fleas, ticks, and parasites, have them vaccinated, and more.
Cleaning pet paws is one of the most challenging, especially if they’re naughty and active. While we can all agree that this is the last thing pet owners want to do, we should still do this to keep our pets healthy.
Fortunately, some innovations make the job easier, such as a paw plunger and a mudbuster. These two products work like magic in this department, but the question of what to get remains: paw plunger vs mudbuster, which one is best?
In a nutshell, we can say that both are excellent for cleaning dog paws. However, there are some differences in their capacity to clean, paw sizes they cater to, and more.
Which one works best for larger dogs? Which one is ideal for smaller ones? We will find the answers here. Read on to see what’s in store for you and what model suits you best.
Direct Comparison
- Bristle Material: Silicone
- Tumbler Material: Plastic
- Overall Size: Medium
- Tumbler Design: Jar cup shape
- Mouth or Opening Size: 2 1/2 inches wide
Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Washer
- Bristle Material: Silicone
- Tumbler Material: Plastic
- Overall Size: Small, Medium, Large
- Tumbler Design: Jar cup shape with nibs
- Mouth or Opening Size: 4 inches wide
Breaking It Down
Choosing between the two while shopping for dog paw essentials will put you in a dilemma because they look very similar. Thus, you need to know each of their specifications.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what each one has to offer by looking at and comparing them using five categories:
- Bristle Material
- Tumbler Material
- Overall Size
- Tumbler Design
- Mouth or Opening Size
1. Bristle Material
The type of material the manufacturer used in the product you’ll use to clean your dog’s paws matters. Are the chemicals used to make the bristle safe for your pet’s skin? Can it cause scratches, burns, or any damage to your dog’s paws?
Is it easy to clean? Is it environmentally friendly? These are just some of the questions you need to ask when looking at a washer’s bristle.
Let’s take a look at each model’s bristle material and find out if the Lucky Tail and Dexas are safe for your pets.
Lucky Tail
The dog paw plunger from Lucky Tail uses the same type of material as Dexas. It uses silicone, which effectively cleans the crevices of the dog’s paws.
It is soft and comfortable to use. Also, this material is very easy to clean after use. It also doesn’t cause damage or irritation to the dog’s skin. Silicone is also environmentally friendly.
Dexas
As we mentioned, the Dexas Mudbuster uses the same type of material for its bristles: silicone. This means cleaning it after a session is a breeze.
Plus, these bristles are soft and gentle on the skin. It works great at removing dried-out mud and other forms of dirt.
Winner
We can say that both brands qualify as winners for this category, making it a tie. The Lucky Tail and Dexas paw cleaners use silicone, known for its quality.
This material’s amazing health and environmental benefits make both a good and safe buy. Silicone is truly an excellent material for cleaning dog paws, and both products give peace of mind on top of that.
2. Tumbler Material
Like the bristle, the material used to make the tumbler is equally important. Apart from making sure it can endure falls and strains, some factors come into play.
Is it safe for dogs? Is it safe for you? Will it last long? Is it eco-friendly?
These are some of the things you need to consider. That’s because the durability, social responsibility, and safety it brings the user say a lot about the product.
Let’s find out what the two brings for their users through their tumbler material of choice.
Lucky Tail
In terms of material, the Lucky Tails has a plastic tumbler that is less fragile than glass ones. It means you can bring it anywhere without the fear of falls or breakage.
Since dogs are active beings, you can guarantee that this won’t deteriorate in a few bumps and bites. However, in terms of safety, the brand doesn’t leave guarantees on it being BPA-free.
Dexas
Like the Lucky Tail, the Dexas Mudbuster uses plastic for its tumbler. It delivers durability and stress resistance as compared to those made with glass. You can bring this anywhere and leave it without worrying about it breaking.
The only edge Dexas have at this point would be the company’s claim of the material being BPA-free.
Winner
For the tumbler material category, the Dexas Mudbuster takes the win. Since we all want our pets to be safe, being assured of BPA-free materials used in any product is unbeatable.
Add the durability of the material of choice, making the Dexas Mudbuster stay ahead of the Lucky Tail Paw Plunger. Apart from peace of mind, this also gives you great value for money and a long-term investment.
3. Size
In this specific area of pet care, we can say that size matters. With the variety and sizes of dog breeds, it is impossible to have one cleaner that fits perfectly for everyone.
Hence, we will be comparing the versatility of each model when it comes to size. Can it cater to small or large dogs? Here is the answer.
Lucky Tail
This paw plunger by Lucky Tail comes in a reasonable size. With dimensions of 6.3 inches ×8.2 inches ×11.2 centimeters, it can work with small to medium dogs.
However, this may not be the case for large to extra-large breeds. Since the product only comes in medium size, it can appear too big for extra small dog breeds.
In short, there isn’t much room for flexibility when it comes to using it for multiple dog breeds.
Dexas
The Dexas Mudbuster seems to be prepared to cater to all dog breeds. The size options are definitely bigger than the Lucky Tail.
The paw washer comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small size is 4.3 inches tall, the medium is six inches tall, and the large one is 8.86 inches tall.
All sizes are made to ergonomically make paw washing easier for pet owners with small to large dogs.
Winner
Yet again, the Dexas Mudbuster wins this round. The stress of having a paw cleaner that is too small or too big can be frustrating. Also, getting one that doesn’t fit your pet’s paw can be a total waste of money.
On top of that, an ill-fitting paw cleaner can also hurt and make your dog feel uncomfortable. They may become irritable and rowdy when this happens, making cleaning harder.
Dexas’ size options make sure you only get the best and perfect fit for your pets. This brand’s flexibility in size gives you and your pet a smoother paw washing experience.
4. Tumbler Design
Though the cleaning mechanism is one of the most critical factors to look at, the tumbler design matters too. There are different types of paw washers in the market, and you will be amazed at how different these can look.
With both brands, the tumbler design is fairly similar and minimalist. That said, we have to figure out which one has the best.
Lucky Tail
As we all know, the Lucky Tail paw plunger comes in a unique jar cup-shaped tumbler. This type of packaging makes it easier to carry along everywhere.
Somewhat resembling a hexagon jar, its fine lines creates edges that facilitate grip. It also gives off a clean and minimalist look.
Dexas
As noted, when you look at the two, you’d be confused about the difference in terms of design. The Dexas Mudbuster resembles a paragon jar because of its tall body and wide mouth.
In terms of grip, the brand incorporates nibs on the body to prevent slips. This innovative feature allows a more secure grip amidst the presence of mud and other substances.
Winner
While the Lucky Tail paw plunger features a neat design, we can say that the Dexas Mudbuster still takes the win. The presence of the nibs in the design takes grip and security to a whole new level.
These make it possible for anyone to maintain a steady grip on one hand while handling their pet on the other. They also make it easier to handle despite the presence of varying substances.
5. Mouth or Opening Size
A paw plunger or cleaner can only work if your pet is relaxed and in a cooperative state. The only way to do this is by making sure they are comfortable while you do the process.
The mouth size of a paw washer plays a considerable part in this. Many models available in the market rarely discuss how big the product’s mouth is, especially with their lid design.
An opening that is too small or too big will take a toll on the outcome you want to achieve. It can make your dog feel uncomfortable and give you a more challenging time trying to use it.
Lucky Tail
The mouth or opening size of the Lucky Tail paw plunger is 4.4 inches. This makes it comfortable to use for small to medium-sized dogs. That said, dogs that are too tiny or big can have a hard time with their fit.
Dexas
Similar to its overall size options, the Dexas Mudbuster offers versatility in terms of mouth or opening size. You’ll find sizes catering to extra small and extra large dogs without hurdles.
This variety of options also makes it easier for you to choose one that you can pack and carry around easily, especially when you’re always on the go.
Winner
Surprisingly, the Dexas Mudbuster wins again. While the Lucky Tail Paw Plunger offers a mouth size that can cater to average-sized dogs, it still has its limits.
Meanwhile, Dexas has an array of sizes that can make the experience feel more personalized and comfortable. Having options to choose from gives this brand an edge for every pet owner looking for a paw cleaner in the market.
Final Recount
Now that we have reached the end of our category reviews, let’s have a quick recap. Here are the results of the aspects we reviewed above and the respective winners:
- Bristle Material: Tie
- Tumbler Material: Dexas
- Size: Dexas
- Tumbler Design: Dexas
- Mouth or Opening Size: Dexas
Lucky Tail: 1/5
Dexas: 4/5
At this point, Dexas is on the lead with a 4-1 score, but it will it be the ultimate winner for today’s review? Let’s find out if the pros and cons of each model change anything in our existing tally.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the most notable benefits and drawbacks of the Lucky Tail Paw Plunger and Dexas Mudbuster.
Lucky Tail
Pros:
- Soft brushes are effective for cleaning
- Easy to clean and assemble
- Portable
Cons:
- Does not cater to all dog sizes
- Not BPA-free
Dexas
Pros:
- Uses BPA-free material
- Gentle brush for cleaning paws
- Easy-to-carry
- Nibs gives a secure grip
- Has size variations for all dog sizes
Cons:
- Has a chance of spills when knocked off
- Needs water change after each session for very dirty paws
Paw Plunger vs Mudbuster: The Overall Winner
After a comprehensive review of two of the most debated brands in the market, we have tallied scores. The Dexas Mudbuster scores a 4 out of 5, leaving the Lucky Tail with 1 out of 5.
But, who is the real winner? Paw plunger vs mudbuster?
Evaluating the pros and cons didn’t really change the verdict, but it sure did justice to showing that the Lucky Tail is good too. However, the Dexas Mudbuster is a take-all for a good dog paw cleaner that fits your pet.
Everybody has their own way of caring for their pets, so a closer look at each one can show you what suits you best.
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