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When you bring your dog out for a walk, their paws touch all sorts of surfaces – from muddy puddles, snowy paths to concrete floors and hard rocks. Your dog’s paws go through so much every day!
And to help keep your furry friend’s paws in good shape and protected from a variety of surfaces and textures, dog paw balms are you and your dog’s paws best friend.
In this article, we’ll list down some of the best dog paw balms so you can make sure your pup’s paws are in tip top condition!
Why Use Paw Balms For Your Dog?
Paw balms are topical products that are specifically made to protect your dog’s paws against different surfaces and elements when walking. And they also help heal dry, cracked paw pads.
Other than these two, dog paw balms have many other benefits, including:
- Help alleviate or treat minor dog paw hyperkeratosis
- Provide a protective layer on the paw pads
- Moisturize paw pads
- Soothe irritated skin
- Treat different blisters, cuts, and burns not only on paws, but also on other areas like the nose
What To Look For In a Dog Paw Balm
There are a lot of dog paw balms available on the market right now. But of course, we’d want the best for our furry friends! So, here are a few things to look for and consider when choosing the most ideal paw balm:
Safe, Dog-Friendly Ingredients
Dog paw balms are made from different blends of ingredients. However, the most ideal paw balm for your pup should be made from dog-friendly and all-natural ingredients only.
Synthetic ingredients can cause further irritation to your dog’s paws and skin. So, make sure to look for paw balms that have ingredients like beeswax or botanical wax; olive, coconut, or avocado oil; shea or cocoa butter; and sometimes, even CBD oil.
Furthermore, make sure you are not buying paw balms with anything that your dog is allergic to. For example, if your dog has a soy allergy, look for balms that are soy-free.
It is multi-purpose
Just cause it’s called a “paw balm” doesn’t mean it can’t be used on your dog’s other body parts like their nose or elbows.
Dog paw balms that use all-natural ingredients are multi-purpose. Since they’re safe to use on your dog’s paws mean they can also be used on other body parts.
However, when you want to also use the paw balm on your dog’s nose, make sure it’s a fragrance-free balm, since a dog’s sense of smell is powerful.
Size and consistency of the product
Dog paw balms come in different sizes. So, when looking for one, always consider the size of your dog and how often you’ll apply the product. Of course, bigger dogs require more balms due to their large paws.
Furthermore, paw balms come in different consistency and formulas, too. Some come in squeeze bottles, tin containers, and some come in stick forms, like a deodorant or sunscreen stick.
It’s within your budget
And finally, when looking for a dog paw balm, you don’t only consider its ingredients, size and how well it works, but also the price. It must be within your budget! Paw balms prices can be around $10 to $25, depending on the size of the product.
5 Best Paw Balms For Your Dog
Here are our top five choices of dog paw balms. Browse the list below and find the most ideal choice for your budget and, of course, your dog’s paws!
1. Best Overall: Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax
It’s no secret that Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax works wonders for dog paws. Among all the dog paw balms in the market, this paw balm is simply our (and a lot of dog owners’) best overall choice. And it’s easy to see why!
Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax ticks all our boxes. It’s easy to apply, it doesn’t leave stains, it creates an invisible protection for dog paws, helps soothe and heal dry and cracked skin, and is made for any kind of weather, especially winter.
Furthermore, it is made from natural plant ingredients. It doesn’t contain any nut, soy and gluten, making it the perfect choice for pups that are allergic to such ingredients.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients
- Ideal for dogs allergic to nut, soy or gluten
- Fast drying and absorbing
- Offers all-season protection
Cons
- Initially leaves a bit of residue on cloth and fabrics
- More expensive than other balms
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax 200 g (7oz) - Moisturizing Dog Paw Balm that Creates an Invisible... | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
2. Best Quality: Bodhi Dog Organic Paw Balm
This organic dog paw balm from Bodhi Dog is made from 100% USDA-certified organic shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, hemp seed oil and candela extract. And because of its high-quality ingredient, the product actually won the 2020 and 2021 Family Choice Awards for Pets.
It provides impressive protection against dryness and cracking. Additionally, it helps soothe irritated paws and also builds a protective layer on your pet’s paws with regular use.
Furthermore, a lot of dog parents say you don’t have to use it long enough to see visible results! Some reviews even called the product a “miracle”.
Pros
- Made with certified high-quality ingredients
- Offers instant relief
- Gives you immediate results
- No overpowering scent
Cons
- A bit pricey
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Bodhi Dog Paw Balm | USDA Certified Organic | Natural Soothing & Healing for Dry Cracking Rough Pet... | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
3. Best Organic: Paw Nectar Organic Dog Paw Balm
For organic and eco-conscious dog parents, the Paw Nectar Organic Dog Paw Balm is for you. This dog paw balm is made from 100% organic ingredients such as coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter and botanical wax among other things.
Since it’s made from organic ingredients, it’s multi-functional and can be used on your furry friend’s skin, too. And because of the same reason, you don’t have to worry about your dog licking it off its paws.
Paw Nectar also claims that the product gives you immediate results, which is backed up with a lot of reviews from satisfied dog parents!
Pros
- Gives you immediate results
- Made with 100% organic ingredients
- Can be used on your dog’s skin, too
Cons
- Not ideal for dogs with soy allergy
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Paw Nectar Dog Paw Balm - Heals, Repairs & Restores Dry, Cracked & Damaged Paws - 100% Organic &... | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
4. Best Value For Money: Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter
Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter will give you a lot of bang for your buck. Not only can it be used on your dog’s paws, but it can also be applied on your dog’s nose.
This affordable dog paw balm from Pet Head has a creamy and oatmeal scent. It is also made from high-quality ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil to moisturize your dog’s paws, and vitamins E and aloe vera to treat dry and cracked skin.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Can also be used on your dog’s nose
Cons
- Not good for dogs who are sensitive to smell since it has a fairly strong scent
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
The Company of Animals Pet Head Oatmeal Natural Paw Butter 2oz | $7.99 | Buy on Amazon |
5. Best Stick: Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm
Our best dog paw balm stick choice goes to Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm. This stick is a bit pricey but the quality of the product definitely justifies the price tag.
It is made in the U.S. and its vegan, dog-friendly ingredients are what helps moisturize and heal cracked paws. It also helps alleviate dog paw hyperkeratosis and offers instant relief if your furry friend has red and inflamed paws.
Furthermore, it is easy to apply since it comes in a handy stick package. And it is available in different sizes so you can conveniently bring it while traveling with your dog.
Pros
- Made with vegan ingredients
- Helps alleviate dog paw hyperkeratosis
- Offers instant relief
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Leaves a yellow stain on cloth and fabrics
- A bit pricey
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm, 2 oz. Stick, Dog Paw Cream and Lotion, Moisturizes & Soothes... | $17.95 | Buy on Amazon |
How To Properly Use A Paw Balm
Using a paw balm is very easy and something every dog owner can do on their own. But knowing how to properly apply it will help in the effectiveness of the product.
See below on how to properly use a paw balm on your dog:
- Clean your hands first to avoid further infection
- If you must, clean your dog’s paw with a gentle cloth
- Rub or apply the balm onto the surface of the paw pads
- After applying the balm, give your dog a treat so they can associate the experience with something positive.
- Wait a few minutes for the balm to work its magic before letting your dog walk, play or run.
- Use the balm as often as directed on the packaging.
- Timing is important! Apply the balm when they’re sleeping/napping. This is when they’re most calm and they surely won’t lick the product off of their paws.
Conclusion
Dog paw balms are a great product to moisturize your dog’s paws and prevent dry and cracked skin. Additionally, with regular use, these topical products can help build a protective layer on a dog’s paw, making any outdoor adventure more fun and safe for your furry friend!