When your dog’s paws are dried and cracked, you want to do anything you can to help them feel better. This easy homemade Dog Paw Balm is made with nourishing and safe ingredients. Not only is it natural, but it is also very easy to make!
P.S. This DIY Dog Paw Balm is also safe for cats!
DIY Dog Paw Balm Recipe
This recipe yields 4 ounces of homemade dog paw balm. You can put the balm into several smaller containers or one large 4-ounce tin.
While this recipe only takes 10 minutes to make, allow for 4 hours to cool.
Ingredients
Directions
Step 1
Set up the tin you are using in a place where you want it to rest for four hours because it will be hot once you pour in the liquid!
Add the water to a 2-quart saucepan.
Step 2
Add all of the other ingredients to a 2-cup heat-proof glass measuring cup.
Place the cup in the saucepan of water, with the handle outside of the pan.
Step 3
Heat the pan on the stove over medium heat.
The ingredients will slowly start to simmer. Stir occasionally to keep the ingredients melting.
Heat until fully melted, about 10 minutes.
Step 4
Slowly pour the contents of the measuring cup into the containers.
The handle of the measuring cup should remain cool enough to handle, but if not, be sure to use an oven mitt.
Only fill the tin ¾ of the way full.
Leave the containers to sit and harden for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
If you use a large 4-oz. container, it may take longer for the balm to harden compared to the time needed for smaller tin containers.
How to Use This Dog Paw Balm
Scoop a little bit out on your fingers (a little goes a long way) and rub it into your dog’s (or cat’s) paw pads. Make sure that the paw pads are clean and dry for the best absorption.
Use once a day for rough paw pads.
You can use this balm 1-2 times a week to prevent your dog’s paws from drying and cracking.
Keep covered and stored in a cool area for up to 2 months.
Helpful Tips
- All ingredients used are safe for dogs, based on veterinarian advice. If your dog has an allergy or medical condition, it is best to ask your vet if this product is safe for them to use.
- If you have dog socks or booties for their feet, it’s handy to put them on after putting the balm on their paws because they will be tempted to lick it off. It’s perfectly safe for them to lick the balm and is actually good for their skin and tummies, but we want it to help their paws and if they lick it off, it won’t get time to soak in and do its job. Having booties or socks for their paws isn’t necessary at all, but helps if you have a hyper-licker like I do.
- Raw shea butter is the best option for both the consistency of the balm and the efficacy of the ingredient itself. Although this balm has a pretty long shelf life, it’s shorter than it could be because of the raw shea butter, but it’s worth it for the benefit. If desired, you can always keep it in the fridge so it lasts even longer, but I would warm it up a bit between your fingers before placing it on your dog’s paws so as not to startle them with such a cold item.
- This salve works great for hotspots and itchy skin as well, but if your pet is having issues with this, you want to take them to the vet to diagnose the underlying problem. In the meantime, this will help soothe those spots.
- Jojoba oil can be used in place of vitamin E oil.
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