When you walk your dog, his paws touch all kinds of surfaces – from muddy puddles, snowy paths to concrete floors and hard rocks. Your dog’s paws go through so much every day!
And to help keep your furry friend’s paws healthy and protected from a variety of surfaces and textures, dog paw balms are your and your dog’s paws’ best friend.
In this article, we’ll list some of the best dog paw balms so you can make sure your pup’s paws are in top condition!
Why use paw balms for your dog?
Paw balms are topical products specifically designed to protect your dog’s paws from different surfaces and elements while walking. And they also help heal dry and cracked paw pads.
Besides these two, dog paw balms have many other benefits, including:
- Helps relieve or treat minor hyperkeratosis of dog paws
- Provide a protective layer over the paw pads
- Hydrated paw pads
- Soothe irritated skin
- Treat different blisters, cuts and burns not only on the paws but also on other areas like the nose
What to Look for in a Dog Paw Balm


There are many dog paw balms on the market right now. But of course, we want the best for our furry friends! So here are some things to look for and consider when choosing the most ideal paw balm:
Safe and dog-friendly ingredients
Dog paw balms are made from different blends of ingredients. However, the most ideal paw balm for your pup should be made with only natural and dog-friendly ingredients.
Synthetic ingredients can cause additional irritation to your dog’s paws and skin. So, be sure to look for paw balms that contain ingredients like beeswax or botanical wax; olive, coconut or avocado oil; shea or cocoa butter; and sometimes even CBD oil.
Also, make sure you don’t buy paw balms with anything your dog is allergic to. For example, if your dog is allergic to soy, look for soy-free balms.
It is versatile
Just because it’s called a “paw balm” doesn’t mean it can’t be used on other parts of your dog’s body, like his nose or elbows.
Dog paw balms that use all-natural ingredients are versatile. Since they are safe to use on your dog’s paws, they can also be used on other parts of the body.
However, when you also want to use the paw balm on your dog’s nose, make sure it is a scent-free balm, as a dog’s sense of smell is strong.
Product size and consistency
Dog paw balms come in different sizes. So when looking for one, always consider the size of your dog and how often you will be applying the product. Of course, big dogs need more balms because of their big paws.
Additionally, paw balms also come in different consistencies and formulas. Some come in squeeze bottles, tin containers, and some come in stick form, like a deodorant or sunscreen stick.
It’s in your budget
And finally, when looking for a dog paw balm, you don’t just consider its ingredients, size, and effectiveness, but also its price. It must be within your budget! Prices for paw balms can range from $10 to $25, depending on the size of the product.
5 Best Paw Balms for Your Dog
Here are our top five picks for dog paw balms. Browse the list below and find the most ideal choice for your budget and, of course, your dog’s paws!
1. Best Overall: Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax
It’s no secret that Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax works wonders for dog paws. Of all the dog paw balms on the market, this paw balm is simply our top pick overall (and that of many dog owners). And it’s easy to see why!
Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax ticks all of our boxes. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t leave stains, creates invisible protection for dog paws, helps soothe and heal dry, cracked skin, and is made for all types of weather, especially winter.
Moreover, it is made from natural plant ingredients. It is free of nuts, soy, and gluten, making it the perfect choice for puppies with allergies to these ingredients.
Benefits
- Made with natural ingredients
- Ideal for dogs allergic to nuts, soy or gluten
- Fast drying and absorbing
- Provides all-season protection
The inconvenients
- Initially leaves a little residue on fabric and fabrics
- More expensive than other balms
2. Best quality: Bodhi Dog Paw Balm
This organic dog paw balm from Bodhi Dog is made with 100% USDA certified organic shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, hemp seed oil and candela extract. And due to its high quality ingredient, the product actually won the 2020 and 2021 Family Choice Awards for pets.
It offers impressive protection against dryness and cracking. Plus, it helps soothe irritated paws and also creates a protective layer on your pet’s paws with regular use.
Plus, many dog parents say you don’t have to use it long enough to see noticeable results! Some reviews even called the product a “miracle”.
Benefits
- Made with high quality certified ingredients
- Provides instant relief
- Gives you immediate results
- No overpowering smell
3. Best organic: Paw Nectar Organic Dog Paw Balm
For parents of organic and eco-responsible dogs, the Paw Nectar Organic Dog Paw Balm is made for you. This dog paw balm is made from 100% organic ingredients such as coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter and vegetable wax among others.
Since it is made from organic ingredients, it is multifunctional and can also be used on your furry friend’s skin. And for the same reason, you don’t have to worry about your dog licking it off his paws.
Paw Nectar also claims that the product gives you immediate results, which is backed up by numerous reviews from satisfied dog parents!
Benefits
- Gives you immediate results
- Made with 100% organic ingredients
- Can also be used on your dog’s skin
The inconvenients
- Not ideal for dogs with soy allergies
4. Best quality price report: Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter
Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter will give you great value for your money. Not only can it be used on your dog’s paws, but it can also be applied to your dog’s nose.
This affordable dog paw balm from Pet Head has a creamy, oatmeal scent. It’s also made with high-quality ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil to moisturize your dog’s paws, and vitamin E and aloe vera to treat dry, cracked skin.
Benefits
- Affordable
- Made with high quality ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Can also be used on your dog’s nose
The inconvenients
- Not good for smell sensitive dogs as it has quite a strong smell
5. Best Stick: Natural Dog Company Soothing Paw Balm
Our top pick for dog paw balm goes to the Natural Dog Company Soothing Paw Balm. This stick is a bit pricey but the quality of the product definitely justifies the price.
It’s made in the USA, and its vegan, dog-friendly ingredients are what help moisturize and heal cracked paws. It also helps relieve hyperkeratosis of dog paws and provides instant relief if your furry friend has red, inflamed paws.
Plus, it’s easy to apply as it comes in a convenient stick package. And it comes in different sizes so you can easily take it along when traveling with your dog.
Benefits
- Made with vegan ingredients
- Helps relieve hyperkeratosis of dog paws
- Provides instant relief
- Travel friendly
The inconvenients
- Leaves a yellow stain on clothes and fabrics
- A little expensive
How to use paw balm correctly
Using a paw balm is very simple and every dog owner can do it themselves. But knowing how to apply it correctly will help the effectiveness of the product.


See below how to properly use paw balm on your dog:
- Clean your hands first to avoid re-infection
- If you must, clean your dog’s paw with a soft cloth
- Rub or apply the balm on the surface of the pads
- After applying the balm, give your dog a treat so he can associate the experience with something positive.
- Wait a few minutes for the balm to work its magic before letting your dog walk, play or run.
- Use the balm as often as indicated on the packaging.
- Timing is important! Apply the balm when they are sleeping or taking a nap. This is when they are most calm and they will surely not lick the product from their paws.
Conclusion
Dog paw balms are a great product for moisturizing your dog’s paws and preventing dry, cracked skin. Plus, with regular use, these topical products can help build a protective layer over a dog’s paw, making any outdoor adventure more fun and safe for your furry friend!