Dogs’ paws are the foundation of their body, and their pads provide them traction and protect them from rough terrains and the temperature beneath them.
That’s why it’s crucial to take good care of their feet to keep them strong and healthy.
One thing you can do is to apply dog paw wax to their pads!
Not only can the balms soothe and repair dry, cracked, and damaged paw pads, but they also act as a shield to protect dogs’ paws from ice, salt, irritants, cold and hot pavements.
Below are the 10 top-rated dog paw balms we’ve reviewed in 2023 that can keep your dog’s feet moisturized and protected!
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** Best Dog Paw Balms Comparison
Our Top Picks
1. Musher’s Secret Paw Wax
Best Dog Paw Wax for Winter
Key Features:
- 100% natural food-grade waxes and oils
- Contains Vitamin E and beeswax
- Fast-drying, non-allergenic, and non-staining formula
- Forms a breathable shield to protect a dog’s paws
Musher’s Secret is a famous brand on the market, and their balms are known to be the best for cold weather.
The Musher’s Secret Paw Wax is a fast-drying, non-allergenic, and non-staining balm. Made with 100% all-natural food-grade ingredients to help protect your dog’s paws from harsh terrains such as hot pavement, snow, and salt. Combined with vitamin E and beeswax to condition and relieve paw pads.
What is also great is that not only the pads you can use it on, but also on the snout, elbows, and ears. Apply this 2 to 3 times a week and more frequently in winter.
PROS
- Offers excellent protection against snow, ice, salt on sidewalks, sand burns, and hot cement
- Can also be used on the nose, ears, and elbows
- One of the most trusted brands in the dog sledding community
CONS
- May not be suitable for dogs who have sensitive paws
2. Bohdi Dog Organic Paw Balm
Best for Sensitive Paws
Key Features:
- USDA-certified
- Premium grade ingredients
- Moisturize and prevent cracked paw pads with shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, hemp seed oil, and calendula extract
This excellent paw balm has won the 2020 Family Choice Awards, so you can rest assured of its quality. It offers a safe and effective way to moisturize and protect your dog’s paws with premium grade certified organic ingredients.
The Bodhi Dog Organic Paw Balm is made with an all-plant based blend and doesn’t contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes. That also means this balm is safe to be licked, making it a great option if your dog is a licker. It is also suitable for dogs who have sensitive skin and allergies.
PROS
- It is an all-organic balm and is safe for dogs with sensitive skin
- Great for combating rough and scaly skin, including hyperkeratosis
- No parabens, sulfates, artificial dyes, or fragrances
- Made in the US
- Award-winning quality
CONS
- The balm is thicker than others, which some dogs may not like
3. Paw Nectar Organic and Natural Paw Wax
Best for Healing Damaged Paws
Key Features:
- Fast-acting and lasting formulation
- Ingredients include vitamin E, aloe, cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, lavender oil, avocado oil, soy oil, and rosemary seed extract
- Soothes and heals dry, cracked, chaffed, chapped, and damaged paws
Does your dog have damaged paws, check out the Paw Nectar Organic and Natural Paw Wax. Its fast-acting and lasting formulation can penetrate deeply into the problem areas and heal the pads very quickly.
This paw wax uses 100% organic and all-natural ingredients such as certified organic coconut oils, shea butter, and other nourishing properties. It also offers excellent protection against snow, hot pavement, wet sidewalks, and dry indoor heat. Ideal for all year round use.
PROS
- Made with 100% all-natural ingredients
- Fast-acting relief
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
CONS
- The texture is a bit hard
4. Pawstruck Organic Nose & Paw Balm
Best All Organic Dog Foot Balm
Key Features:
- USDA-certified
- Human-grade ingredients
- Contains organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic carnauba wax, jojoba wax, and non-GMO vitamin E
- Repairs dog’s skin or hotspots
- Protects paws from harsh weather during summer and winter
The Pawstruck Organic Nose & Paw Balm is a specially formulated natural salve and hypoallergenic cream that can effectively restore dry, chapped, and itchy skin. It contains 100% natural ingredients and is made in the US to ensure safety and the highest quality possible.
You also notice its packaging has a USDA certified organic seal, meaning it is safe if licked. You can also apply this lotion to many different parts of your dog, such as the nose, paws, wrinkles, or other areas that need to be moisturized.
PROS
- Odorless
- Non-toxic
- Has a soothing effect
- Made in the US
- Also suitable for the nose, elbows, and wrinkles
CONS
- The oil in the balm may leave marks on furniture
5. 4Legger Certified Organic Nose & Paw Pad Healing Balm
Runner-Up Best Healing Paw Balm for Dogs
Key Features:
- USDA-certified
- 100% all-natural ingredients
- Contains organic hemp oil, organic shea butter, organic calendula extract, organic rosemary extract, organic carnauba wax, vitamin E
- Moisturizes and reduces inflammation
- Heals damaged skin
As you can see on its packaging, this is another USDA organic certified product. It is a 100% natural, fast, and effective healing cream that offers soothing relief from dry, itchy, and bleeding pads. Not only that, but it also provides all seasons paw protection from snow to hot pavements.
The 4Legger Certified Organic Nose & Paw Pad Healing Balm is non-toxic and packed with moisturizing vitamins and emollients such as shea butter, hemp oil, and calendula. Additionally, it is unscented, which means it is also great for dogs with a sensitive nose.
PROS
- Doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
- Provide natural relief for folliculitis, hyperkeratosis, hotspot, and dermatitis
- Made in the US
- Backed by a 100% money-back guarantee
- Can be used on the nose and elbows
CONS
- Some owners reported that it has a strange smell
6. Natural Dog Company Paw Soother
Runner-Up Best All Organic Dog Foot Moisturizer
Key Features:
- All-natural vegan balm
- Ingredients include jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, natural vitamin E, and calendula extract
- Soothes cracked and irritated paw pads
It is a veterinarian-recommended paw soother that can provide your dog with a gentle, holistic, and effective treatment. It is made with all-natural ingredients to keep the pads from getting too dry and crack in harsh summer and winter weather and can also cure chapped and peeling paws.
Apart from that, the Natural Dog Company Paw Soother can also be used to treat hyperkeratosis, a skin condition that has excess keratin buildup and can cause pain when your dog walks.
PROS
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Doesn’t contain harmful ingredients or artificial preservatives
- Made in the US
CONS
- A bit oily
- No protective wax
7. Baely's Paw Shield Dog Paw Balm
Best Dog Paw Balm for Summer
Key Features:
- All-natural and nutrient-rich ingredients
- 100% natural beeswax
- Hypoallergenic and non-staining formula
- Moisturizes and protects paws in hot and cold weather
The Baely’s Paw Shield Dog Paw Balm is a famous balm that can protect and keep your canine’s paws hydrated in summer and winter.
It is made with all-natural and nutrient-rich ingredients to promote quick healing of damaged paws. It also contains beeswax that acts as a shield to encapsulate your dog’s paws in extreme weather conditions while allowing its nourishing properties to heal the pads. Plus, it is harmless if licked.
Though it is not the cheapest, you get a high-quality and effective paw balm made in the US.
PROS
- Made with a blend of high melting point beeswax that can protect your dog’s feet from hot sidewalks
- Can also hydrate and soothe cracked nose and elbows
- No toxic chemicals
- Safe to be licked
- Made in the US
CONS
- Dogs may try to lick the balm off their feet
- The texture is a bit hard
8. ResQ Organics Skin Treatment & Healing Balm for Dogs
Best for Sore and Itchy Paws
Key Features:
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Has natural antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
- Cures dry paws and other skin issues
- Non-greasy formula
Just like its name indicates, this is a skin treatment and healing balm. Made with natural and organic ingredients such as cehami and manuka honey, which contain lots of powerful healing properties that are antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, making it one of the best balms to rejuvenate dog’s dry paws and other skin issues.
The ResQ Organics Skin Treatment & Healing Balm for Dogs doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and uses a non-greasy formula for speedy healing. It is also ideal for treating insect bites, abrasions, itchy skin, wounds, burns, cracked paw pads, and can even help with hair growth.
PROS
- Can treat almost any skin condition
- No alcohol, mineral oil, or harmful chemicals
- Backed by a no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee
CONS
- Not suitable for dogs with sensitive paws
- No protective wax
9. VetPro Complete Natural Vet Formulated Paw and Nose Balm
Best for Dry Paws
Key Features:
- 100% all-natural ingredients
- Contains sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, white beeswax, shea butter, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, vitamin E, and aloe
- Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
- Veterinarian formulated
- Protects and repairs dry paws
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified
This balm is formulated by Dr.Joseph, a veterinarian that has more than 30 years of experience. It is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and made with 100% natural ingredients, which means it is safe for dogs. It has a unique formula that will create a layer to encapsulate your dog’s paws to protect them from the sun, salt, and hot surfaces.
Also, the VetPro Complete Natural Vet Formulated Paw and Nose Balm contains vitamin E and aloe vera to hydrate, relieve, and repair cracked pads and dry nose. It is made in the US, doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, and is Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified, meaning the balms are produced and controlled to quality standards.
PROS
- Absorbs into paws pretty quickly
- No parabens, phthalates, GMOs, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, artificial colors, and fragrances
- Made in the US
- 100% money-back guarantee
CONS
- A bit oily
- Some owners complained that it leaves marks on flooring
10. Pet Head Oatmeal Natural Paw Butter
Best Budget Buy Dog Paw Soother
Key Features:
- pH balanced
- Keeps paws hydrated with shea butter, oatmeal, mango, coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E and F
- Oatmeal scented
This paw butter uses a wholesome and eco-friendly formula, designed to comfort dry and scratchy pads with its gentle and soothing ingredients such as shea butter, vitamins E and F, oatmeal, mango, coconut oil, olive oil, and aloe vera.
Additionally, the Pet Head Oatmeal Natural Paw Butter is pH balanced and free of harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and cocamide DEA. It is also oatmeal scented, which can keep your dog’s feet fresh and sweet-smelling.
PROS
- Affordable
- pH balanced
- No sulfates or parabens
- Made in the US
CONS
- Dogs may try to lick the balm off their feet
- No wax to protect paws from outdoor elements
Benefits of Using Dog Paw Balms
Prevent Dry, Cracked Paws
Dog’s paws are just like our feet. They can become dry, itchy, and chapped, especially in winter. Using dog foot balms can keep your fido’s feet moisturized and prevent cracks.
Protect Paws from the Elements and Harmful Chemicals
Paw balms serve as an alternative to dog boots, which creates a barrier to protect your dog’s feet from the sand, snow, ice, salt, as well as hot and cold surfaces.
Heal Damaged Paws and Treat Skin Condition
Dog foot balms can also cure damaged paws and treat a common skin condition called hyperkeratosis, also known as hairy paws. What happens is that it will produce excessive keratin, which causes footpads or nose to thicken, crack, bleed, and may lead to infections. When it comes to treating this condition, non-wax paw balms are a better option.
Paw Balm vs. Paw Wax
- Paw Balm. These products usually contain natural ingredients with rich emollients to help relieve and prevent cracking or peeling paws. While you will find some balms also contain beeswax to offer pads protection like the Baely’s Paw Shield Dog Paw Balm, they focus more on keeping dogs’ feet moisturized.
- Paw Wax. Dog paw waxes are very similar to dog foot balms, which have ingredients that can soothe your dog’s feet. But they are made with paw protection in mind, with more waxy ingredients to create a protective layer to shield the paws from hot and cold surfaces and other harsh irritants.
What Causes Dry, Cracked Paw Pads?
Wonder why your dog’s paw pads become dry and crack?
Here are some of the common causes.
Hot Surfaces
In summer, the ground can get extremely hot, which the heat can quickly dry out your dog’s pads, leading to cracking, and can potentially cause burns and blisters. When taking your pup out for walks in the warmer months, it’s best to avoid asphalt, concrete, metal, sand, sidewalks, and pavement.
Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can also dry out your canine’s footpads due to low humidity. And unfortunately, the cold, dry winter air isn’t the only thing that will cause cracked pads. Salt and other chemicals used to melt ice on sidewalks and roads can also pose a threat to your dog’s feet! So, getting your fido a pair of dog snow boots when winter hits is a good idea.
Allergies
Dogs are just like humans. Certain ingredients in food can cause allergic reactions in your furry friend, causing itching in their ears, nose, and paws. When that happens, they will lick, scratch, and chew to find relief. And constant chewing will aggravate the problem, leading to dry, cracked paw pads.
Mineral Deficiency
Crusted and cracked paw pads can also be a result of zinc deficiency. This condition can cause thickening and hardening of the footpads, making them susceptible to cracking. And some dog breeds are at a higher risk of zinc deficiency, which includes Beagles, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Poodles, Samoyeds, and Siberian Huskies.
Dog Paw Balms and Waxes Buying Guide
1. Types of Dog Foot Balms
Make sure to pick the right type of dog foot balm that suits your dog’s needs. For instance, if you need to protect your dog’s feet from hot or cold weather, you would want to select a paw wax like Musher’s Secret Paw Wax.
But suppose you are looking to hydrate, soothe, and cure your dog’s wounds or damaged pads. In that case, choosing a paw balm such as the Paw Nectar Organic and Natural Paw Wax, Natural Dog Company Paw Soother, and ResQ Organics Skin Treatment & Healing Balm for Dogs may be a smarter choice.
2. Ingredients
It is also a good idea to choose paw balms made with natural and organic ingredients to prevent irritation. Preferably those that have a USDA certified organic seal on the packaging like the Bodhi Dog Organic Paw Balm, Pawstruck Organic Nose & Paw Balm, and 4Legger Certified Organic Nose & Paw Pad Healing Balm. And obviously, you would want to avoid the ones that contain harmful ingredients to ensure safety.
3. Multiple Applications
Dog’s elbows, nose, and ears can also become dry and itchy, not just their paws. So, it’s probably a better idea to pick balms that can also be used for those areas to make things easier for you.
Tips to Prevent Your Dog From Licking the Balm
While some paw balms are safe to lick, you would still want to prevent your dog from doing that to allow the lotion to maximize its effect. And here are some of the tips for deterring your furkid from consuming the product.
- Wash your dog’s feet when they are back from outside to remove dirt and other irritants, and the best and easiest way is by using a dog paw cleaner.
- After you apply the paw balm, try to distract your dog using their favorite treats, or you can also get them to wear baby socks until the wax is fully absorbed.
- Otherwise, only apply the paw soother when they are tired.
DIY Paw Balm for Dogs Recipe
Prefer to make it your own?
Sure, here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make your dog paw balms.
Ingredients and Supplies:
- 2 tablespoons of olive, sunflower, or sweet almond oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 4 tablespoons beeswax
- a small pot
- a standard lip balm tube or tin
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Put the oils, shea butter, and beeswax in the small pot
- Boil all four ingredients over low heat and stir until well mixed
- Carefully pour the blend into the lip balm tube or tin
- Let it cool to room temperature
- Once it becomes hard, put the lid on and keep it away
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need paw balm?
Absolutely. If your dog’s paw pads get too dry, it will crack and potentially lead to infections. Also, their paws are more prone to cracking in summer and winter. So, applying paw balm is a must to keep their feet healthy.
Can I use Vaseline on my dog’s dry paws?
Keep in mind that Vaseline is not intended for use on dogs. Though Vaseline is non-toxic, it may contain ingredients like petroleum jelly, which can upset your dog’s tummy if licked and ingested.
