How to Make Your Own Paw Balm for Winter

26 16:12:25

To some dogs (especially breeds built for cold weather), there’s nothing more exciting than a romp around a snowy yard after a winter storm. But icy conditions of the yard or cold pavements can be damaging a pet’s paws.

The national breed club for the Newfoundland, a large breed built for wintery work, shared with AKC a DIY paw balm recipe taken from Frugally Sustainable, which the club recommended to its Facebook followers.
(Photo courtesy of the Newfoundland Club of America)

Get it here:

RECIPE: DIY PAW BALM

Supplies

21-24 standard lip balm tubes OR 6 1-oz. tins
a small digital kitchen scale, optional
small pot or double boiler

Ingredients

2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp.) olive, sunflower, or sweet almond oil
2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp.) coconut oil (buy on amazon)
1 oz. (approx. 1 tbsp.) shea butter (buy on amazon)
4 tsp. beeswax (buy on amazon)

Method

In a small pot or double boiler over low heat melt the oils, shea butter, and beeswax. Stir continuously until all is melted and well blended.
Carefully pour the mixture into lip balm tubes and/or tins. (buy on amazon)
Let them cool on the counter until hard.
Cap and label.
Keep away from extreme heat.
Apply the balm as a preventive treatment or to help soften dry paw pads or noses. Use within 1 to 2 years.

OTHER PAW PROTECTION METHODS

Booties: Yes, your dog might look a little silly, but dog boots are actually quite effective at protecting his feet from snow and ice as well as de-icing products, which can make your dog sick if he licks it off his paws. These products can also burn pads and the sensitive skin between their toes, causing great pain and distress. “The boots my dogs wear in winter if temps fall into the single digits or below zero come from Ruffwear,” says Roxanne Hawn, AKC Family Dog grooming columnist. Another popular brand is Pawz, available at most major pet stores.

Trimming: Keeping the paw hair short is also important as it will prevent snow and ice from forming balls that can lead to chaffing, chapping, and even cuts. Trim the hairs around the outside of your dog’s paw so that it doesn’t extend past the boundaries of the paw. You can also use a small battery-operated trimmer to shorten the hair between the paw pads. (Contact a pro if you have a fidgety dog or don’t feel comfortable doing this.)

Wiping: If you choose not to use booties on your dog, be sure to wipe his feet before he comes inside to ensure that de-icing products (like salt) have been removed along with any ice balls that might have formed.