Best Dog Paw Balms of 2025
Balms and waxes to protect your dog’s paws on outdoor adventures
December 12th, 2025
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The best dog paw balms are an excellent way to care for your dog’s paw pads. Your dog’s paw health can make or break how they experience the world. Dogs with healthy, moisturized, and protected paws can walk, hike, run, play fetch, go swimming, and do dog sports. Dogs with dry, irritated, cracked, or injured paws often need time inside—away from their favorite activities—to heal.
Some dog paw balms (or paw waxes) are also protective against salted roads, snow, hot weather, and rocky surfaces for dogs who can’t tolerate dog boots or dog shoes. They can also help soothe irritation for pups with sensitive skin or contact allergies.
We tested eight of the top-rated dog paw balms on the market for performance, texture and consistency, and application ease. We also chatted with a vet to learn about ingredient safety in paw balms for dogs, and found out which ingredients are recommended, and which ones pet parents should steer clear of.
Each of these eight paw balms were tested on my two adventure dogs, Miso and Dashi. Five-year-old Miso, the Border Collie-American Staffordshire Terrier mix, took charge of the wax-style balms, trying them on walks on concrete, dirt, rocky trails, grass, and more. Dashi, the Rough Collie, managed testing the moisturizing balms, since she’s prone to dry and cracked paw pads.
The best dog paw balms had vet-recommended ingredients, were safe for consumption (since it’s inevitable that your dog will lick their paws after you apply a balm), were easy to apply, and didn’t make a mess.
For wax-style balms, most of the thicker, waxier options tended to protect their pads more, though the product often sat on top of the paw pad instead of helping to nourish it while protecting. The best moisturizing balms soaked into the skin and softened the pads without being too oily and making a mess.
The best overall dog paw balm is Musher’s Secret. It’s a well-loved paw wax/balm that’s been used by the dog community as well as the dog sledding community for decades. This paw balm is ultra versatile, and does a good job at protecting the paws from salt, snow, and other abrasives, while also moisturizing and nourishing the skin on the pads, which helps prevent injury as well. Most other paw balms on this list are one or the other in terms of protection versus moisturization.
Read on to learn about our favorite dog paw balms, what to look for, how to use, and more.
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Comparison table
| DOG PAW BALM | TREELINE AWARD | BEST USE | TOP INGREDIENT | CONSISTENCY | CONTAINER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musher's Secret Paw Protection | Best overall Read why |
Paw protection on snow | Beeswax | Solid and waxy | Tin/ jar |
| PawZ MAXWAX Paw and Nose Balm | Best affordable Read why |
Paw protection on snow | Beeswax | Solid and waxy | Tin/ jar |
| Natural Dog Company Paw Soother | Best natural Read why |
Healing cracked, dry pads | Organic mango butter | Slightly oily | Tin/ jar |
| Natural Dog Company PawTection | Best vet recommended Read why |
Paw protection on hot or salted pavement | Organic mango butter | Thick wax | Stick |
| Dermoscent BIO BALM | Best for healing cracked pads Read why |
Repair and soothe dry nose and pads | Soybean oil | Slightly oily | Tin/ jar |
| Fera Pets PawBiome Pet Balm | Best probiotic Read why |
Repair and soothe dry nose, pads, elbows | Organic coconut oil | Very soft | Stick |
The winners
Best overall dog paw balm: Musher’s Secret
Key ingredients: White and yellow beeswax, carnauba, and candelilla wax and white and vegetable oils with vitamin E
Consistency: Solid and waxy in jar, but turns oily with warm hands or fingertips
Application: Use fingers or swipe dog’s paw over container
What we liked: Can help protect from snow, ice, salt, sand, and more; consistency is waxy instead of oily and spreads on dog’s paws easily; mostly unscented; all-natural ingredients; vet-recommended
What we didn't like: Can pick up salt and debris; not as protective as dog boots; not quite as moisturizing as other options, but is more moisturizing than other wax-style balms on this list
If you’re looking for a protective dog paw balm, Musher’s Secret has been a well-loved pick by the dog (and dog sledding) community for many years. This paw balm is designed to protect your dog’s paws from snow, ice, salted sidewalks and roads, sand, and abrasive surfaces, like rocky mountain terrain. It’s the best dog paw balm for winter protection and the best dog paw balm for hot pavement.
Musher’s Secret
Dr. Jessica Apted, DVM, the Regional Medical Director for Sploot Veterinary Care, says that Musher’s Secret is “a long-time veterinary favorite,” and applauds it for being breathable, protective, and great for winter salt and hot pavement.
Musher’s Secret forms a breathable but protective semi-permeable layer around your dog’s paw pads, which helps keep abrasive materials from irritating your dog’s feet. The product soaks into the paws instead of sitting fully on top, so it stays breathable in hot weather conditions.
Musher’s Secret is especially adept at reducing snowballs that gather in between dogs’ paw pads in the winter, though you do have to apply multiple times for long outings in the snow. Note that it won’t completely protect your dog’s paws from sharp ice or rocks—boots are a better option for sharp object protection.
The texture of Musher’s Secret is one of the best that we tested. It’s a solid wax in the jar, but softens when touched with warm hands. It’s easily spreadable, and isn’t too oily once applied. It also isn’t too soft, which can cause over-application.
While Musher’s Secret is decently moisturizing, I found that there are other options on this list that are more suited to healing minor paw injuries and dry, cracked, or calloused paw pads, such as the Natural Dog Company Paw Soother. This is the most moisturizing of the wax-style balms on this list, though.
Musher’s Secret is my go-to pick as a protective dog boot alternative, but for dogs who solely need help with paw pad moisturizing, there are a few better options.
Best affordable dog paw balm: PawZ MAXWAX Paw and Nose Balm
Key ingredients: Beeswax, mineral jelly, soft wax, lanolin, and vitamin E
Consistency: Solid in jar, very waxy
Application: Use fingers to get product out of container
What we liked: Very waxy, not sticky, good protection from salt, snow, and other extreme weather
What we didn't like: Does tend to sit on top of dog’s paws, needs to be wiped off if you apply too much, doesn’t moisturize as much as other options
At about half the price of Musher’s Secret, the PawZ MAXWAX Dog Paw Balm does a good job at protecting your dog’s paws—even if you’re on a budget.
Dr. Apted says that this “wax-based barrier support is ideal for harsh weather.”
The MAXWAX Dog Paw Balm is a waxier pick that, during testing, sat more on top of the skin rather than truly absorbing in the way that Musher’s Secret does. This is a great option if you’re looking for a paw balm to protect your dog’s paws from salted sidewalks and snow in the winter, and hot pavement and abrasive surfaces in warm weather.
PawZ MAXWAX Paw and Nose Balm
The downside of this waxy protection is that if you put it on for short outings and it doesn’t completely wear off in the time you’re outside, you may need to wipe a little bit of the excess off, since it doesn’t usually fully absorb into the skin.
At a little over $8, this balm is the most cost effective of this list, and is an effective budget-friendly option for pet parents who plan to use it specifically as a dog boot alternative to protect their dog’s paws as opposed to moisturizing already dry, cracked paws.
Best natural dog paw balm: Natural Dog Company Paw Soother
Key ingredients: Organic mango butter, organic rice bran oil, organic sunflower oil, organic carnauba wax, sunflower wax, candelilla wax, natural vitamin E, benzoin, lavender, rosemary
Consistency: Slightly oily but not too thin
Application: Lip balm-like twisting applicator
What we liked: Vet-recommended; fabulous applicator; gentle; great for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies
What we didn't like: Smells a bit odd
Dr. Apted said that “most vets recommend choosing simple, proven, pet-safe formulations rather than anything overly complicated,” and the Natural Dog Company Paw Soother is one such option.
Dr. Apted recommends this paw balm (as well as Natural Dog Company’s Pawtection balm), and says that it’s “gentle, plant based, and effective for dryness and irritation.”
Natural Dog Company Paw Soother
If your dog has any skin allergies or you’re a worry-wart about ingredients, this simple plant-based paw balm has all vet-recommended ingredients and does a great job at moisturizing. It’s approved for use for allergies and itchy paws, and does an impressive job moisturizing. After a few days of once-per-day use, this balm had noticeably softened some rough callouses on my Collie’s paws, and is a little bit less oily and messy than the Dermoscent balm.
The application on this balm was my favorite of all the options on this list. It has a large-lip, balm-like applicator that screws up and down to give you more or less product. This makes it very easy to apply to your dog’s paws, and eliminates the need to use your fingers to apply it at all.
Because the consistency of this balm is less solid than the brand’s Pawtection balm, it goes on easier and is easier to spread evenly.
Best vet-recommended dog paw balm: Natural Dog Company PawTection
Key ingredients: Organic mango butter, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic hempseed oil, organic jojoba oil, candelilla wax, chamomile, cajeput, calendula, rosemary, natural vitamin E
Consistency: Thick, waxy
Application: Lip balm-like twisting applicator
What we liked: Vet-recommended; fabulous applicator; smells great
What we didn't like: Thick wax can be a bit hard to apply, especially in cold weather, a bit expensive
Another simple, vet-recommended option with safe-for-ingestion ingredients, the Natural Dog Company’s PawTection balm is a good option for pups with sensitive skin who need a balm that protects from ice, salt, and other abrasive surfaces.
Natural Dog Company PawTection
The consistency of this balm is in between the MaxWax and Musher’s Secret balms. It’s not quite as thick and waxy as the MaxWax, but isn’t as oily and thin as the Musher’s Secret. In terms of protection, it seems to sit between the two options, but does tend to sit more on top of your dog’s paw similar to the MaxWax as opposed to soaking in like the Musher’s Secret.
It also has the best application of the protection style balms on this list, thanks to the genius twist-up applicator (complete with an inner lid and an outer lid to prevent messes). If easy application is a must-have for you and you need a protection-style paw wax, this is the option to spring for.
The only downside to this balm is that because it’s so solid in the tube, it can be a little bit hard to spread on your dog’s paws evenly, especially in cold weather. Putting it in your pocket or close to your body for a few minutes prior to application will help soften it up and make application easier.
Best healing dog paw balm for cracked pads: Demoscent BIO BALM
Key ingredients: Soybean oil, vegetable oil, cetyl palmitate, allantoin, melaleuca cajeput oil
Consistency: Solid in jar, but oily and thin once touched
Application: Use fingers to get product out of container
What we liked: Formulated alongside vets and vet dermatologists; all organic ingredients; extremely healing and moisturizing; can be used to treat hyperkeratosis, dog elbow callouses, and other skin issues; absorbs fast; brand is involved in clinical studies and other veterinary research
What we didn't like: consistency is a bit oily; expensive compared to other options; smell is a little bit strong compared to other options
The Dermoscent Bio Balm is the best healing paw balm, the best dog paw balm for cracked pads, and the best organic paw balm. This French formula is a frequently vet-recommended option for dry, cracked paw pads and minor irritation.
Demoscent BIO BALM/center>
It’s also been clinically studied as a treatment for hyperkeratosis, a condition where a dog’s paws or nose produces too much keratin. Hyperkeratosis looks like thick hairs growing off of your dog’s paw pads and can be caused by underlying issues, though many breeds are simply predisposed to it.
During testing, the Dermoscent Bio Balm was the most effective at treating my Collie’s rough, dry callouses on her paws. After a few days of use, they had noticeably softened, and small cracks in her pads had started to heal.
This is also a good option to soothe minor irritation caused by dryness and environmental allergies. I have an agility student whose dog has recently been dealing with paw irritation caused by environmental allergies. When paired with vet-recommended medicated wipes, the Dermoscent balm helped soothe redness on her dog’s paws in just a few days.
The consistency of this balm is solid in the jar, but gets a bit oily when you apply it. It soaks in fairly quickly, but does leave a bit of greasy residue on your fingers after application.
One downside of this balm is that it does have a strong scent that not all dogs like. It’s an herbal scent that smells a bit like eucalyptus. However, the smell did seem to deter my dog from licking her paws after I applied the balm, so the scent is a pro and a con.
Best probiotic dog paw balm: Fera Pets PawBiome Pet Balm
Key ingredients: Organic virgin coconut oil, organic olive oil, organic beeswax, Floradapt proBio-65 L. Sakei (probiotic), organic calendula oil, organic neem oil, organic sea buckthorn fruit oil, organic lavender
Consistency: Very soft
Application: Cardboard push-up tube
What we liked: DVM formulated; has added probiotics; organic ingredients; lip balm-like applicator, plastic-free container
What we didn't like: Has neem oil as an ingredient, which isn’t recommended for ingestion; a bit too soft in consistency for the applicator
If your dog regularly deals with minorly yeasty paws, a probiotic pet balm may help balance the good bacteria in your dog’s paws. The Fera Pets PawBiome Pet Balm contains the clinically studied postbiotic Floradapt proBio-65 Lactobacillus sakei.
Fera Pets PawBiome Pet Balm
The Fera Pets website says that “Results from a double-blind, randomized clinical trial suggest that L. sakei proBio-65-containing emollients provide improvements in skin barrier function as well as positive immunological effects against atopic dermatitis.” That means that products with this postbiotic (which is derived from Korean fermented vegetables, like Kimchi), may help keep skin barriers healthy and help prevent inflammatory skin irritation.
While the lip balm-like push up applicator is nice in theory, the texture of the actual paw balm is a bit too soft for this type of applicator. When met with any pressure, the product squishes and is prone to over-application. I wish the consistency was a little bit firmer so this didn’t happen.
One downside to this balm, however, is the addition of neem oil. While it’s not a toxic oil for dogs, ingestion is not recommended. This balm may be best used for dogs who won’t lick the product off, or alongside dog boots or a recovery cone to prevent your dog from licking it.
Other dog paw balms we tested
Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm
Key ingredients: Castor seed oil, coconut oil, beeswax, olive oil, shea butter, castor wax, inulin, and fructose, argan kernel oil, vitamin E, calendula extract, manuka honey
Consistency: Solid and waxy in tin, thick and spreadable once touched
Application: Use fingers to get product out of tin
What we liked: Great consistency; addition of manuka honey for healing
What we didn't like: Castor seed oil and castor wax are main ingredients
The Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm had the best consistency of the products on this list. It’s thick but easily spreadable, and wonderfully moisturizing. I tried it on myself during testing, and it left a spot of dry skin on the back of my hands extremely soft and moisturized.
This balm also has a lovely light scent, and comes in a large, 2-oz metal container. However, my biggest question about this product is that the main ingredients are castor seed oil and castor wax, inulin, and fructose. Castor products are safe for dogs when used topically, but some resources say that it can cause digestive upset (even when used topically) if ingested in larger quantities.
When asked about the ingredients, the Skout’s Honor team said that “Any toxins found in the castor plant, more specifically the ricin, which is a compound found in the castor bean, are eliminated during the production process. The extracted oil that we use is not toxic. The castor wax is also developed from the oil. The ingredients used have been reviewed and approved by veterinarians and have been shown to be beneficial for the skin.”
The Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm did a great job at moisturizing my dog’s paws. This is likely one of the balms that would be best to be reviewed with your personal vet.
It’s definitely a good choice for pet parents with trustworthy dogs, or families who plan on always using dog boots or a recovery cone after application, or who plan on distracting their dog with a walk, a dog chew, or play while the product soaks in. This may not be the best option if you know your pup is going to immediately lick all the product off of their paws (especially if you plan to use it frequently).
Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm
Key ingredients: Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Candelilla Wax, Jojoba Oil, Chamomile Butter, Vitamin E, Sea Buckthorn Oil, B-caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Rosemary Extract.
Consistency: Solid in tin, very thin once touched
Application: Use fingers to get product out of jar
What we liked: Vet-approved ingredients; doesn’t leave a sticky or greasy residue
What we didn't like: Very small jar; expensive for the size; somewhat hard to apply
This non-toxic dog paw balm is another option that’s safe for your dog to lick. It’s made of vet-recommended ingredients, and doesn’t leave a greasy or sticky residue after application. However, the jar is quite small and the product itself is somewhat difficult to apply.
It’s very solid in the jar, and rubbing it with your finger doesn’t get much product out. You almost have to dig into the jar with your finger to get an adequate amount of product out to put on all four of your dog’s paws. After testing for a few days, I had used a significant amount of this paw balm, and I feel like it would run out very quickly with regular use, especially for multi-dog households.
Prospect Pet Paw Protector
What to look for in dog paw balms
Safe, non-toxic ingredients for dogs
Not only do you have to think about ingredients that are safe for your dog’s skin when choosing a dog paw balm, but you’ll also want to choose options that are safe for ingestion. Dogs often lick their paws after paw balm application, so choose one that won’t upset your dog’s stomach if they get a few licks in.
Dr. Jessica Apted, DVM, the Regional Medical Director for Sploot Veterinary Care gave us the rundown on which ingredients to look for when purchasing a dog paw balm.
“Choose balms made with simple, pet-safe, naturally derived ingredients,” she says. “The goal is to moisturize, protect, and support the skin barrier without causing irritation.”
When choosing a product to use on your dog’s paws, avoid human moisturizers and make sure to opt for a paw balm formula specifically for dogs.
“Human skincare products aren’t formulated with ingestion in mind,” says Dr. Apted. “And dogs inevitably lick their paws. Many human products contain fragrances, preservatives, retinoids, salicylic acid, or essential oils that are irritating or outright toxic to dogs.”
Dr. Apted says that even human lotions or moisturizers marketed as “gentle” can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested, contact dermatitis, delayed paw healing, and a lack of protection for your pup’s paws.
“Dog-safe balms are specifically formulated to be non-toxic, lick-safe, and protective,” Apted says.
Consistency
Some dog paw balms are on the thicker, waxy side and tend to sit on top of the paw rather than absorb into the pad. This is a good feature if you’re looking for a paw balm that will protect your dog’s feet from snow and ice, but not something you’ll want if you’re looking for a balm that will soothe and heal dry, cracked pads. Thinner, slightly more oily balms tend to do a better job at moisturizing, though balms that are too oily make a mess and may leave pawprints on your floors.
Some paw balms are on the waxier side, with much thicker consistencies, while others are thinner and more oily.
Healing vs. protective properties
Ensure you choose a paw balm with the recommended purpose for your desired use. Thick, waxy balms are more protective, while thinner, moisturizing balms do a better job at keeping your dog’s paw pads hydrated.
The absorption rate/staying power of each paw balm will depend on intended use cases.
Veterinary approval and recommendations
Some products marketed for dogs have ingredients that aren’t always effective or entirely safe for all dogs. Talk to your vet if you’re not sure about the best options for your furry friend, especially if they have sensitive skin or contact allergies.
Packaging and portability for travel
Dry or minorly damaged pads happen all the time on trips, especially if you do a lot of hiking or camping with your dog. Bringing a paw balm that’s easy to apply and doesn’t get everywhere is ideal. A lip balm-like applicator is best for traveling, since it doesn’t make as much of a mess.
Value and cost per application
A little goes a long way for moisturizing paw balms, while you’ll need to use more product per use for protective balms to fully coat the bottom of your dog’s feet.
Consider the benefits, downsides, and costs of dog shoes vs paw balms if you’re planning on using a paw balm for protective measures in cold or hot conditions. Dog boots can be more cost effective if your intended use case is to protect your dog’s feet from ice, snow, hot pavement, or abrasive surfaces.
Why you should use dog paw balm
Prevention of problems: A moisturizing dog paw balm will help keep your dog’s paws from getting dry and cracked, which will help reduce the risk of slipped pads and may help your dog be more stable on slippery surfaces.
Environmental protection: Paw waxes can help protect your dog’s paws from skin irritation caused by road salt in the winter, ice and snow, rough, rocky terrain, and hot pavement (in some cases).
Faster healing: If your dog does experience minor drying or cracking, paw balms help moisturize the skin on the bottom of your dog’s paws, which encourages faster healing.
Comfort improvement: It benefits dogs with sensitive or damaged pads.
Active dog necessity: Active dogs who run, hike, camp, or do dog sports are more prone to paw injuries because they’re exposed to a variety of different surfaces and environments. Dog paw pad injuries can take a long time to heal, so keeping your adventure pup’s pads moisturized will ensure they don’t have to take long breaks away from their favorite activities.
Cost savings: Preventive paw care is much more cost effective than having to take your dog to the vet for treatment every time they rip a paw pad.
When to use dog paw balm
During cold and dry or hot and dry weather, dog paw balms can help keep your pup’s pads healthy and less injury prone.
Paw balm use two to three times per week is generally sufficient for maintenance and for mild injuries, but you may need to use it more frequently for dry, cracked paws. Some paw issues, depending on severity, may warrant vet care.
“Paw balm is great for mild dryness, prevention, and minor irritation,” says Dr. Apted. But she cautions that pet parents should swap from at-home care to vet care if they notice any of the following symptoms:
Limping or favoring one paw
Cracked pads that bleed or look deep
Redness, swelling, or heat
A foul odor or discharge
Sudden licking or chewing at one paw (can signal infection, a foreign object, or an
allergic flare)
Growths, lumps, or discoloration
Persistent symptoms lasting more than 3-4 days with home care
“These signs can indicate infection, burns, allergies, foreign bodies, or injuries that need medical treatment—not just moisturization,” she says.
Common dog paw problems explained
Dry, cracked pads and causes
If you live in a dry climate, your dog’s paw pads will likely get dry and cracked, especially in the winter. Allergies, frequent licking, and regular activity on rough terrain can also cause dry, cracked pads.
Dog paw balms can instantly revitalize dry paws.
Salt burn from winter roads
Even pet-friendly salt can cause dryness and irritation to dogs’ paws. Non-pet-friendly salt can cause more severe burns, blisters, and irritation, which should be treated by a vet immediately.
If you must salt around your home (or if you live in an area that is regularly salted), opt for dog boots or a thicker paw wax to help prevent burns.
Hot pavement burns and prevention
Dog paw wax can be helpful for very short outings to prevent hot pavement burns. However, dog boots with rubber soles will be more protective for extreme temperatures.
Utilizing dog boots, paw waxes, opting for shady or grassy areas during hot weather, and keeping outings short in the summer heat will help prevent paw burns from hot pavement.
Rough terrain abrasions
Allergic reactions and sensitivities
Dogs with allergies often have red, irritated paws, and may have discolored fur around their paws, especially if they regularly lick their paws. Dog paw balms alone will be unlikely to solve sensitivity or irritation caused by allergies, so chat with your vet about potential solutions for your dog.
How to apply dog paw balm properly
If you have a fluffy dog, you may need to trim the hair in between their paw pads before applying dog paw balm. Lightly trimming the hair a bit can help prevent dirt, ice, and snow from clumping in your dog’s paws during the winter, and gives them better traction on slippery surfaces.
Getting a moisturizing paw balm on fuzzy paws is a recipe for a mess, since you’ll likely use more product than you need, and your dog may be more likely to track it around your house.
Before applying a dog paw balm, ask your dog to lay down on their side. If your pup doesn’t have this skill yet, lure them into position with a treat. It may also help to have a family member lightly hold your dog’s collar and feed them treats while you apply balm, so they’re less likely to wiggle around.
If using a moisturizing paw balm, use your finger or the balm’s applicator to apply a small amount (dime sized or less, depending on the size of your dog) of balm onto the pads, and rub it in to moisturize. If your dog tends to lick at their paws, it may be helpful to put dog boots or a recovery cone on them for a few hours to let the moisturizer soak in.
If using a paw wax meant for paw protection outdoors, rub a dime sized (or smaller) amount into your dog’s paw pads and in the area around it right before heading outside.
Note that if you have wood floors, application of paw waxes or balms may temporarily make your dog’s paws slippery while it is soaking into the paws, especially if you put too much product on.
It’s best to individually rub balm onto each pad for moisturizing balms, avoiding the fur between the pads.
Ingredients to look for and avoid
Dr. Apted recommends the following ingredients for dog paw balms:
Beeswax – creates a breathable protective barrier
Shea butter or mango butter – deeply moisturizing and gentle
Coconut, jojoba, or olive oil – support hydration and skin barrier health
Vitamin E – antioxidant support for healthy skin
Calendula – mild, soothing botanical for irritated skin
In terms of ingredients to avoid, Dr. Apted recommends avoiding “anything that could irritate the skin or cause issues if licked, since most dogs will lick their paws after application.”
Ingredients Dr. Apted recommends steering clear of include:
Essential oils (tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus, etc.)
Artificial fragrances or dyes
Parabens or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Petroleum jelly (not toxic, but not ideal—it’s heavy, creates a non-breathable layer,
and isn’t designed for pets who may ingest it)
Anything containing menthol, camphor, or salicylic acid—these can be toxic to pets
Natural ingredients like sunflower oil and coconut oil provide safe, effective paw protection.
FAQ
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For very dry, cracked paw pads, apply moisturizing balms daily until the paws become more moisturized. You can reduce usage to two to three times per week once desired results have been achieved. For paw balms meant to protect from ice, salt, hot pavement, and abrasive terrain, use as needed right before your outings.
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If you purchase a dog-specific paw balm formula, it will be safe for your dog to lick it.
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No, you should not use human products on your dog’s paws. Human products are often toxic if ingested, and are not formulated for dog paw healing or protection.
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If your dog is limping, has redness, swelling, odor, discharge, lumps, growths, or discoloration on their paws, see your vet instead of relying on dog paw balm at home. For scrapes, cuts, or paw pad cracks that don’t get better in three to four days of at home treatment with a paw balm, a trip to your vet is also warranted.
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Indoor dogs with dry paw pads can benefit from paw balm. Indoor dogs may also benefit from paw waxes before going outside in harsh weather to help prevent paw injuries and irritation.
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Paw balms can help immediately after applying, both for moisturizing your dog’s paws and for creating a protective layer against cold, hot, or abrasive footing. For very dry or cracked paw pads, about two to three weeks of regular use will help heal your dog’s pads.
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You can make your own paw balm out of dog-safe ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil. However, be aware of any other additives and check with your vet to see if they’re safe for dogs. Generally, buying a pre-made dog paw balm is safer, since the ingredients will all be safe for ingestion and won’t irritate your dog’s skin.
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Paw balm and paw wax are often used interchangeably. However, someproducts that are marketed specifically for moisturizing and healing are referred to as paw balms, while products intended for paw protection are often referred to as paw waxes.
How we researched and tested
I tested each of these balms on one of my dog’s paws over a period of three days, with the top picks tested for longer where applicable. With two dogs and eight balms, that means each of my two dogs’ paws had one balm assigned to it. I wrote down which balm was assigned to which paw and used them daily for one three days, comparing the results.
I tested this way for more direct, accurate comparisons. If I tested one balm on all four paws one week, and another balm on all four paws the next, the results of the second week would be skewed by whichever balm I used the week prior, since the skin on the paw pads would get more moisturized week to week, or even day to day.
My Border Collie-American Staffordshire Terrier mix Miso, who has paws that stay fairly moisturized but sometimes rip during hikes, tested all of the thicker, wax-style balms. My Collie, Dashi, who is prone to very dry, cracked paws, tested all the thinner, moisturizer-style balms.
I noted balms that felt overly oily and left lots of residue either on my dogs paws and fur or on my floors in the house.
I also put each of the balms on my skin to test for consistency, ease of application, and general feel. I gave extra points to balms that felt moisturizing but not overly oily.
I also consulted with a vet (Dr. Jessica Apted, DVM) about the safety of various ingredients in dog paw balms.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Jae Thomas has two incredibly active dogs: mixed breed Miso (a hiking, trail running, and climbing-watching extraordinaire), and Dashi, a serious agility competitor and show dog. For both of these dogs, paw health and care is crucial and keeps them active in their respective activities, and paw balms are a big help.
Dry paw pads for Miso can mean a pad tear on a 14er that takes her out of hiking for weeks at a time. Dry paw pads for Dashi can mean less grip on agility equipment that can cause slips and injuries. Frequent paw checks and care are a part of Jae’s typical routine, making her an expert at testing them.
Jae is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Colorado. She graduated from the New York University journalism program in 2020, and has written and edited commerce content for publications like Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appetít, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, Fast CAT, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
