HOMEMADE PAW BALM FOR DOGS

HOMEMADE PAW BALM FOR DOGS

Homemade Paw Balm for Dogs 

Here’s a simple, vet & pet friendly homemade paw balm recipe, perfect for protecting your dog’s paws from hot surfaces, sand, and dryness during summer.

Base Ingredients:

- 2 tbsp coconut oil – moisturises and has mild antibacterial properties

- 2 tbsp shea butter – deeply hydrates and soothes cracked pads

- 1 tbsp beeswax – provides a natural protective barrier against heat and rough surfaces

- 1 tbsp sweet almond oil or olive oil – adds nourishment and smooth texture

Medicinal Additions:

- Calendula oil**[see below how to make your own calendula oil]– add 1 tsp to base, excellent for healing minor abrasions and dryness

- Lavender essential oil – calming and skin soothing (optional and only safe in very low dilution 1-2 drops added to base — skip for cats or sensitive pets)

- Manuka Honey - highly valued for its antibacterial properties and moisture retaining effects and wound soothing benefits - great for minor grazes, dry cracked nose and paws.

- Chamomile oil - calming, anti-inflammatory, and safe for most pets, (use dried chamomile flowers to make your own oil infusion follow the calendula recipe below), great for redness, itchy patches and paws.

- Vitamin E Oil - supports skin healing, add 1-2 capsules (pierced) into your finished balm before cooling, great for dry paw pads, cracked nose and skin hydration.

Building a Gentle Holistic Healing Blend

For an all round, pet friendly soothing balm, you can combine:

- Calendula (healing)

- Chamomile (calming)

- Manuka honey (healing & antibacterial)

- Vitamin E (skin repair + natural preservative)

…and adjust depending on what your pet needs.

 

Instructions:

  1. In a small heatproof bowl or jar, combine beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and almond oil.
  2. Melt gently using a double boiler (or a heat safe bowl placed over simmering water). Stir until completely liquid.
  3. Remove from heat and add your healing blend (calendula oil, lavender oil, vitamin E oil etc). Stir well.
  4. Pour into small tins or silicone molds.
  5. Let cool until solid (about 30 minutes). Label and store in a cool, dark place.

How to Use:

- Before walks, apply a thin layer to your dog’s paw pads and let it absorb for a minute or two.

- After walks or beach trips, clean paws and reapply for soothing relief.

- Use regularly to prevent dryness, cracking, and irritation from hot pavement, salt, or sand.

Tips & Safety:

- Always test a small area first for any reaction.

- Avoid walking on very hot pavement, balm helps protect but doesn’t insulate from burns.

- Store out of direct sunlight as the natural ingredients may melt easily in warm weather.

- Safe for most dogs if licked in small amounts.

 

** How to Make Your Own Calendula Oil **

a simple, pet safe way to make your own calendula infused oil at home for use in home-made balms

What You Need;

Dried calendula petals - dried is important as fresh flowers can introduce moisture and cause mould.

A carrier oil such as -

  1. Olive oil (most common and very stable)
  2. Sweet almond oil (light and nourishing)
  3. Fractionated coconut oil (good for warm climates as stays liquid)

and

  1.  A clean glass jar with a lid
  2.  A fine strainer or cheesecloth
  3.  A clean storage bottle

 

Two Safe Methods of Infusion

Slow Sun Infusion (traditional and gentlest for pets)

Great if you’re in warm weather and not in a rush.

  1. Fill a clean jar halfway with dried calendula petals.
  2. Cover completely with your chosen oil, leaving about 1–2 cm at the top.
  3. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny windowsill for 2–4 weeks.
  4. Gently shake every few days.
  5. After infusion, strain through a cheesecloth to remove all plant matter.
  6. Label and store in a dark, cool place for up to 1 year.
  7. This method preserves the delicate compounds and is perfect for pets with sensitive skin.

Quick Warm Infusion (ready in a few hours)

Useful when you need calendula oil same day.

  1. Place dried petals in a heatproof jar or bowl.
  2. Cover with oil (same ratios as above).
  3. Place the container in a warm water bath (double boiler) on the lowest heat possible, you want the oil warm, not hot.
  4. Allow to gently warm for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. Strain and store as above.

Avoid high heat as it can destroy calendula’s healing properties.

You can combine your balm base with a few gentle, proven natural ingredients to boost healing,  especially for minor skin irritation, dryness, and recovery after insect bites or abrasions.

Paw balms are gentle, effective and simple to make at home using a few ingredients. It's a wonderful addition to a natural first aid kit, helping soothe dry patches and general skin discomfort.

Alternatively, you can purchase a pet safe, home made balm directly from Well Beings, taking all the hassle out of sourcing the ingredients and preparing it yourself, while still giving your pet the benefits of a high quality holistic product. Shop Paw Balms

 


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