If life were fair, dogs would get to walk around exclusively on pure clouds like the angels that they are. Since they have to walk on the ground like the rest of us, their perfect little feets sure do get a little wear and tear. Wondering how to make dog paw balm to soothe those barking dogs? Save a few bones (and pamper your pup!) with this easy paw wax recipe.
Why Use Dog Paw Wax
Seasonal weather patterns are ruff enough for us humans, and we get to change our footgear every season. Dogs aren’t so lucky, so they need an extra layer of care. Paw wax protects dogs’ tootsies from damage, and also soothes sore, cracked, or torn pads—whether from an especially tough walk or a particularly laborious play sesh.
Benefits of Using Paw Butter
Proactively applying paw wax is a great preventative measure to protect your pup’s paws. Using paw butter can lessen the impacts of extreme conditions by creating a protective seal between your dog’s paws and, well, everything else. It can help keep paws from cracking in cold weather and block salt burn (ouch!). Similarly, it creates a barrier between paws and hot pavement, making paw balm a worthy homemade project at any time of year!
DIY Dog Paw Balm Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil, sunflower oil, or sweet almond oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon shea butter
4 teaspoons beeswax
(Note: Do not sub cocoa butter for any ingredients—it’s toxic for dogs!)
How to Make Dog Paw Balm:
- Using a double boiler on low heat, melt all the ingredients while stirring continuously. Alternatively, you can microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Once the balm is well mixed, pour into the heat-safe container of your choice. Use a small glass jar, repurpose a tin, or even recycle an old deodorant applicator!
- Allow the paw wax to cool.
- Cover and label the balm. Be sure to keep it in a fairly cool place so it doesn’t melt!
How Often to Apply
This paw wax recipe is loaded with soothing ingredients and is super nourishing for your pup’s paws. You can feel great about applying it liberally 1-3 times per day. Safe for skin and all-natural, this balm should be applied anytime your dog will be exposed to hot pavement, snowy or icy conditions, or rugged terrain. It can safely be used on cracked noses, too—because of its wholesome contents, this balm is okay to be licked off in reasonable quantities. No eating it like a sundae, though (looking at you, Bailey).
Have you ever made dog paw balm? What else is in your pup’s self-care routine? Give us a howl in the comments and be sure to tag #SidewalkDog when you give this recipe a try!
Featured photo: Camylla Battani
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