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My doggos are a couple of couch potatoes, but their paws still get dry and cracked. Purchasing dog paw balm can get pricey! So, I developed a dog paw balm recipe for Bella and Edward.
A common misconception among dog parents is to think dog paws are meant to be dry and rough. However, healthy paws are meant to be hydrated, flexible and spongy. As a result, this allows dogs to get a better grip and avoid injury. A dry paw pad can be uncomfortable, just like it is uncomfortable when our skin is dry. In addition dry paw pads can also cause obsessive licking, loss of grip, injury, cracking and bleeding.
Many pinterest pins were showing how to make dog paw balm, so I decided to try it. So, I looked at the ingredients on several recipes and then picked the ones I wanted to use. Through trial and error, I finally developed a recipe I was happy with. In addition, this balm can be used on their snouts to keep them hydrated and soft too.
If you have ever priced a good dog paw balm, then you know it is pricey. Although, the initial cost of the ingredients to make your own can also be pricey. But, rest assured you will be able to get several batches out of the ingredients. Therefore, your purchase will be cheaper in the long run.
You will be excited with how easy this balm is to make! Plus, your dog is going to thank you for a much deserved paw massage.
Let’s Make Dog Paw Balm
Ingredients Needed:
- coconut oil
- olive oil
- shea butter
- vitamin E oil
- sweet almond oil
- beeswax
Instructions:
- Firstly, melt all of the oils in a saucepan on low heat.
- Then, constantly stir the mixture until everything has dissolved.
- After that pour the dissolved mixture from the saucepan into a glass container. You will want a container with a handle and a spout. This will make it easier to pour into your desired storing containers. (I used a glass measuring cup for pouring.)
- Next, pour evenly into your desired storing containers. (I used 4 – 4 oz glass jars that I purchased at my local Hobby Lobby.)
- Then, let sit until the dissolved mixture completely hardens.
- Decorate your containers either for your own enjoyment. Or to gift to family and friends for their doggo’s dry and rough paws and snouts.
- I created the little tied on tags using air dry dough and a cookie cutter.
- As soon as my balm was hardened, I wanted to try it out on Bella. In the photo to the right, you can gauge the amount I used.
- I applied the balm to Bella’s paw pads in the evening. As a result, the next morning, I could already see and feel a difference. I’m pretty sure if she could have said “thank you”, she would have.
The ingredients I chose for this dog paw balm are nontoxic. So, your babies are safe when they lick their paws before the balm has completely soaked in. However, you can give them a chew toy to stay occupied until the balm soaks in.
Dog Paw Balm Protects
The dog paw balm creates a protective barrier on their paw pads. Therefore, it locks in moisture to prevent drying and damage. Drying and damage can be caused by such things as:
- HOT surfaces that include pavement, sidewalks, gravel, rocks, sand, stone, concrete, decks, etc.
- Harsh elements such as: salt, ice, snow, rough terrain, extreme temperatures, etc.
- Contact with allergens, like grass, pollen, or mold
When to Apply
Summer and winter both have their challenges for your doggo’s paw pads. Here are some times you might want to apply the balm:
- before outdoor activities like hikes, walks, or the beach
- going outside in hot or cold weather
- after fresh snow or salt
There are dog booties or shoes that add an extra layer of protection against environment elements. I am not a fan of these for the summer months because dogs sweat through their paw pads. The booties or shoes would prevent them from being able to cool themselves. So, if you want to use these, stick to the winter months.
During the summer months, make sure you are checking your dog’s paw pads often. Especially a puppy’s pads because they have not developed calluses and have very sensitive skin. Immediately contact your vet if you see any signs of blisters, redness, or part of the pad missing.
Here are some signs that will tell you if your dog is in some sort of distress:
- excessively chewing their paws
- excessively licking their paws
- limping
- whining
- reluctant to walk
Let us know in the comments below if you and your doggo enjoy this dog paw balm. Do you have a recipe you would like to share? We would love to hear about it in the comments below.
Check out our post on how to care for your dog in the winter, here.
You might also like our post, Doggy Pawdicure is a Must. You will find a recipe for Paw Butter Bars.
If you want to save this post with the recipe, use one of the images below to pin to Pinterest. You also have the option to print the recipe below.
DIY Snoot and Toebean Balm
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tsp vitamin E oil
- 4 tsp sweet almond oil
- 8 tsp beeswax
Instructions
- Melt all together in a pan on the stove top.
- Constantly stir the mixture until everything dissolves.
- Pour into a glass measuring cup with a handle and spout.
- Pour evenly into 4-4 oz. glass jars.
- Let sit until dissolved mixture hardens.
- Apply to your fur baby's 4 adorable paws as often as you see the need.
- Store at room temperature keeping the balm from extreme heat.
- If stored correctly, this balm should last up to 2 years.
What amount of each ingredient should I use when making this? I can’t wait to make some and try it out on our dogs.
Thank you
Sincerely
Lori
Hi Lori,
Keep scrolling on the post and the recipe with measurement for the ingredients is at the bottom before the comments. I think your dogs are going to love this on their paws. Thank you for visiting our website.
Tell your dogs that I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
I would like to try this but I don’t know the ratios of oils. I won’t use anything on her that could harm her because she does lick her paws. I am going to cut the extra fur between her toes with a mini shaver but I’m looking for a balm I can use. She is a water dog and the wet fur between her pads seems to be irritating her.
Hi Beth,
Keep scrolling on the post and the recipe with measurements for the ingredients is at the bottom before the comments. I think your dog will love how this feels. The ingredients are not going to harm her if she licks her paws. Just keep applying it to give her relief. Thank you for visiting our website.
Tell your dogs that I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
Is this greasy when applied to the paws? Or does it just take a bit to be absorbed?
Hi Kay,
Yes, it is a little greasy when applied to the paws, and it does take a bit to be absorbed. Keep working it in to your dog’s paws.
Tell your dog that I said, “hi!”
Jeana
Hi , I would like too know can you add fragrance too the oil like natural fragrance like lavender and so forth ?
Hi Trish,
Yes, you sure can add a natural fragrance. I hope your dog loves how this feels on the paws.
Tell your dog, I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
Does this balm harden to the same consistency as a lotion bar or is it a bit softer like a beard balm?
Hi Christina,
It is softer like a beard balm.😊I’m sorry this is a late response. I hope you made it and your dog loves it.
Tell your dog, I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
Hi Christina,
It is softer like a beard balm. I’m sorry for the late response. I hope you made this and that your dog loves it!
Tell your dog, I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
I’m going to try this recipe soon. Where or how did you have those labels made for the jars? Super cute! I’d love to make some as well!
Hi Amber,
Your fur baby will love how this balm makes their paw pads feel and you will love how soft their paw pads are! I created these labels on PowerPoint. However, there is a creative media production platform called Canva that is amazing! I use it now for labels and all other kinds of creations. 😊
Tell your dog I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
Can you share where you bought some of these items in bulk at a reasonable price? Especially beeswax and shea butter. Thanks!
Hi Jill,
I found all of the products at my local Natural Grocers. I think you could probably find them at a Sprout’s, as well. I hope this helps! I also hope the paw balm benefits your fur baby’s paw pads.
Tell your dog I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
Hi,
Is there anyway to and colour to the balm?
Hi Vijay,
That’s a really good question. I would need to research it extensively. I’m really not sure if oils hold color. Plus I’m not sure what would be safe for dog’s paw pads and snouts. If I can find an answer I will come back to this and post it. Thanks for asking.
Tell your dog I said, “hi!”
Jeana
I LOVE the recipe….but DESPISE the term ..DOGGOS…
Sorry..just saying
Hi Jodee,
I’m glad you love the dog paw balm recipe. Thank you for your honesty about despising the term, doggos. Some dog-lovers latch on to the internet lingo term and some do not. The term started appearing heavily on twitter in 2016 through an account named, “WeRateDogs.” Further research shows that it originated in Australia as a slang word of endearment for dogs. You can read the research article here, https://www.wired.com/story/rise-of-doggo/
I’ve tried using it in some of my writing on my blog, but I for one haven’t latched on to it. I wouldn’t say I despise it, but it isn’t my favorite word of endearment for dogs. Therefore, I do not use it in all of my writing, but I do experiment with the term.
Tell your dog I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
I don’t have all the oils, etc. can I safely use Vaseline on dog paws?
Hi Donna! This is a great question and I’m so glad you asked. Vaseline is not considered toxic for your dog, but it is not 100% safe. Vaseline is a derivative of oil refining, so there is some controversy surrounding the use of it on pets. However, the good news is that the carcinogenic elements have been removed, so a small amount shouldn’t do your dog any harm. Keep in mind though, that dogs love to lick and they will lick whatever we put on their paws and nose. Make sure you are using a very small amount and thoroughly massaging it into your dog’s paws and nose. If a lot of Vaseline is ingested, it can lead to diarrhea and upset stomach. At some point, you might want to consider safer alternatives, such as the DIY dog paw balm in this post. Even if you just use one or two of the ingredients in the recipe, it will be safer that the Vaseline. Best of luck to you and be sure to tell your dog I said hi!
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