The Best Paw Protection Waxes in 2022
- The Best Paw Protection Wax
- 1. Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Protection Wax
- 2. Pet Head Dog Paw Butter
- 3. Pawstruck Organic Nose & Paw Wax Balm for Dogs
- 4. Burt’s Bees for Pets Paw Protection Wax
- 5. Four Paws Dog Paw Protection Wax
- 6. Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm for Dogs
- 7. Bodhi Dog Organic Paw Balm for Dogs
- 8. ResQ Organics Paw Protection Wax
- 9. Nutri-Vet Pad Guard Wax
When you find yourself with dry or cracked hands in the winter months, you might apply a little hand cream, but what should you do when your canine companion has the same issue? Modern life can be surprisingly tough on a dog’s paws, with hot pavements, icy surfaces, and sand all taking their toll on paw health. One simple but effective solution is to apply a dog paw wax.
The wax is specially formulated to soothe and moisturize paw pads, as well as providing a protective layer between paws and the ground. If this sounds like something your pooch could benefit from, then read on, as we count down our top 10 paw protection waxes. We’ve also put together a useful guide to help you choose the best option for your pet, and to get the most out of these products.
The Best Paw Protection Wax
1. Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Protection Wax
Key Features
Paw protection wax made from 100% natural ingredients
Enriched with vitamin E to promote healing and soothe the skin
Protects paws against sand, hot pavements, ice, and salt
Great for any outdoor activity
Preferred by professional groomers
Long-lasting protection
Also suitable for dry noses
Topping our list is mushers wax for paw protection. The carefully formulated blend is designed to protect dogs’ paws from sand, hot pavements, ice, and salt, preparing them for whatever environments they encounter.
The balm is 100% natural, made from non-toxic, non-staining wax, and enriched with vitamin E to moisturise the skin and encourage healing. It’s also easy to apply – just slick a little onto the paw pads before activities such as mushing, hunting, walking, and other outdoor activities that could be hard on the paws. The formula is a favorite among professional groomers and dog lovers alike, thanks to its versatility and gentle ingredient list. It’s ideal for dry noses as well as chaffed and sensitive paws, offering a layer of protection that lasts.
2. Pet Head Dog Paw Butter
Key Features
Dog paw balm made with natural ingredients
Enriched with vitamin E and omega-6 to promote healthy skin and hair
Easy to apply
Soothes and relieves dry and cracked paws
Protects against the elements and harsh surfaces
Manufactured to human quality standards
Unique and gorgeous scent
The next dog paw balm to earn a spot on our list is this natural oatmeal paw butter. The unique blend is made with a selection of nourishing natural ingredients: shea butter, oatmeal, mango, jojoba, coconut oil, olive oil, and aloe vera. Alongside these botanicals, the butter is enriched with vitamin E, and omega-6. These welcome additions promote healthy skin and hair. The paw butter is easy to apply, and soothes and relieves dry or cracked paws from the elements in no time. It also forms a thin protective layer on the paw, preventing damage in the first place.
Each tub of this dog paw lotion is manufactured to human quality standards. With its gorgeous scent, you might just be tempted to use a little on your own hands! It’s also pH balanced, and free from petroleum derivatives and DEA. The absence of these substances mean that if your pooch licks the wax off their paws, you won’t have any problems. Simply massage the wax into your dog’s paws before and after walks, and you’ll see results in no time.
3. Pawstruck Organic Nose & Paw Wax Balm for Dogs
Key Features
Organic dog paw balm certified by the USDA
Versatile formula is suitable for noses, paws, hotspots, and dry skin
Suitable for any breeds
Promotes healing, and protects paws from hot, cold, and rough terrain
Hydrating, healing, and non-allergenic formula
Made in the USA
Manufactured to human grade
The first organic dog paw protection wax to make our list is this formula by Pawstruck. Their highly versatile balm is ideal for a wide variety of applications: it can be used on on noses, paws, hot spots, and dry skin anywhere on your dog’s body. The formula is ideal for protecting paws from hot, cold, and rough surfaces.
All the ingredients in the balm are selected for their hydrating, healing, and non-allergenic properties. It’s also made to human standard, so you can rest assured it’s gentle enough for use on all breeds, even if your pooch has sensitive skin. The balm is USDA Certified Organic, and every tub is manufactured in the USA to an extremely high quality. Owners say it’s easy to apply, and works a charm, making a difference after just a couple of applications.
4. Burt’s Bees for Pets Paw Protection Wax
Key Features
Paw and nose lotion to help protect and heal dry and cracked skin
Made with high quality ingredients including olive oil and rosemary
Pleasant natural scent
Free from artificial fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals
Veterinarian recommended
pH balanced to cater to dogs’ skin
Made in the USA
Burt’s Bees are better known for their natural beeswax lip balms, but with this moisturiser they have turned their attention towards our four-legged friends. The formula heals and protects dry, irritated paws and noses. It’s made with high quality, gentle ingredients, including olive oil and rosemary.
These natural ingredients also give the lotion a pleasant scent, and make it safe for dogs who have a habit of licking. The effective formula is free from artificial fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals. It’s also veterinarian recommended, so you can rest assured your pooch is well looked after when you apply this soothing lotion. Burt’s Bees also make a soothing skin cream, and a tear stain remover, specially developed for your beloved canines. All products are made in the USA and pH balanced for dogs’ skin.
5. Four Paws Dog Paw Protection Wax
Key Features
Natural wax paw guard for dogs
Contains lanolin, a great natural moisturiser rich in vitamin E
Prevents and relieves cracking and dryness on paws
Forms a protective layer to shield paws from hot pavements, ice, and rough surfaces
Easy to apply
Won’t stain your floors
Made in the USA to a high standard of quality
The next wax to make it onto our list is Paw Guard by Four Paws. The clever formula promotes overall paw wellness, preventing and relieving cracking and dryness. The wax not only moisturises paws, but also leaves a protective layer that shields against hot pavements, ice, gravel, and hard surfaces.
The unique wax formula includes lanolin, an natural source of vitamin E, and a great moisturiser. Customers say the simple but effective formula is easy to apply, and really helps dogs manage inclement weather and rough surfaces. The fact that the wax doesn’t stain floors and carpets is also a huge bonus! All Four Paws products are made in the USA to a high standard of quality.
6. Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm for Dogs
Key Features
Dog paw moisturiser made from natural, vegan ingredients
Easy to apply thanks to its deodorant stick design
Deeply moisturising and anti-inflammatory coconut oil base
Contains botanical extracts selected to promote healing
Perfect for relieving dry, cracked paw pads
The Natural Dog Company have also impressed us with their carefully blended paw soother balm. Thanks to its crafty design, closely resembling a deodorant stick, it’s even easier to apply than other waxes on the market.
This safe and effective paw treatment is made from all natural, organic ingredients. At its core is coconut oil, a deeply penetrating moisturiser with anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is combined with cupuacu butter, known for its rich fatty acids, which help improve skin elasticity. As well as these oils, the blend contains botanical extracts, such as chamomile and calendula, both known for their soothing, healing properties. Each container of paw soother is handcrafted in the USA, and 100% vegan. The Natural Dog company recommend using their moisturiser in conjunction with PawTector, a moisture locking shield designed to protect paws from the elements and rough surface.
7. Bodhi Dog Organic Paw Balm for Dogs
Key Features
Organic paw balm for cats and dogs
Shea butter base provides deep moisture to paw pads
Perfect for cracked, dry, or irritated paw pads
Helps promote skin healing
Non toxic and hypoallergenic
Made in the USA
Helps protect paws from harsh weather conditions
Can also be used on human feet
The next paw balm to earn itself a spot on our list is another organic option, carefully blended by Bodhi Dog. The shea butter balm is suitable for both dogs and cats, making it an excellent option for households with multiple pets. The gentle formula quickly heals and moisturises dry, cracked, and crusty paws, delivering immediate relief to irritated paw pads.
The balm also helps to lock in moisture, preventing future issues. It’s free from fillers and harsh chemicals, relying instead on the natural properties of plant extracts and oils. The formula is both non-toxic and hypoallergenic, so there’s no need to worry if your pooch licks their paws after application. Ony the highest grade organic ingredients are used to craft the balm, locally sourced in the USA wherever possible. Customers say that the balm is perfect for paws in harsh weather conditions, and some were so impressed they tried it on their own feet.
8. ResQ Organics Paw Protection Wax
Key Features
Organic skin and paw lotion for pets
Helps to treat hotspots, dermatitis, abrasions, itching, burns, dry noses, and cracked paws
Promotes healing of minor wounds
Contains a mix of natural plant oils, selected for their deeply moisturising properties
Contains manuka honey to reduce inflammation and impede bacterial growth
Contains vitamin E to promote healthy skin and hair
Quickly absorbed, without leaving behind a greasy residue
ResQ Organics have also impressed us with their skin and paw treatment. The rich lotion, made from natural, organic ingredients, can be used anywhere on your dog’s body – including skin, nose, and paws. The lotion can treat a whole host of minor ailments: hotspots, dermatitis, abrasions, itching, burns, dry noses, and cracked paws. It’s also a great way to naturally cleanse and protect minor wounds, and promotes hair growth.
The lotion achieves these impressive benefits with the help of natural ingredients. Coconut and olive oil deeply moisturise, without irritating the skin, while manuka honey reduces inflammation and impedes bacterial growth. The rich formula also contains vitamin E, which promotes healthy skin and hair. This powerful yet gentle formula is absorbed quickly, and, unlike many moisturisers, doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue.
9. Nutri-Vet Pad Guard Wax
Key Features
Protective paw wax for dogs
Forms a protective layer to shield dogs from hot pavements, ice, snow, sand, slippery surfaces, gravel, asphalt, and chemically treated roads
Stays put even in the most challenging conditions
Contains beeswax to seal in moisture
Contains paraffin wax for grip
Non-toxic ingredients
Budget friendly price point
This budget-friendly paw wax is a great option for active dogs who need a little paw protection. Nutri-Vet have worked alongside veterinary professionals, to choose the perfect waxes for doggie feet. Natural beeswax in the balm acts as an emulsifier, and helps to seal against the skin, offering a protective layer. Meanwhile, paraffin wax helps the pads find purchase on slippery surfaces. The ingredients are all non-toxic, so there’s no need to worry if dogs lick a little off.
The wax is a great preventative measure, protecting delicate paws from the dangers of hot pavements, ice, snow, sand, and slippery surfaces. It also offers a much needed shield against challenging surfaces such as gravel and asphalt, as well as chemically treated roads. Owners report that the wax stays put even in the most challenging condition, protecting paws against the dangers of deep snow and heavily salted roads.
Best Paw Protection Wax Buying Guide & FAQ
These waxes and balms are the best options when it comes to moisturizing and protecting paws and noses from the daily assault they face in the modern world. With so many quality products to choose from, we’re confident you’ll find something to meet your dog’s needs no matter what they may be.
Because it can be tricky to know exactly what you need, we’ve compiled a brief buying guide. Below we discuss how to choose the best paw wax for your pooch, why you might use one, and how to get the most out of them.
What Ingredients to Look for When Buying a Paw Protection Wax for Dogs
When choosing a paw wax or balm for your dog, be sure to look out for the following ingredients:
- Beeswax
One of the first ingredients you should look out for is beeswax. Bees naturally produce this wax and deposit it in their hive. It’s a great emulsifier, which allows it to bind together the other ingredients in the balm without the need for artificial additives. It also forms a protective layer between paw pads and the outside world, preventing damage and locking in moisture.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer, penetrating deep into the paw pads. It also smells great and is non-toxic to dogs. Waxes, lotions, and balms that contain coconut oil are likely to be good quality options. For more options head over to our guide on coconut oil for dogs.
- Honey
If you’re looking for a balm that can heal chapped paws as well as preventing them, honey, especially manuka honey, is a great ingredient to watch out for. It’s naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, allowing it to promote healing while reducing the risk of infection.
- Calendula
Calendula is a flowering plant related to the marigold family. Its natural anti-inflammatory and healing properties make it a great addition to any paw balm.
- Paraffin Wax
Paw balms that contain paraffin wax are great for preventing paw damage in tough conditions, especially where snow, ice, and salted surfaces are involved. It provides grip and helps to form a barrier over your dog’s paw pads.
Why Does My Dog Need Paw Wax?
It’s not always necessary to use a paw wax, but there are several reasons to do so:
- Protection against Challenging Conditions
Paw pads are sensitive to extreme conditions in the outside world. Hot pavements, sand, snow, and salted roads can all irritate and damage a dog’s paw pads. Applying a protective wax or balm offers their paws a layer of protection against heat, cold, and salt, as well as rough or hard surfaces such as gravel and asphalt.
- Protecting Sensitive Paws
Just like humans, some dogs have sensitive skin on their feet. Pooches with sensitive paw pads are more susceptible to damage from everyday irritants such as heat, cold, and hard surfaces. You can protect sensitive paws by applying a suitable wax.
- Treating Hyperkaratosis
Applying a suitable paw balm or lotion is a simple but effective way to treat hyperkaratosis. This fairly common disorder causes the outer coating of the foot pads to grow excessively. This extra growth can cause dry, cracked pads, and although there is no cure, symptoms can be alleviated by a good moisturiser.
- Treating dry and cracked Foot Pads
Lotions, balms, and waxes can also be used to treat the common-or-garden ailment of dry and cracked paws. Ingredients in these products restore moisture to the pad, lock it in, and promote healing.
Different Types Of Dog Dog Paw Balms
Dog paw balms generally fall into one of two categories:
- Protective Balms
Balms such as mushers secret fall into this category. They’re designed to prevent, rather than correct, paw damage, by creating a protective coating on paw pads. This type of paw balm tends to feature paraffin or beeswax prominently on ingredient lists.
- Moisturising and Healing Balms
On the other hand, some balms are designed to heal damage already done to paws. These products usually contain a moisturising oil as their main ingredient, along with soothing botanicals. Item number six on our list is a good example.
For all round protection, it’s worth investing in both types, although some manufacturers attempt to combine both functions into a single product.
How To Prevent Dry Dog Paws
Just as dry and cracked skin can be uncomfortable for humans, dry and cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for dogs. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent your dog from developing dry paws:
- Treat your dog’s paws with a protective wax or balm before taking them outdoors in particularly hot or wintery conditions.
- Wipe off your dog’s feet with a towel when you return from a walk - especially if they have walked on salted roads in the winter. Find out more about dog drying towels here.
- Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. A well hydrated body makes for well hydrated skin.
- Check your dog’s diet includes omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, as these vitamins promote healthy skin and hair. For a wider selection of choices, check out our dog vitamins guide.
- Consider introducing your dog to specially designed canine boots. These useful pieces of outerwear act just like human shoes, offering protection from outdoor hazards.
Take a look at our review of Dog Paw Washers for more info.
FAQ
Q: When are paw protection waxes most often used?
Paw protection waxes are most commonly used to combat wintery weather. Snow, ice, grit, and salt can do painful damage to your dog’s paws, so even the toughest pooches can benefit from a little extra protection at this time of year.
Q: What causes dry paws?
Dry paws can be caused by several different triggers:
A medical condition such as hyperkaratosis
An allergy
Exposure to chemicals such as fertilizer or road salt
Hot roads and pavements
Cold weather
Dehydration
Q: Can I ignore dry paw pads?
Although it might seem like a purely aesthetic concern, just ignoring dry paw pads is a bad idea. Over time, the cracking is likely to worsen, resulting in bleeding, pain, and potential infection.
If your dog is experiencing dry and cracked paws for the first time, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your vet as well as trying a paw lotion. Dry paws could be the result of purely environmental factors, but they could also be symptomatic of an underlying health issue.
Q: Can I make paw balm at home?
You certainly can, yes. With a little time and effort, you can save money by making your own paw balm, using this simple recipe.
You will need:
6 x 1 ounce heat-proof tins
A small pot
2 oz olive oil
2 oz coconut oil
1 oz shea butter
4 tsp beeswax
To make the balm:
Melt the coconut oil and the olive oil together in a small pot, stirring continuously to mix them thoroughly
Add the shea butter, and beeswax, continuing to stir until everything is combined
Carefully pour the melted mixture into heat-proof tins
Allow the mixture to cool until it has hardened
Cap the tins and store in a cool, dry place
Use within 2 years
You can even customise the recipe by adding around 12 drops of an essential oil of your choice for fragrance. You could try lavender for its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties.