Easy & Natural Nose Balm and Paw Butter for Dogs

This natural nose balm and paw butter recipe for dogs is simple and easy.  Not only does it provide long-lasting relief, but it also brings peace of mind to dog parents since it’s only made of four natural ingredients.

Why do dogs need nose balm & paw butter?

Many dogs need nose balm and paw butter due to sensitive skin, dry air conditions, cold weather, or even the type of dog breed.  Anytime your dog’s nose or paws are cracked, dry, or have wounds, scratches, rashes, or calluses you can use a dog balm to soothe and heal the area.  Some dogs also have skin conditions such as nasal hyperkeratosis and paw hyperkeratosis, which can cause the nose and/or paws to thicken and crack.  Using a good moisturizing balm will provide discomfort relief, provide protection and help to maintain healthy paws and nose.

Natural Ingredients

Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer for dry skin, including your pet’s paws and nose.  It’s also a natural thickener in the recipe. It also has antioxidant properties and a great oil that makes it great for many natural dog care recipes. 

Shea butter is another natural moisturizer with a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins A and E. These vitamins make it an antioxidant, making it great for helping your pet get back their healthy nose and paws.

Jojoba oil contains essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins E and B.  It’s a great carrier oil that quickly soaks into the skin, which we want in a dog paw balm recipe. 

An alternative is sweet almond oil, since it’s naturally rich in vitamins A, and E plus has antioxidant properties, while also soothing and nourishing the skin.

I like using sweet almond and jojoba oil in many of my other natural recipes.  However, you can also use sunflower oil or olive oil if you have those on hand.

Beeswax can also help serve as a protective barrier on the skin, helping to make this simple recipe water-resistant.  It can also help in thickening homemade recipes. Beeswax is also known to hydrate, soothe, and have a calming effect on the skin. This may be especially helpful if your dog’s skin is itchy, has skin irritations, or need help repairing damaged skin.  Basically, it’s a must-have for your dog’s dry nose and dry paws!

Supplies Needed for DIY Paw Balm & Nose Butter

Here are the supplies needed:

• 1/4 cup jojoba oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax 
• glass measuring cup or large glass bowl
• double boiler or large saucepan
• small glass bowl
• whisk
• small glass jar

Easy Dog Nose Balm & Paw Butter Recipe

Let’s get to making this Easy dog nose balm and paw butter DIY recipe. This is a simple recipe, but it does require a little prep time to gather all your natural ingredients and ensure the recipe goes smoothly. Personally, I like making a small amount, since I never know how often we’re going to need them with our medium-sized dog.  If you have a larger dog or a dog with a frequent dry or crusty nose, then I would suggest doubling the recipe.

STEP ONE: Measure out 2 tablespoons of shea butter and break it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt and stir.  Then add the 1/4 cup of jojoba oil, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of beeswax into a double boiler on your stovetop. 

For mine, I used a large saucepan with water halfway and a 1-cup glass measuring cup to make pouring easier. Heat water to a gentle boil, whisking until they start to melt together.  You also have the option of using your microwave to melt the ingredients.  When using the microwave, heat for 30-second increments until melted, making sure to stir the mixture in between.

STEP TWO: Continue whisking the mixture until smooth and no pieces are left. Once that happens, remove the measuring cup from the stovetop and dry off the bottom. The measuring cup will be hot, so make sure to have towels and pot holders nearby. Turn off the stove.

STEP THREE: Pour mixture into a glass bowl.  This allows the mixture to cool more quickly.  Let sit for 5 minutes, mix well, and allow to cool completely.

STEP FOUR: Finally, store your finished paw and nose balm in a small glass mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.

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How to use your DIY Dog Nose Butter & Paw Balm

When applying the homemade balm to your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind.  Of course, this might be something they are not used to doing. Be patient and make sure to have your dog’s favorite treat on hand.

When applying the balm to your dog’s paws, take a small amount and rub it gently on the pads of your dog. This is something that you can use on a regular basis depending on your dog and breed.  However, the balm is something you will need to apply to a dry paw pad, sore paws, or hot spots.  

The balm can also be applied to the nose in small amounts.  It’s great for a dry dog nose and crusty noses.  

For my dog, we usually give her a yummy treat she loves while applying the moisturizing balm to her paws. If possible, we like to have one person giving treats and another person applying the balm to the affected areas.  If that’s not an option, then I like using these licking mats with suction cups on the back. They work great at keeping them busy for 5-20 minutes depending on the treat you make for them.  My dog loves plain greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter on her licking mats.  Plus if you freeze them in advance, they last even longer!

Once you have applied the nose and paw balm to your best friend, you will want to make sure they don’t lick it for the first 10-20 minutes while it’s absorbing into their paws or nose. 

How Often to Apply the DIY Dog Nose Balm & Paw Butter

It’s best to reapply the dog balm 2-3 times per day initially.  Once the dog has healthy paws and nose again, then you can reduce the schedule to once daily or several times per week.  

Of course, this is going to depend on several things such as weather conditions, breed of dog, and outdoor elements.  During the cold and snowy winter months, it’s best to apply the homemade dog balm regularly to keep the paw and nose healthy.  If you live in a dry place, then you may need to apply year-round as the balm is very hydrating for dry skin.

The best way to take precautions for our pup’s paws is to protect them from the elements  This includes applying the dog balm before or after walking outside in cold weather and exposure to hot surfaces. You might also want to consider purchasing dog boots to protect the dog’s paw pads from ice, snow, extreme temperatures (hot and cold), and de-icing products.  Making sure your pet has enough water is also good for a healthy nose and paws.

MORE NATURAL DIY RECIPES FOR DOGS

Hi, I’m Kristin.

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