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Chances are, if you’ve been a dog parent, you’ve seen dog paw balms advertised as miracle products, mysterious salves that let your pup walk on ice and hot pavement without a problem. They’re meant to offer a barrier between your pup’s paws and the road, repair dry or cracked pads, and act as preventative care to keep pads smooth and strong. Some are even advertised as useful for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.
So do they really work, or are they a vanity product that doesn’t make a substantial difference in the health of your dog’s feet? Are they safe for dogs who, let’s face it, are going to engage in some level of licking? And if they’re really that great, should we all be using them for everyday preventative care?
How Dog Paw Balms Work
First, let’s talk a little bit about your dog’s feet. Your dog’s paw pads are a layer of skin over fatty tissue. These pads, among other things, are your dog’s shock absorbers. And like human feet, they can be sensitive to the temperatures and textures of surfaces, particularly if they haven’t been exposed to tougher surfaces or aren’t used to long walks.
Dog paw balms and butters work by providing a moisturizing layer over your dog’s pads. This is designed to soothe the skin beneath and form a protective barrier against the elements. Over time, applying a good dog-safe balm or butter should reduce cracking and dryness and help to steel your dog’s paws against rough terrain and other environmental factors.
Some balms, like Bio Balm, are oil-based and absorb into dry skin.
Most dog-safe paw balms and butters fall into one of two categories: those that are more absorbent and moisturize, and those that are more waxy and create a barrier between your dog’s paws and harsh surfaces.
Oil-based dog paw balms and butters, like Bio Balm by Dermoscent, are more absorbent. Soybean and vegetable oils are the main ingredients here, plus soother allantoin. This one is popular for healing dry and cracked skin on paws, noses, and elbows.
Paw Soother is another oil-based balm—cajeput, jojoba, hempseed, and coconut oils are the central ingredients, plus plant extracts and vitamin E. This one comes in stick form (as well as in a tin), which may be easier to apply, depending on your pup. It’s meant to help heal dry dog skin as well as to soothe irritation or itchiness.
This stick formulation works more as a paw and skin protector.
In the paw protection category, there’s Musher’s Secret, a cult favorite dog balm originally developed for sled dogs. It’s a blend of a few different natural waxes, including beeswax and carnauba, and melts in your hand and onto your dog’s paws.
Musher’s secret is meant to form a breathable shield against tough surfaces like sand, hot pavement, snow, and salt. It can be applied three times per week and is quickly absorbed so it doesn’t stain floors or carpets—and licking won’t remove it.
Musher’s Secret was developed in Canada for sled dog paw protection.
What the Experts Say About Dog Paw Balms
We asked several veterinarians about dog paw balms and butters. When are these products useful, and when is dog paw balm necessary?
Dr. Amanda Takiguchi, a veterinarian and founder of Trending Breeds, explains that under normal conditions, it’s not usually necessary to moisturize your dog’s paws. She points out that in a dog’s natural environment, they don’t have moisturizers, and if a moisturizer is applied incorrectly and blocks sebaceous glands, it can actually cause an abscess.
However, under some conditions, paw balms and butters can be useful. Dr. Sabrina Kong, a veterinarian at WeLove Doodles, notes that balms can protect paws against the elements (think hard rough surfaces, ice, cold, and hot pavement), and can also help to heal paws that have already been cracked or worn from these surfaces.
Dog paw balms have the added benefit of reducing the risk of infection by providing a barrier to dirt, according to Dr. Alex Schechter of Burrwood Veterinary.
Key Ingredients in Dog Paw Balms and Butters
There are quite a few considerations when it comes to ingredients. Takiguchi emphasizes that dogs are going to be predisposed to lick any balms or butters, so whether you buy an over-the-counter product or concoct a balm at home, you should always look for products that are marketed specifically for dogs and that are edible.
Another consideration: balms and butters are probably going to get on fabrics and floors. Select options that you can easily clean or that don’t stain. Finally, if you’re going to use a balm for both paws and noses, avoid anything with a strong smell.
PavelRodimov via iStock
Some common and safe ingredients include:
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Argan oil
- Jojoba oil
- Beeswax
- Petroleum jelly
- Coconut oil
For those pet parents who want an eco-friendly product, consider natural ingredients like lavender, vitamin E, aloe vera, and cocoa and shea butters. Vitamin E can reduce inflammation and aloe vera has some antibacterial properties, according to Dr. Schechter.
How to Apply Dog Paw Balms and Butters
Applying store-bought balms twice a day should be sufficient, whether used as a preventative or to treat painful paws.
It can be tempting to put a sock or cover over your dog’s paw—some balm manufacturers even suggest it to stop any licking and to keep floors clean. But some veterinarians recommended against it. Covering paws can encourage moisture buildup, and excessive moisture can cause a whole different set of paw problems.
It’s best to apply butter or balm when your dog is resting. Be sure to apply enough to cover the pad but not much more. Watch your dog to see if they’re prone to licking, and have a few chew treats available to keep them distracted.
Wavetop via iStock
As always, if you have any questions about a product for your dog, talk to your veterinarian—and if your dog has a paw injury, consult your vet before applying an over-the-counter balm or butter.
The Final Verdict: Is Dog Paw Balm Necessary?
Dog paw balms and butters are more than just another vanity product. They have moisturizing and healing qualities that are useful for many dogs in specific situations. They can be useful as a paw protector if your dog will be exposed to extreme temperatures or surface conditions, or as a soother if your dog has cracked or irritated paws.
Bottom line: They’re a good addition to any pet care kit, but use them sparingly and only as needed, since overuse can lead to its own complications.
Paw Balm Uses:
- When your dog may be exposed to surfaces such as ice or rough terrain their paws aren’t used to for long periods of time
- At the first signs of dryness or cracking
- When your dog has damage to their paws (this should be under the care of a vet)
Keep in Mind:
- Apply as directed and when your dog is resting
- Do not use a sock or wrap to cover the balm
- Look for natural ingredients that have anti-inflammatory qualities
- When in doubt, ask your vet!
Caring For Your Dog’s Feet
There are a lot of ways to care for your dog’s feet before they become dry and cracked. This includes trimming the hair between your dog’s pads, making sure your dog gets accustomed to new surfaces over time, and ensuring that your dog’s feet aren’t exposed to extreme conditions.
Some of the more dangerous surfaces include ice, de-icing salt, tough trail surfaces, sharp rocks, and pavement or cement at an extreme temperature. If your dog is exposed to these types of surfaces, booties are an additional option to protect your dog’s paws. If your dog is exposed to salt, be sure to wash their paws thoroughly.
How We Chose
The dog paw balms featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized natural ingredients, preventative qualities, and expert advice. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
