Dog paws can be tender, raw, crusted, and bleed due to walks on rough terrain, exposure to dust, allergens, wind, winter snow, ice, and salt, and scorching hot or cold weather on walks. If you want to explore some of our top picks for healthy paw balms, you’re at the right place.
This review will help you choose the best dog paw cream to prevent your furry friend from cracked, dry paw pads that ooze and bleed. Keep in mind that paw balms also effectively prevent dry and sensitive paws.
Dog paw balms are effective and used to relieve cracked, itchy, crusted, irritated, and bleeding pads, restoring moisture and comfort. Also known as natural paw butter, most of us can’t leave home without it, especially if we spend plenty of time hiking or outdoors on trails with your dog.
Winter dog paw care doesn’t have to be unaffordable, even with multiple pets. With a bit of extra prep time and some of our top dog paw balm picks, you can keep your furbaby’s paws nice and healthy all year long!
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
What are the benefits of using dog paw cream?
Protection is vital when looking after canine paws. For example, investing in a few paw products like paw balm will help keep your dog’s paws in top condition. Essential summer and winter paw care products like balms, salves, and butter are designed to keep paws healthy and supple.
Paw balm works by acting as an invisible shield. Balms will repel ice and snow and protect your puppy’s paws from getting cracked and dried out. They also moisturize and protect, as well as heal damaged tissue. In addition, you’ll find some paw creams for dogs have added ingredients to help combat inflammation and infection. As usual, if your furbaby has paw issues, reach out to your veterinarian.
Here are some of the best reasons to use dog paw cream on your puppy.
Protects sensitive paws
If you have a puppy with extra thin or sensitive paw pads, you probably know how easily they can get sunburned.
Moisturizes rough paws
Dry and cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for your puppy. Paw cream moisturizes and soothes the paws, keeping them healthy and happy.
Soothes chapped ears
Dog ear cream is an excellent alternative to dog paw cream, but you can also use a cream on your puppy’s paw pads to condition their ears!
Keeps fur healthy and shiny
If you have a puppy with especially coarse or long hair, you can use dog paw cream to keep their fur shiny and healthy.
Preventative treatment
It’s always best to take good care of your puppy’s paws, but even if you keep their paws clean and wiped down after walks, your puppy still may be prone to paw pad sensitivities even with normal weather. So even if you already use dog paw cream as a preventative measure, it’s always good to have a few types of dog paw balms on hand in the car, at home, or in a pet first aid kit in case of emergencies.
After reading this, you might be wondering which is the best paw cream for dogs. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you all about them! We’ve bought and tested over 10 different products. We listed the 6 best dog paw creams below to help choose.
- Pros
- Easy-to-apply formula
- Suitable for sporting dogs
- Protects paws from sand, hot pavement, ice & salt
- Helps heal wounds
- Keeps paws healthy
- Forms a breathable barrier
- Protects from ice-build up
- Suitable for year-round paw protection
- Moisturizes & conditions paw pads
- Cons
- None
Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax for Dogs is an all-natural wax blend that protects your dog’s paws from the elements. Made with only six ingredients, this paw protector is vegan friendly and made in Colorado by a family-run company making it the same way since 2002.
We like this paw balm because it’s perfect for mushing, hunting, walking, or any outdoor activity. It’s also an easy-to-apply formula that contains vitamin E to moisturize and help heal wounds and keep paws healthy. This product has over 26,800 positive reviews and is our top pick for the best paw cream for dogs! Here’s the takeaway:
Features
- Two size options
- Crafted with a 100% natural food grade blend of waxes
- It contains vitamin E oils
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, flax-oil free, nut-free
- Affordable
- Over 26,800 positive reviews
- Pros
- Excellent for dry, cracked noses
- Safe if licked or swallowed
- Features anti-inflammatory properties
- Specially formulated to soothe dry and cracked paws from hot or cold weather
- Soothes and relieves dry, cracked paws
- Easy to use
- Fresh and unique fragrances
- Safe for pups to use
- A gentle formula that nourishes & softens
- Suitable for most pets
- Cons
- Not enough scent options
Pet Head Oatmeal paw butter features over 16,000 positive reviews. It’s super popular among pet parents because it’s crafted as an eco-friendly formula that is pH-balanced for cats and safe if licked or swallowed.
We like that it’s made in the USA and is organic, vegan, gluten-free, hypoallergenic, and free of common chemical irritants. In addition to being an effective cream for repairing dog paws, many pet parents use it as a preventative measure against drying or cracking by applying it as a moisturizer daily.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Crafted with shea butter, oatmeal, mango, vitamins E and F, coconut oil, olive oil, & aloe vera.
- Free of petroleum derivatives & DEA
- Coconut scent
- Eco-friendly formula
- pH balanced for pets
- Over 16,000 positive reviews
- Manufactured in the US
- A Pet Head product
- Pros
- Naturally moisturizes paws
- Suitable for all life stages. veterinarian recommended
- Free of petroleum, phthalates, fragrances, sulfates, & colorants
- Naturally repairs & restores paw health in dogs.
- A lightweight solution that's not greasy
- Allows for paw pads to be soft & smooth
- Cons
- Not as high-quality as some of the other options
Burt’s Bees has always been notorious for using natural ingredients in its products. This is one of our favorite brands because it’s cruelty-free and formulated without colorants, sulfates, and added fragrances. The formulas are also pH balanced, especially for dogs and puppies.
When it comes to anything used on an animal, you always need to ensure that the product is 100% safe and won’t trigger any allergic reaction.
Burt’s Bees for Pets Paw Lotion effectively moisturizes your pet’s paws without being too greasy upon application, so there will be no mess involved when applying this lotion to your dog. This product has over 9,000 positive reviews. If you’re looking for a cheaper dog palm cream, this should be your top pick!
Features
- 99.7% natural formula
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Cruelty-free pet product
- pH balanced, especially for dogs and puppies.
- Eco-friendly, vegan brand
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Over 9,000 positive reviews
- Crafted with rosemary & olive oil
- A Burt’s Bees pet product
- Pros
- Treats scars, wounds, dryness, hyperkeratosis,& irritated elbows.
- Perfect for pet vacays, pet travel, dog shows & home use
- Relieves itchy dry skin
- Soothes discomfort & hydrates paws
- Prevents & treats paw irritations
- Safe for pups & adult dogs
- It starts to heal paws after one application.
- Cons
- It doesn't dry as fast.
The Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Stick is a convenient, easy-to-use moisturizing paw cream for dogs. It works almost immediately to give your furbaby paw relief. This is an organic and chemical-free formula that uses coconut oil, chamomile, mango butter, and cocoa butter.
Their unique blend contains many botanicals and essential oils known to soothe dry, cracked paws with minimal mess! The convenient 2 oz. travel stick is perfect for all dogs on the go or at home. You can easily carry it in your backpack when camping or on a dog vacay out in the countryside. This product works well on cold days as a paw soother.
Paw Soother is veterinarian-approved and highly recommended by some top holistic vets. It’s also vegan-friendly! This paw moisturizer for dogs has over 7,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Organic & all-natural
- Plant-based ingredients
- Affordable
- On-the-go moisturizer stick balm 2oz
- Light coconut scent
- Handcrafted
- Vegan
- An extensive array of pet products to choose from
- A Natural Dog Company pet product
- Over 7,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Heals paw injuries
- Protects against snow, ice salt & cold
- Can be used on the snout, ears, paws, & elbows
- Zero waste
- No greasy fingers when applying
- Vet recommended
- No overwhelming scent
- Goes on smoothly
- Cons
- May be pricey for multi-pet homes
- Difficult to wash off
This paw balm offers the best protection for my dogs on long walks and during our winters. It also works great on their paws. Saker’s dog paw balm is organic and made for the most active dogs. It’s designed to keep the paws moisturized out in the trails, whether you’re facing a rocky trail or a snowy path.
It acts like an invisible boot forming a breathable shield against sand, hot pavement, snow & salt, so your dog can mush, hike, hunt or go for a walk in any weather condition. We like this dog paw balm because it’s another pet product that’s safe to lick.
It also features five organic ingredients, including vitamin E, Shea Butter, candelilla wax, coconut oil, and olive oil. This is a handmade product and can be applied like a chapstick which means you don’t need to dip your fingers in it.
Features
- Natural & organic
- Eco-friendly paw balm
- Safe to lick
- Made for the Canadian winters
- Packaged in a biodegradable paper tube instead of plastic
- Made in Canada
- Pros
- Easy & quick to apply
- Moisturizes & heals sensitive paws
- Protects paws from the elements
- Made in the US
- Speeds up healing
- Safe, non-toxic way to protect your dog's paws
- Soothes cracked pads and paws.
- Cons
- Slightly greasy
Paw Pad Protection Balm for dogs is an all-purpose paw balm that protects and repairs dry, cracked paws. Veterinarians designed this paw cream to be the best dog foot cream. It’s pet safe and effective on dogs with all types of paws. The Paw Pad Cream does more than moisturize and protect your dog’s paws; it also heals and moisturizes dry noses! Ingredients include the following: Olive Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, & Vitamin E Oil.
Vets Preferred Paw Pad Protection Balm for Dogs is a safe, all-natural formula that offers maximum protection against the harshness of winter and the drying effects of summer heat. The paw balm also helps prevent snowballs between your pet’s toes.
We like this dog palm cream because it contains cold-pressed natural oils and waxes. It soothes cracked pads and provides protection. It’s also veterinarian-grade, which means that it’s made from premium ingredients and refined according to unique formulations. This dog paw wax is a safe, non-toxic way to protect your dog’s paws without spending a lot of money. This product has over 2,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable
- Veterinarian-grade paw balm
- Crafted with 100% pure natural waxes
- Made in a Lab-Quality Facility earning the GMP Seal
- Over 2,000 positive reviews
- 100% natural pet product
- Developed & recommended by vets
What are paw pads?
PetMD explains that “Paw pads are a pretty specialized type of skin that’s on the footpad. They’re made, of course, to be able to take the pressure.” Though they’re made to withstand pressure, just like our own feet and shoes, an animal’s paw pads are very susceptible to wear and tear.” PetMD explains that some animals suffer from paw pad burns due to being in a fire or chemical irritants. At the same time ” other dogs can get burnt paw pads from walking or running too hard on hot pavement or flat surfaces like tennis courts.”
As a pet parent, it’s essential to be able to tell when your dog’s paw pad needs some TLC. If your puppy shows some discomfort like holding up a foot, limping, or vocalizing while limping, he may have a burnt paw pad.
In severe cases, a usually black paw pad that’s pink is burnt. This can happen from walking on hot pavements and streets. Vets advise that during the hot summers, it’s best to keep walks to a minimum when it’s hot outdoors to avoid paw burns.
Running with Fido
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says that running alongside your puppy has its downside. If you’re running with your dog on grass or other natural ground surfaces it’s not that tough on a dog’s paws, but running on concrete, asphalt, gravel, or other hard surfaces can put a lot of stress on your dog’s body and can put them at risk of injury to their legs, paws or paw pads.
How to heal paw pad injuries?
With summer heat burning a dog’s paw pads and icy weather conditions also contributing toward sensitivities, the AVMA explains that you should check your dog’s paws daily. During freezing weather, you should shorten dog walks.
Because a dog’s paws are vital to their wellbeing and are essential in carrying their weight for daily activities, it’s necessary to know how to care for your dog’s paw pads. Here’s what you should be doing every day:
Check your puppy’s paws often: Look for pebbles, bits of glass, weeds, or thorns that could get lodged in their paws. This is important to do after every walk. If you find something, it should be removed with tweezers.
Clean feet weekly: You can either use wipes or wash your puppy’s paws. During winter, this is essential when their paws may have been exposed to de-icing products. Snow can also turn into balls of ice that get stuck between paw pads. Using a washcloth in warm water can help to dissolve the ice.
Allergies: Dogs can also be allergic to certain types of grass and have allergies to pollen and trees resulting in sensitive and swollen paws. If you keep your puppy’s paws clean, you’ll avoid this.
Intense licking: If your puppy is an avid self-groomer, obsessive licking that is intense and constant can result in paw sensitivities. Obsessive licking can also result from lice, parasites, pain, injuries, and allergies.
Anxiety & compulsive behavior: Dogs prone to behavioral issues may lick their paws compulsively, and the frequent licking can result in yeast or bacterial paw infection where veterinary care is needed.
Long nails: Dogs that don’t have regular nail trimmings may suffer from paw pad pain and sensitivities. Long nails can injure your puppy and interfere with the way he walks. Keep nail trims regular and ensure that your puppy’s nails don’t touch the ground when he stands upright.
What is dog paw cream?
Like human hand cream, dog paw cream is a moisturizing ointment that can be used to smooth rough or dry paws, heal chapped paws, soften fur, and combat the elements.
Paw cream is typically packed with moisturizing agents like glycerin, shea butter, and aloe. Paw cream can come in a tube or tub that you scoop out to apply. Many of the best dog paw creams on the market today come with applicator tips that make using the cream as easy as a squeeze and a swipe.
There are all kinds of different dog paw creams on the market, and many can be used on other areas like your puppy’s nose, ears, and elbows.
How do you apply dog paw cream?
Applying dog paw cream is pretty straightforward. You can apply it by hand using your fingers, but you might want to look for a dog paw cream with an applicator tip to make the process easier.
You’ll want to use dog paw cream whenever your puppy’s paws or skin feels dry, chapped, rough, or irritated.
How often should you apply dog paw cream?
It depends on your puppy’s needs, but you should apply dog paw cream at least once a day as a general rule of thumb, most especially when the weather is extreme- too hot or super cold. Also, if you’re taking your puppy out on trails hiking a lot, you’ll be helping him maintain paw condition.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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