DIY Paw Protector

Our winters are hard on our pups paws. Everything from the cold temperatures, frost, ice, snow, salt can cause discomfort to Fido’s feet. The best prevention we can recommend is booties, but let’s be honest, for most of our dogs it’s only a matter of a few shakes of the paws before they come flying off.

Below is an easy DIY recipe for homemade paw protecting wax that will help with moisturizing and providing a protective barrier against the elements during the next frosty months.

Supplies you need:

• 21-24 standard lip balm tubes OR 6 1-oz. tins
• A small digital kitchen scale, optional
• Small pot or double boiler

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp.) olive, sunflower, or sweet almond oil
• 2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp.) coconut oil
• 1 oz. (approx. 1 tbsp.) shea butter
• 4 tsp. beeswax

Instructions:

1. In a small pot or double boiler over low heat melt the oils, shea butter, and beeswax. Stir continuously until all is melted and well blended.
2. Carefully pour the mixture into lip balm tubes and/or tin
3. Let them cool on the counter until hard.
4. Cap and label.
5. Keep away from extreme heat.
6. Apply the balm as a preventive treatment or to help soften dry paw pads or noses.

Other methods that help protect pads are trimming and wiping. Trimming the fur between and around the pads will prevent snow and ice from forming into snowballs that can lead to chaffing and chapping. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, a professional can always help. Also, wiping your dog’s feet before he comes inside will help to remove any de-icing products and ice balls that might have formed.

Written by: Sheila McNiven, Doggie Day Care Manager