Winter isn’t just harsh on our skin. The snow, ice, and salt can also have adverse effects on our pets’ paws. Looking for a way to protect your dog’s paws from the elements? Try whipping up this simple and effective cold weather dog paw balm!

Have you ever been outside enjoying a winter walk with your best friend (of the four-legged variety) and suddenly noticed that he/she isn’t having as good of a time because, unlike you, they have no shoes on and their cute Lil feet are getting cold and hurting? Dog's paws can be sensitive to the elements, not only bringing pain and discomfort but possible longer-term effects like dry, cracked paws and even frostbite!

 If your dog is anything like ours, those cute dog booties last about 30 seconds before coming off. What’s a dog mom to do? Our first recommendation is to keep an eye on the weather and avoid taking your pets out when the conditions are too harsh. Second, we recommend applying this soothing dog paw balm as a part of your regular grooming routine. This easy-to-make balm with its base of shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E will help soothe and moisturize cracked and dry paws so you and Fido can get back outside without worrying about their feet. It also helps form a natural, breathable barrier to protect paws from the elements when out adventuring. The best part? You can use this homemade balm year-round to protect paws from hot pavement or sand in the summer as well as cold and ice in the winter.

Here are the ingredients you will need to get started.

-2 Tbsp shea butter

-3 Tbsp olive oil

-3 Tbsp Coconut oil

-1/2 tsp Vitamin E oil

-2 Tbsp Beeswax

-10 drops German Chamomile

-10 drops Immortelle

Directions: 

To make this dog paw protective balm and moisturizer, all you need to do is gently heat all of the ingredients in a double boiler until melted. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can place the ingredients into a quart-sized glass mason jar and then put that Mason jar into a saucepan,

adding 4 inches of water to your saucepan so that the water comes up the sides of the jar. 

Using a low heat setting, slowly melt all the ingredients in the jar. Once everything is fully and adequately melted down and combined, carefully pour the mixture into a smaller, clean Mason jar or other tin of your choice.

Allow this to sit and fully cool before putting the lid on. You can do this in batches and create several jars, so you never run out and have gifts for all your dog’s friends. Try doubling the recipe!

Simply warm up a small amount in your hand and rub it into your dog’s paws before your next winter adventure. You can even take it with you for re-application if necessary. Happy dog. Happy owner. Happy trails.