Your dog’s paw pads have an important role. They provide traction and balance, while also protecting the feet from extreme temperatures and rugged ground.
That’s why it’s extremely important to make sure they’re strong, healthy, and moisturized.
Keep in mind since the paws help with better grip, they shouldn’t be completely smooth, but that doesn’t mean they need to be rough or chopped either.
While you can treat dry paw pads at home, if you happen to notice any bleeding, or that your dog is limping or licking his feet obsessively, it’s a good idea to give your veterinarian a visit.
Now, let’s talk about why your dog’s paws might be in bad shape in the first place.
What are the Causes Of Dry, Cracked Paw Pads?
Allergies: An allergic reaction can be triggered by food sensitivity, or contact with chemicals, such as carpet and floor cleaners, garden sprays, and fertilizers.
Hot pavement: Hot concrete and asphalt can wreak havoc on your dog’s feet. Best rule of thumb? When you go outside, touch your hand to the ground, and if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
Hyperkeratosis: This is a condition where a dog develops dry skin around its paws and nose as a result of excessive keratin production.
Sensitive paws: Some dogs have naturally sensitive skin, and they’re usually more prone to dryness, especially around their paws and snout area.
Wintertime: Cold weather can also cause the paws to dry out. Moreover, during snow, the sidewalks and roads are often coated with sand and salt, which may irritate the skin as well.
Zinc deficiency: Breeds like Great Danes, Beagles, German Shepherds, Poodles, and Huskies are likely to have zinc deficiencies, which in turn may result in dry and cracked paws.
On that note, here are our top dog paw moisturizer picks.
What’s the Best Dog Paw Moisturizer?
1. 4-Legger Certified Organic Nose and Paw Pad Healing Balm
This healing balm consists of hemp oil, shea butter, and beeswax for naturally moisturizing, nourishing, and protecting your dog’s paws.
There’s also rosemary, calendula, and St. John’s wort extract, along with vitamin E to help soothe your dog’s sensitive paw pads.
On the other hand, it doesn’t have any scent, and it’s safe for pets, as it contains only organic, all-natural ingredients. This means you don’t have to worry each time your dog licks the product.
You can use this balm for a variety of ailments, including everything from dry paws or dry nose to hyperkeratosis, hot spots, itchy skin, wound healing, and even bug bites.
To apply the balm, use your fingers, and rub it on the affected area two to three times a day. It should absorb pretty quickly, and you’ll probably see a noticeable difference after a few days of use.
To keep the paw pads in top shape, continue using it on a daily basis.
4-Legger balms are manufactured in the US, and they’re USDA certified organic, but some of the ingredients are sourced from Africa.
Pros
- Contains herbs
- Fragrance-free
- All-natural
- Safe for pets
- Absorbs quickly
- Made in the US
- USDA certified organic
Cons
- Some ingredients are outsourced
2. Natural Dog Company Paw Soother
This paw soother is based on cupuacu butter, but it’s also rich in coconut, hempseed, and jojoba oils to help with cracked dog paws. As a bonus, they also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, it contains medicinal herbs like calendula, chamomile, and rosemary to help soothe and heal dry, chapped paws, as well as vitamin E, which acts as a natural preservative.
The product is organic and completely free of artificial preservatives or any other harmful ingredients, such as petroleum. This means that it’s 100% safe for dogs, even if ingested accidentally.
For damaged pads, apply it twice a day when your dog rests until his paws get better. Then, continue to use it every few days, or once a week for maintaining healthy paws.
You can also use this gentle moisturizer to treat your dog’s rough elbows and dry nose, or after a sunburn. To protect your pup’s sensitive paws from hot surfaces, ice, snow, and allergens, check out PawTection.
Natural Dog Company balms are made in the US, and each one of them is handcrafted individually to ensure the highest quality possible for your dog. As proof, the company offers a 90-day return policy.
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Contains herbs
- Organic
- No harmful ingredients
- Safe for dogs
- Made in the US
- 90-day return policy
Cons
- No protective wax
3. Pawstruck Organic Nose & Paw Wax Balm for Dogs
This all-in-one natural paw balm is made of top ingredients, from olive and coconut oil to various waxes, all of which are highly effective at moisturizing and protecting your pet’s paws.
There’s also a non-GMO vitamin E included, which acts as an antioxidant, helping to prolong the shelf life of the ingredients.
The product is hypoallergenic, organic, and non-toxic, so you should be able to apply it safely on dogs, and even puppies.
You can use it to restore your dog’s dry, chapped skin to its normal texture, deal with hot spots, or for calming itching due to dermatitis, a rash, or an allergy.
Other than repairing damaged dog’s paws, this paw lotion is also suitable for your pet’s nose, elbows, and wrinkles, and it even provides paw protection against harsh weather conditions, salt, and sand.
To ensure their quality standards and safety, Pawstruck’s balms are made in the US under the USDA regulations, and they also have a US-based customer care team. Additionally, with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, it’s hard to go wrong,
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Safe for dogs
- Includes wax
- Made in the US
- USDA certified organic
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- No herbs
4. Peak Dog Paw Protection Wax Stick
This paw wax is meant to stand up to even the harshest weather conditions, helping to alleviate dryness and cracking.
It contains almond and coconut oil, along with shea butter, and creates a barrier between your dog’s paws and the ground, so there’s no need for boots.
In addition, there’s lavender oil included for its soothing properties, as well as is vitamin E, which not only helps with providing moisture, but also for prolonging the shelf life of the ingredients.
The product is all-natural, and is perfectly safe for dogs, as well as humans. So even if your pup happens to lick some of it, it’s not a big deal.
The addition of lavender oil, however, discourages licking.
For added convenience, this wax comes in a stick form, which allows for maximum control and precision while applying. There’s even a complimentary travel-size stick included that you can take with you on the go!
Peak Dog Paw Protection is proudly made from quality ingredients in San Francisco, US by a veteran’s group. While there isn’t a specific money-back guarantee, they do offer a limited warranty.
Pros
- Creates a natural barrier
- All-natural
- Safe for dogs
- Convenient to use
- Made in the US
Cons
- Lavender scent can be off-putting
5. Petpost Paw Balm for Dogs
This paw balm is primarily made from coconut, jojoba, and hemp oil, which are all ideal for soothing dry paws, while also carrying anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
This means you can easily keep your dog’s paws from drying out while preventing infection.
The all-natural product strays away from any harmful ingredients, thus it’s perfectly safe for your dog to use, and you don’t have to stress if he happens to ingest some of it.
However, though the ingredients are safe, and free from any chemicals or fragrance, they aren’t organic, and there are no soothing herbs included.
This balm comes in a stick form, much like deodorant. This makes it very easy to apply to specific areas, and creates minimal mess.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just the paw pads either, as it can be used to help calm dried out noses, as well as elbows and other sensitive spots.
PetPost Paw Balm is made in the US under environmentally conscious standards, so you can be sure you’re getting a good product. On the chance that it doesn’t work for you or your dog, there’s a money-back guarantee.
Pros
- All-natural
- Safe for dogs
- Convenient to use
- Made in the US
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Non-organic
- No herbs
- No protective wax
6. Paw Nectar 100% Organic and Natural Paw Wax
This paw wax is mostly made of coconut and avocado oil, but it also contains beeswax, as well as shea and cocoa butter to help combat and protect chapped, cracked, and damaged paws.
It also includes aloe vera, rosemary, and lavender oil to help soothe and heal dry areas, and a bit of vitamin E to add moisture, and prolong the its shelf life.
This holistic product is 100% organic, and it doesn’t contain controversial or toxic ingredients, making it safe for both humans and dogs, even if they accidentally lick it.
Also, this wax can be used for a range of skin issues, and it absorbs fairly quickly. This makes it much easier for your dog to walk around without slipping.
QualityPet balms are made in the US in upstate New York, so you know they’re high-quality. But if for some reason, you’re not entirely satisfied, you can always return it and ask for a full refund.
Pros
- Contain herbs
- 100% organic
- Non-toxic
- Absorbs Quickly
- Made in the US
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Tends to harden
7. VetPro Complete Natural Vet Formulated Paw and Nose Balm
This paw balm is made from sunflower oil, shea butter, and aloe vera. It also contains vitamin E to help keep the product fresh for as long as possible.
This combination soothes cracked, dry paws, and instantly delivers hydration to damaged areas.
The addition of aloe vera works to heal existing damage, while preventing future dryness, but there are no other soothing herbs or essential oils present.
Also, this product is completely free from parabens and any artificial dyes or fragrances.
While the ingredients aren’t organic, they’re 100% natural, which means the balm is perfectly safe to use on pets, even if they happen to lick their paws.
Since this balm made by veterinarians, you shouldn’t be surprised that it has various uses. Like many others on this list, not only is it great for dry paws, but you can use it as a nose moisturizer, too!
Vetpro Paw Balm is made in the US, and offers a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Contains aloe vera
- All-natural
- Safe for dogs
- Made in the US
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Non-organic
- No protective wax
8. WashBar Dog Paw Balm
This is the only dog paw balm to utilize New Zealand Kanuka oil, which is well-known for its powerful healing properties.
It also uses organic beeswax, as well as apricot oil and lavender essential oil, all of which provide extra moisturization, while also protecting your dog’s paws
Lavender oil is well-known for its ability to soothe damaged or dry skin as well, though the scent isn’t agreeable for everyone.
The product is 100% all-natural, and many of the ingredients are organic.
The fact that there are no artificial chemicals, dyes, or fragrances present, means that it’s perfectly safe for your dog, even if he decides to taste it.
In addition, this balm is super-absorbent, so you don’t have to worry about your dog making a mess or leaving residue all over your house.
Simply warm a bit of it up by rubbing it together between your hands, and apply to the paw pad for instant soothing and relief.
WashBar balms are made in New Zealand, and each one comes with a money-back guarantee if you aren’t entirely satisfied.
Pros
- Contains Kanuka oil
- All-natural
- Safe for dogs
- Absorbs Quickly
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Lavender scent isn’t favored by everyone
Paw Balm vs Paw Wax: What’s the Difference?
Paw balm is an oil-based product that’s used on a dog’s paws to help provide moisture. These products often contain oils, butters, and herbs that not only prevent dryness, but also help with healing cracked paws, or even chapped noses, sunburns, and insect bites.
Paw balms absorb quickly, which means less mess, and because they’re usually made from non-toxic, all-natural ingredients, it’s perfectly safe for your dog to lick them.
The downside, however, is that the balm may need to be reapplied frequently for maximum effect.
Paw wax, on the other hand, creates an actual barrier between your dog’s paws and the surfaces he comes into contact with.
While this is an excellent choice for colder weather climates, keep in mind that wax melts in the heat, so it will quickly break down on hot sidewalks, and offer little to no protection.
If your dog has really dried out, chapped paws, and for dogs with hyperkeratosis, you should definitely get a paw balm. However, for wintertime, it’s probably best to go with either paw wax, or a paw balm that contains wax in it.
Can You Put Baby Lotion or Vaseline on Your Dog’s Paws?
The problem with baby lotions and Vaseline products is that they’re not intended for use on dogs, so they may not be 100% pet-safe.
Human moisturizers and Vaseline may contain chemicals and ingredients that would be harmful to our pets, and some even include fragrances that have the potential to irritate your dog’s skin.
Since he may lick his paws and nose, these products could actually do more harm than good. Considering the wide selection of natural paw balms available, there’s no good reason to put your pup at risk.
However tempting, using these products (whether internally or topically) can pose a certain risk, so always check with your veterinarian beforehand.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Licking The Product?
While all the products I’ve mentioned in this article are non-toxic and safe for dogs, you still need to stop your dog from licking his paws in order to allow the damaged area to heal properly.
Therefore, you should:
- Clean your dog’s paw after each walk to get rid of any skin irritants.
- Cover your dog’s paws with baby socks until the moisturizer is fully absorbed.
- Distract your dog with a treat or toy after applying the moisturizer.
- Or wait until your dog is tired (i.e, after a meal or a walk.)
Want to Make Your Own Dog Paw Moisturizer?
Are you feeling crafty and want to make your own dog moisturizer? Here’s a quick and easy recipe for an all-natural protective paw balm.
You’ll need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp shea butter
- 1/2 oz beeswax
Simmer a few inches of water in a small pot, and place a suitable metal/glass bowl on top of the pan. Then, combine all four ingredients in the bowl, and mix them on low heat until they’re completely melted.
Finally, pour the solution into a tin container, and give it time to cool down and harden.
In Conclusion
Pawstruck Ruff Relief is a natural and safe solution for moisturizing and protecting your dog’s paws, as well as other areas that tend to get dry and itchy.
This is, in my opinion, the best dog paw moisturizer overall. Even though it doesn’t contain any herbals, it does seem to help with soothing sore paws, and it’s favored by many other dog owners.
Remember — no matter how convenient it is, using moisturizers or other products that aren’t specifically meant for dogs can pose a risk to their health. Therefore, you should always check with your veterinarian before any such use.
