How to Make a Paw Rub for Dogs

Your dog's paws are vital to its health and comfort. Since a dog spends all its time barefoot, it's not uncommon for its pads to become dry or cracked. Winter is especially hard on paw pads, when dogs walk on chemical treatments for ice and snow. Summer can be equally challenging with lawn fertilizers and weed killers. It's important to check your dog's paws frequently to see whether they are irritated, red, cracked or swollen. But even if they aren't, they will benefit from the use of a moisturizing, protective treatment. Before you reach for your own moisturizer, though, remember that it's likely your dog will lick whatever you apply to its paws. Make your own treatment at home with natural ingredients that are healthy, safe and good for your dog's paws.

Things You'll Need

  • Beeswax
  • Olive, avocado or bergamot essential oil
  • Borax
  • Airtight container
  • Medicated wipes or Epsom salt and purified water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Melt the beeswax according to the product's directions.

    • 2

      Add the oil to the melted wax gradually, mixing constantly until the substance appears whipped. Use bergamot essential oil to add anti-fungal properties to the balm.

    • 3

      Add a pinch of borax. Borax is used in products that contact high amounts of beeswax to emulsify the beeswax, stabilize it and support the balm's texture without the use of chemicals. It's fine for your dog to lick this since it's used in such a small amount. Borax is also frequently used in lip balm.

    • 4

      Clean your dog's paw pads with a medicated wipe for pets, or soak the paws in Epsom salt and purified water for five to 10 minutes. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of water.

    • 5

      Trim the hair between your dog's paw pads to avoid getting the balm in it. This is most easily done if you can lay the dog on its back. For small or medium-size dogs, sit on the floor and brace the dog between your legs. Gently brace large dogs against a piece of furniture or a wall.

    • 6

      Apply a small amount of balm to your dog's paw pads. Massage well into the pads. Reapply as needed.

    • 7
      Apply balm regularly to avoid cracked or dry paw pads.

      Store the balm in an airtight container and keep in a cool place.