Hello everyone!
Today’s post is a little different then what I usually write about. If you are a regular reader, you know that last year I became the proud guardian of a handsome Maltipoo! Today’s post is a DIY recipe for our four-legged friends.
If you are a dog owner or guardian, as I like to call myself, this is a DIY recipe just for you.
What is a paw balm:
The term paw balm describes the category of skin care products designed with your dog's foot health in mind. These balms, creams, waxes, butters, and lotions protect, and in some cases, help heal your dog's dry, chapped, or cracked skin. They form barriers and moisturise the feet. A paw balm can help prevent damage to the skin on your dog's paw pads, but it can also help to soothe and repair sore, damaged and cracked pads with its healing and moisturising properties.
When to use a paw balm:
Dogs that go outside in the hot summer weather can injure their paws. In high temperatures always check the paved or sandy surfaces. If it’s too hot to the touch, it’s too hot for your dog.
Additionally, winter
climates can be brutal on our dog’s paw pads. Exposed to the elements and toxic chemicals (harsh irritants like rock salt and other
chemicals used to deice roads), the paw pads are at
risk for drying, cracking, trauma, frostbite and chemical burns. Having a barrier between your pup’s paws and the ground helps keep the
salt from sticking to your dog’s feet, all while nourishing the paw pad skin.
Hers’s
my recipe for a DIY vegan dog paw balm.
All you need are five simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
- 4 tablespoons shea butter
- 8 teaspoons soy wax
Method:
Put all of the ingredients into a glass jar.
Using a pot as a double boiler, add water and then place the glass jar in the pot.
Heat on low until the wax has melted and all ingredients are mixed well.
Pour the mixture into individual containers and let harden.
How to use:
Before using the balm, make sure the paw is ready. If your dog has long hair, like my Rascal, use a clipper to keep the hair between the paw pads short so that it is even with the pad.
Apply a thin even layer of balm just before going out for a walk. After the walk, wipe your dog’s paws with a warm washcloth in the winter or a wet wipe during the warmer months. Then apply another layer of balm to soothe any irritation and to keep them from drying out.
You can also massage it into your
pup's paws to treat
dry, cracked, chaffed, chapped or damaged paw pads. Plus, because it's all-natural, there's little
to worry, should your dog lick it off. It's
also safe to use on your pup's skin and nose. Apply this protective balm to your pup’s sensitive nose skin before going out and
afterwards to soothe the snooze.
Just
as harsh weather can do a number on human skin; extremely hot and cold
temperatures can also be rough on your dog’s paws and nose.
Are you a pet guardian/“owner”? Did you enjoy today’s post? Leave a comment and let me know whether or
not you want more pet-related posts in the future!
