Puppy Paw Balm

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Scarlet, our goofy Rottweiller/Australian Shepherd mix, is the inspiration for this DIY. Scarlet's favorite activity is running. She loves it even more than brie or baby carrots. We live in a townhouse without a large fenced in yard, so whenever we visit my parents Scarlet takes full advantage of the extra room to run. While we appreciate that this wears her out and she is cuddly and sleepy for days after the excursion, running up and down the woodchip lined fence often leaves her paws in a poor state. 

Meet Scarlet, the inspiration for Puppy Paw Balm.

Just like our hands, feet, and elbows can get dry and cracked, a dog's paws need love too. Long walks on the pavement in the summer or the harsh cold of winter can do a number on your puppy's paws. This balm only takes a few minutes to make. It can be used to moisturize dry, cracked paws or preventatively to provide a layer of protection. Our Puppy Paw Balm absorbs quickly and you can see the difference in the pads of the paws almost immediately. 

Moisturize and protect your furry friend's paws with this easy DIY recipe

Let's talk about the amazing ingredients in this Puppy Paw Balm. Coconut oil and jojoba oil work as super moisturizers, then shea butter locks in that moisture. We recommend adding Vitamin E oil for an extra punch. Lavender essential oils is often used in skin care products and to soothe cuts or burns. Tea Tree essential oil is often used for skin care and cleansing. These same healing power will work wonders on your dog's paws. 

Puppy Paw Balm is an easy DIY project made with only a few simple ingredients

Ingredients: 
1 Tablespoon coconut oil (We love this one from Amazon)
1 Tablespoon shea butter (We love this one from Amazon)
1 Tablespoon beeswax pellets (We love these from Amazon)
1 teaspoon jojoba oil (We love this one from Amazon)
1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional)
3-5 drops Lavender essential oil *
3-5 drops Tea Tree essential oil *

 

Materials:
Double boiler**
Silicone spatula
Container(s)
Label(s) (optional)
Medicine dropper (optional)

 

1. Place all ingredients in a double boiler with the exception of the Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils. Do not allow the water to boil. 

 

2. Stirring occasionally with silicone spatula, allow the mixture to melt completely. The beeswax will take the longest. Allow an extra 30 seconds to ensure that even the smallest pieces of beeswax melt. 

 

3. Remove the mixture from the stove. Add the essential oils. If you are new to essential oils, you may want to decrease to 3 drops each to allow your dog to acclimate to the new smells. 

 

4. Depending on your level of coordination you can either pour the mixture directly into your desired container(s) or cheat by using a pipette or children's medicine dropper. I was able to find a dropper that I can set to exactly 1.5 teaspoons, the perfect size for a chapstick tube. The container you use is up to you. I like to use chapstick tubes for easy application (this recipe will make 3-4 tubes), but a round, shallow container would work wonderfully as well. 

 

5. Allow your container to sit on the counter, untouched, for at least one hour. Once the balm has hardened, place the top on your container(s) and store in a cool, dry location. 

6. To use simply apply the balm to the pads of your dog's paws and rub in. This is a great chance to spend some quality time with your puppy! 

 

Notes: 
* We only use Young Living essential oils. If you aren't a member, click here to get started. 
**You can easily do this without a double boiler. Place the ingredients in a glass measuring cup. Pour water in a medium saucepan until the pan is one third full. Finally, place the measuring cup inside, hooking the handle to the pan.