DIY Guide to Making Homemade Paw Balm (+ 3 Ingredient Paw Balm Recipe)

In this simple and easy-to-follow , step-by-step DIY guide I will teach you how to make a 3 ingredient homemade paw balm for your paw-some fur baby…

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You love your dog, just like a child and you want to keep them safe and comfortable at all times.

But did you know that your dog’s paw pads need just as much TLC as the rest of their body? If not, don’t feel bad, you aren’t alone.

From the hot pavement to rough terrain, your dog’s precious paws are constantly at risk of cracking and dryness.

Paw balm can be used to not only protect and prevent damage to your dog’s paws, but it can also heal, soothe and moisturize dry, cracked paw pads.

Today, I am going to help you show your dog just how much you love ’em by sharing with you how to make the perfect DIY homemade balm for your dog’s paw pads.

In this blog post, I will guide you through the process step-by-step, covering everything from ingredient selection to balm application. So, get ready to show your dog some love and keep their paws in tip-top shape with this all-natural paw pad balm.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for your Homemade Paw Balm

Before you can begin making your own paw balm, you need to choose the right ingredients. There are many options out there, but not all are safe or suitable for your dog’s paws.

You want to use all-natural, non-toxic, and nourishing ingredients that will protect, soothe, and heal your pup’s paw pads.

One of the key ingredients in any paw balm is a carrier oil. This will provide a base for your balm and help deliver the other ingredients into your dog’s skin.

Some excellent carrier oils for paw pads include coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. With coconut oil being the best (and the one I highly recommend) as it contains moisturizing and antimicrobial properties to help hydrate and protect your dog’s paws.

With that being said, all these oils are lightweight, absorb easily, and can help moisturize and protect your dog’s skin.

Next, you will need to add some nourishing ingredients that will soothe and heal your dog’s paw pads.

Beeswax is a popular choice because it creates a barrier on your dog’s paws, helping to lock in moisture and protect against irritants. Shea butter and cocoa butter are also great options because they are rich in vitamins and fatty acids that can nourish and hydrate your dog’s paws.

Some other all-natural ingredients that can sooth, protect, moisturize and heal is vitamin E and calendula extract.

RELATED: 9 Natural Remedies for Dry, Cracked Paw Pads

You can even add some natural essential oils to your balm to provide extra healing and calming benefits. You can use Lavender oil and Peppermint oil. Lavender oil has antibacterial and anti fungal properties that can help prevent infections and peppermint oil can provide a cooling sensation that can relieve pain and itching.

When you are choosing your ingredients, make sure to avoid anything that could be harmful to your dog, such as artificial fragrances, preservatives, or chemicals of any kind. Always do your research and double-check that each ingredient is safe for your dog before adding it to your homemade paw balm.

Gathering and Measuring Your Balm Ingredients

There are a many variations that you can use when it comes to making your own homemade paw balm. Today, I am going to share with you a quick 3 ingredient paw balm recipe.

Scroll down for the full recipe.

For this simple homemade paw balm recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup Shea butter
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets

Gathering and measuring your ingredients beforehand helps to ensure you have the correct amounts and ratios. This will also make the process a lot smoother.

Once you have your ingredients, use a kitchen scale or measuring cup or spoon to accurately measure each ingredient. It’s important to be precise to ensure the effectiveness of the paw balm.

Note: If you are using essential oils, be sure to measure them carefully. Essential oils are highly concentrated and too much can irritate your dog’s paws and skin. Always follow the recommended usage guidelines and you can also consult with your dog’s vet if you are unsure.

Preparing and Making Your Paw Balm

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to prepare and mix your balm.

You will need a double boiler saucepan to melt the beeswax and coconut oil together. Place these two ingredients in the double boiler and heat over low heat until the mixture is completely melted and combined together.

If you don’t have a double boiler you can make one. To make a double boiler, you will need a heat safe bowl or glass and a pot to sit it on. You will sit the bowl over a simmering pot of water. Below is a video to show you how to make your own double boiler.

Or you can melt the wax and oil in the microwave. If using the microwave, make sure to heat the wax and oil in 20 second intervals while stirring each time until melted.

Once the beeswax and oil is melted, add in the Shea butter and stir until it melts into the mixture. Remove from heat and add a few drops essential oils if you choose, stirring well.

Immediately pour the mixture into a clean glass jar or tin and allow it to cool for a few hours. It is ready to apply to your dog’s paws once it has cooled completely and becomes solid. This usually takes a few hours.

Tip: You can also add vitamin E oil to the mixture for added moisturizing and healing benefits.

Applying Your Balm to Your Dog’s Paw Pads

To apply the balm to your dog’s paw pads, start by ensuring they are clean and dry. Gently massage a small amount of balm onto each paw pad, taking care to spread it evenly and reach all the cracks and crevices.

RELATED: 5 Expert Tips for Cleaning Your Dog’s Paws: No More Dirty Paws!

Avoid applying too much, as excess balm may cause your dog to slip on smooth surfaces and too much moisture in between your dog’s toes can cause bacteria and fungal growth.

Depending on the activity level of your dog and the weather conditions, you may need to apply the balm several times a week or even daily.

Once you have applied the balm, allow it to absorb completely before letting your dog walk or play.

When to Apply the Balm to Your Dog’s Paws

You can apply the balm after each walk, before bed or as needed if you notice your dog’s paw pads becoming dry, cracked or irritated.

I recommend applying it right before your dog goes to sleep. Doing so allows the balm to fully penetrate into your dog’s paw pads and it also keeps your dog from trying to lick the balm off their paws.

This will prevent the balm from rubbing off too quickly and ensure maximum effectiveness.

Storing Your Paw Balm for Future Use

One of the most important things to keep in mind when storing your homemade paw balm is the temperature of the storage location. The balm should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat as heat will cause your balm to melt.

If you use a glass jar for your balm, ensure that it is tightly sealed to prevent any air or moisture from getting in. This will help maintain the consistency and effectiveness of the balm. You can also use a metal tin.

Labeling the container with the date and ingredients used is also important, especially if you make different batches of balm with varying ingredients. This will ensure that you know how long the balm has been stored for and whether it is still safe to use.

Conclusion

By following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you can create a 3 ingredient homemade dog paw balm that will protect, nourish and even heal your dog’s paw pads.

To make paw balm you need all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that when applied to your dog’s paws can help prevent damage, soothe irritation, heal dry, cracked paw pads, nourish and show your pup some extra love.

Remember to store your balm correctly and apply it regularly to keep your dog’s paws healthy and happy.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below. If you found this post helpful let me know and don’t forget to give it a share.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Use for Dog Paw Balm?

You can use a variety of ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, calendula extract, vitamin E oil, beeswax, lanolin oil, olive oil and jojobo oil.

Is Paw Balm the Same as Vaseline?

No, palm balm is made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that will soothe, heal, protect and moisturize your dog's paws, while Vaseline is a  petroleum-based that can upset your dog's stomach and give your dog diarrhea. 

What Carrier Oil is Best for Making Paw Balm?

Coconut oil is the best carrier oil because it deeply moisturizes and also contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against bacteria and can reduce redness, swelling and inflammation.