5-Minute DIY Dog Paw Balm for Dry Cracked Paws

You know how hard the winter elements can be on human hands and feet, but have you ever thought about what about your dog’s paws?

Besides their pads/paw pads getting dry and chapped, your dog’s nose may also get rough and cracked.

I’ve noticed that Ruby and Callie’s paws and sometimes even their noses get dry and cracked during the winter months, but I have yet to find a store-bought paw balm that really makes a difference.

The problem with many commercial dog paw balm products is that they have so many unnecessary ingredients, many that I can’t even pronounce.

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not use a lot of weird chemicals on my pets (or on myself, either). Whether making homemade frozen dog treats, or DIY'ing my own dog leash. That’s why I always feel better when I make something from scratch.

HOW DIY DOG PAW BALM HELPS YOUR DOG'S PAWS

Homemade DIY Dog Paw and Nose Balm is a lightweight, all-natural recipe that helps to heal wounds and reduces inflammation while helping your pup’s nose and paw keep moisture.

Our dog paw balm hydrates deep down with exceptionally better than any balm, cream or lotion you can purchase online. It provides immediate relief and long-term protection for dry, damaged paws.

Put it on your pup’s paws, snout, tummy, ears, lips, tail, or anywhere he or she’s got raw, inflamed skin. It soothes irritation and takes away the scratching, licking, and biting so you both can get some rest. Note that while it will soothe, probably won’t cure them.

DOG'S PAWS ARE SENSITIVE

Dogs can't handle heat like humans do, because they sweat from all over their body. They pant to keep cool, but paw sweat is a thing too.

A dog's paw has five pads, which each have a thick layer of fat underneath the skin. These pads act like shock absorbers, which ease the pressure on your dog’s joints. It's good for the joints, but the paws take the brunt of it.

As puppies, paws are very sensitive and pink. As the dog ages, its skin should get tougher and more sensitive.

The skin on the paw pads won't be as toughened up if the dog is more of an inside dog. That means the paws may be more sensitive than the paws of more outdoorsy pets.

WHAT CAN I PUT ON MY DOG'S DRY NOSE?

Just like our hands in the cold winter months, even a dog's nose can become dry and cracked.

Fortunately, there are a couple of options. Using Shea Butter by itself or our homemade dog paw balm can help dog's with dry cracked noses.

Shea butter protects and moisturizes skin... and it's totally dog-safe! Shea butter soothes dry paws, noses, elbows, and other dry patches.

This way you can moisturize both your dog’s paws and your hands all at the same time.

BENEFITS OF DOG PAW BALM OR NOSE BALM

It's always good to use paw balm as preventative care, and, especially during extreme weather, it can have a massive impact.

Have you wondered how you can soothe your dog's paws? In freezing weather, paw pads get dry and crack. When your dog jumps in snow or ice, not only do they risk snow getting stuck between his toes (which can lead to frostbite amongst other things), but also the possibility that toxic de-icing products have been spread throughout the area.

Besides irritating your dog's skin, anything from antifreeze to salt will cause him to lick it off his paw pads, and having ingested such chemicals can have devastating effects.

Paw balm creates a semi-permeable seal to protect the pads from everything they come into contact with.

The same way dog paw balm prevents damage from extreme cold and chemicals, it also improves insulation from extreme heat conditions.

Even though their paws can sweat, it won't keep them cool enough on blistering-hot concrete, asphalt, or sand. This homemade DIY Dog Paw Balm creates that protective barrier, so the paws stay soft and moist.

Cracked noses happen all the time, no matter how active they are, inside or outside of the house.

WHAT IS PAW BALM USED FOR?

In extreme conditions, or when your dog's paws are extremely sensitive, you may need to consider booties to protect their paws, but no matter what, a dog paw balm is always a great tool for dog paw care.

Paw balm keeps dogs' pads from getting damaged, but it also soothes sore, cracked, and damaged ones.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PUT PAW BALM ON MY DOG'S PAWS?

Paw balm moisturizes your pet's paw pads with all-natural ingredients.

We should use paw balm at minimum once daily. However, if you can massage the pads 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days, you’ll be amazed at how super soft your dog’s paws will become.

Put some on your pup's paws to treat dry, chapped, cracked, chaffed or damaged feet. It’s also safe to use on your pup’s skin. And since it’s all-natural, there’s not much to worry about if your dog licks it off.

People have commented that homemade paw balm works quickly and is even considered a miracle cure for cracked dry dog’s paws.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE NATURAL DOG PAW BALM AND NOSE BALM

All these ingredients are safe and approved by the American Kennel Club.

We know Shea butter for smoothing, softening, and hydrating the skin. 

Beeswax is great for healing chapped skin, so it's perfect for a homemade balm. Last, the combination of coconut and olive oil in this recipe adds additional hydration to leave your pup’s paw’s paws feeling silky smooth.

Apply the balm by massaging it into the pads of your dog’s paws or nose as often as needed. Don’t worry if your dog licks it off of his paws! 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links (Amazon Associate or other programs we take part in). As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

HOW TO STORE YOUR DIY DOG PAW BALM AND NOSE BALM

• We can store this homemade paw balm in a cool, dry place.
• This balm will keep for up to a year if stored in a cool, dry place.

Ingredients:

My recipe for homemade paw balm has only 5 ingredients, many of which you probably have in your house right now.

• Beeswax
• Coconut Oil
• Vitamin E Oil
• Olive Oil
• Optional: Shea Butter for added moisture

Supplies Needed:

• Microwave-Safe Bowl
• Container for storing homemade paw balm

Directions:

Step 1: In a microwave-safe dish, melt the beeswax. You want to heat it in 20-second intervals and string it after each heating.

Step 2: Stir in the other ingredients and mix until fully combined. You may need to heat a little more to make sure it is fully mixed and 100% liquid.

Step 3: Pour into a container and allow to cool before using.

Notes:

1. If you'd like some added moisture, you can add ¼ cup of shea butter.
2. This balm is on the harder side, kinda like chapstick. If you would like it a little softer, you can use a little less wax and another tablespoon of olive oil.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON HOMEMADE DIY DOG PAW BALM AND NOSE BALM

As you can see, this is a simple, wholesome recipe that will really help wit’s dry, cracked winter feet. It's also great for dog moms (and dads), and works on cracked lips and dry, cracked elbows, heels, and cuticles.

PRINTABLE RECIPE FOR 5-MINUTE DIY DOG PAW BALM AND NOSE BALM

5-Minute DIY Dog Paw Balm and Nose Balm