If you are a dog owner, you know how important it is to take care of your furry friend’s paws. Paws are the part of your dog’s body that comes in contact with different surfaces such as concrete, grass, snow, ice and sand. These surfaces can cause your dog’s paw pads to become dry, cracked or even injured. That’s why you need to use paw balm. 🐾
Paw balm is a natural and safe product that can moisturize and protect your dog’s paw pads from various environmental factors. It can also help heal any existing wounds or infections on your dog’s paws. Paw balm can also be applied to your dog’s nose, which can also get dry and chapped.
This blog will explain why you need paw balm and how to apply it properly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog’s paws are healthy and happy. So, let us dive in and find out how to apply dog paw balm. 🐶
Signs Your Dog Needs Paw Balm
It is important to carefully watch for signs and symptoms to know whether or not your Fido needs paw balm for relief. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to have a closer look at your dog’s paws:
- Abnormal thickening
- Favouring a paw over another
- Bleeding
- Blisters
- Limping
- Licking
Any of these signs can lead to a serious issue later, thus it is necessary to cure them. Paw injuries are common among dogs 🐶 as they are often exposed to rough surfaces.
Reasons for Damaged Dog Pads
It is important to treat paw pad 🐾 injuries as they happen, but it is also a better idea to try preventing them in the first place. There can be various reasons why you might apply dog paw balm.
The following are the main reasons for your dog’s paw pad injuries:
- Stepping on something broken or sharp like metal
- Walking on areas treated with chemicals
- Walking on hot pavement
Apart from injuries, you can also apply paw balm to moisturize the paws 🐾 and treat cracks, cuts and irritation on the paws. It protects the paws from extreme heat as well as extreme cold by acting as a protective layer.[1] Using the best paw balm for dogs uk can help soothe and heal these injuries.
How to Apply Dog Paw Balm?
Before jumping to how to apply dog paw balm, you need to know when to apply it. Generally, dogs hate anything that does not seem natural and this also includes grooming and handling. Thus, you must apply the balm when the dog 🐶 is relaxed as this will prevent them from scratching you. Also, make sure that the balm you use is dog-safe and non-toxic ❌ because they tend to lick it off.
Also, dog paw balms contain a lot of oil and thus its application makes the paws slippery. This can make it difficult for dogs to maintain the friction between their paws 🐾 and the ground and eventually, difficulty walking. This can be a bigger issue with senior dogs who may need more traction due to arthritis.
“Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex condition involving inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints. Dogs with OA experience pain and inflammation in various joints that interfere with the activities of daily living.“, confirms Ryan Llera and Robin Downing at VCA Hospitals.
Therefore, you may apply the balm before or during nap time 😴 or sleep time. It also provides time for the balm to settle completely and do its job before the dog licks it off. If your dog is relaxed, then you can also apply the balm when he is awakened by providing some chew toys 🧸. This is because chewing helps relieve stress and keep them distracted.[2] After the application, you might reward your dog 🐶 for being calm and not licking their paws 🐾.
Directions to Apply the Balm
One common sign your dog may need paw balm is excessive licking or chewing of their paws. But why do dogs chew their paws in the first place?
To apply the balm, you should first wash your hands properly to keep your Fido safe from contamination and also clean the dog’s paws using wipes. Now, simply rub or dab the balm on the paws or the affected areas like cuts or scrapes.
You can also use a gentle, clean cloth or cotton to apply the balm on the paws. However, avoid using hydrogen peroxide on injuries as it is not suitable for the dog 🐶. Moreover, never cover the paws with socks after applying the balm. Covering paws 🐾 can encourage moisture buildup, and excessive moisture can cause a whole different set of paw problems.
DIY Dog Paw Balm
If you find spending on dog paw balm expensive, then you can put on your apron and make your DIY paw balm. But what is dog paw balm? It’s a natural moisturizing and protective salve made from ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax.
Let us bring out the craftsman behind you and prepare dog paw balm. Firstly, you need to gather some ingredients for this.
Ingredients needed:
- 2 oz. olive oil, sunflower oil or sweet almond oil
- 2 oz. coconut oil
- 1 oz. shea butter
- 4 tsp. beeswax
How to prepare dog paw balm:
- In a small pot or double boiler melt the oils, shea butter and beeswax over low heat.
- Stir continuously until all of them are melted and well blended.
- Carefully pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or tins.
- Let them cool on the counter until hard.
- Keep away from direct heat.
- Apply the balm as a preventive treatment or to soften dry paw pads.
- Use within 1 to 2 years.
FAQs
When should you apply paw balm?
Apply Paw Balm to your dog’s pads before each walk and before bed at night. Apart from injuries, you can also apply paw balm to moisturize the paws and treat cracks, cuts and irritation on paws. It protects the paws from extreme heat as well as extreme cold by acting as a protective layer.
How does dog paw balm work?
This is designed to soothe the skin beneath and form a protective barrier against the elements. Over time, applying a good dog-safe balm should reduce cracking and dryness and help heal your dog’s paws against other environmental factors.
What should healthy dog paws look like?
A healthy paw pad should be smooth to the touch and free of all bruises. Rough paw pads can be very uncomfortable for your pup, sometimes even leading to compulsive licking, often worsening the problem. If you notice your dog has rough or dry paw pads, it’s time for some moisturizing relief.
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, paw balm is a must-have product for any dog owner who wants to keep their dog’s paws in good condition. Paw balm can moisturize, protect and heal your dog’s paw pads from various environmental factors. It can also be used on your dog’s nose, which can also get dry and chapped.
By using paw balm regularly, you can prevent and treat common paw problems in dogs such as dryness, cracking, irritation or infection. You can also make your DIY paw balm at home with some simple ingredients. Paw balm is a simple and effective way to show your love and care to your dog. Happy soothing! 🐾
References:
- Keeping your furry friends safe during winter weather. (2021, November 23). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine by Cornell University.
- Tamuvetmed. (2022, March 11). How to ‘Chews’ the best dog chew toys | VMBS News by Texas A&M University.
