Does your dog have an excessively dry nose? Do they have dryness or cracking on their paw pads? Dog paw and nose balm may help to relieve your pup’s symptoms.
***Have your dog checked by your veterinarian for any symptoms on their nose or paws to be sure a nose and paw balm will help treat their condition and if there are any ingredients that your pup should avoid.***
What Causes A Dry Nose Or Paw?
A dry nose can be caused by a variety of things.
- Breed. Some breeds, particularly brachycephalic ones like bulldogs, anatomically are unable to lick their noses resulting in increased dryness.
- Medical conditions. Some autoimmune disorders, like lupus, may cause crusting and scabbing around the nose. Hyperkeratosis is an increase in the production of keratin, which makes up hair, skin, and nails. This condition can manifest as rough, hard, and crusty paws and noses.
- Allergies. Allergic reactions may cause an itchy or dry nose.
- Sunburn may result in a dry, itchy nose as it heals.
- Weather. Cold weather can dry out your dog’s nose, just as it can dry out a human’s.
Dry, cracked paws have their culprits as well.
- Snow. Snow can get between the paw pads and cause irritation.
- Ice melt that is not pet friendly may contain chemicals that can dry out your dog’s paws.
- Hot pavement. This can burn your dog’s paws and result in pain, dryness, and itching as it heals.
- Concrete and asphalt. If your dog walks on concrete or asphalt on your walks, this can result in cuts or tearing of the paw pads.
How Can Paw And Nose Balm Help?
Paw and nose balm contain ingredients that help moisturize the area it is applied to. Some are also thick enough to create a protective layer on your dog’s paws when they go for walks.
What Ingredients Should I Look For When Choosing A Paw And Nose Balm?
When choosing a paw and nose balm, look for natural ingredients that are safe for dogs. It is more than likely your dog will lick the area you put the balm on, so you want to be sure none of the ingredients could be toxic.
Some common ingredients include:
- Beeswax. Seals in moisture and softens skin.
- Carnauba Wax. Thickener that gives a glossy look.
- Candelilla Wax. Helps skin hold in moisture.
- Vegetable oil, including Olive and Coconut Oil. Softens skin and helps it retain its moisture and help relieve itchiness.
- Jojoba. Moisturizes.
- Vitamin E. Moisturizes.
- Shea Butter. Skin softener. Also believed to be an anti inflammatory to help with wounds.
- Aloe Vera. Softens skin and is an anti inflammatory.
- Chamomile. Anti inflammatory.
How Do I Apply Paw And Nose Balm?
Applying a paw and nose balm is as simple as putting some balm onto your fingers and directly putting it onto the affected area. Some balms are very thick and may require you to put some into your hands and warm it up first by rubbing it around in your hands before applying.
Rub the product in as much as possible to help with the absorption of the balm and have less product available for your dog to lick. Distract your dog with toys or treats to give the product time to absorb and to help your dog associate the product with something positive.
Apply the balm 2-3 times per day to treat the condition. It may also be used once per day for maintenance.
Will Paw And Nose Balm Leave Marks On My Floors?
This will depend on a few factors.
- How much balm are you using? If it is too much you may notice some of it on your floors.
- Are you giving the balm time to absorb before your dog starts walking around the house?
- What time of day are you applying? Putting the balm on at night before bed may reduce the likelihood of your dog walking around and getting it on your floor.
If you are concerned about getting the balm on your floors, you can also put some dog booties on to help protect your dog’s paws and your floors. You can take a look at some of the best dog booties HERE.
The Best Paw And Nose Balm For Your Dog
These are some of the best rated paw and nose balms. For the purpose of this post, we are talking about balms that moisturize and help with dryness and cracking of your dog’s paws and nose.
We included the top nose balm and the top paw balm, as well as balms that are created to be used on both dog paws and noses.
All of these products have minimal ingredients and are non-toxic and safe if your dog licks their nose or paws after application. Information is according to the manufacturer. Each product is Made in the USA or Canada.
The Best Nose Balms
Natural Dog Company Snout Soother
- Available in 3 sizes: 1 oz., 2 oz. and 4 oz.
- Made with plant based ingredients.
- Organic.
- Vegan.
- Heals dry, cracked noses.
- Ingredients:
- Organic:
- Hempseed Oil.
- Shea Butter.
- Coconut Oil.
- Grapeseed Oil.
- Jojoba.
- Kukui Oil.
- Candelilla Wax.
- Natural Vitamin E.
- Chamomile.
- Rosemary Extract.
- Organic:
- Made in the USA.
Snout Magic
- Made of natural ingredients.
- Organic.
- Soothes and heals dry noses.
- Ingredients:
- Organic:
- Shea Butter.
- Olive Oil.
- Almond Oil.
- Coconut Oil.
- Beeswax.
- Avocado Oil.
- Cocoa Seed Butter.
- Castor Oil.
- Aromatherapy Oils (Cedar Wood, Cypress, and Ylang Ylang).
- Organic:
- Made in the USA.
The Best Paw Balms
Musher’s Secret
- Protects dog paws from sand, hot pavement, snow and salt.
- Can also be used to heal dry, cracked paws.
- Can be used on noses too.
- Ingredients:
- White and Yellow Beeswax.
- Carnauba Wax.
- Candelilla Wax.
- White and Vegetable Oil.
- Vitamin E.
- Scent free.
- Cruelty free.
- Gluten free.
- Non GMO.
- Non toxic.
- Nut free.
- Soy free.
- Flax oil free.
- Made in Canada.
Natural Dog Company Paw Soother
- Available in 3 sizes: 1 oz., 2 oz., and 4 oz.
- Soothes rough, dry, cracked paws.
- Prevents licking and itching from allergies.
- Made of natural ingredients.
- Organic.
- Vegan.
- Fragrance free.
- Ingredients:
- Organic:
- Mango Butter.
- Cocoa Butter.
- Coconut Butter.
- Hempseed Oil.
- Jojoba Oil.
- Candelilla Wax.
- Chamomile.
- Cajeput.
- Calendula.
- Rosemary.
- Natural Vitamin E.
- Organic:
- Made in the USA.
Best Paw and Nose Balm
Top Dog Chews Pup Balm
- Natural, non-toxic, hypoallergenic.
- Organic.
- Ingredients:
- White and Yellow Beeswax.
- Carnauba Wax.
- Candelilla Wax.
- White and Vegetable Oils.
- Vitamin E.
- Can also be used as protection in the winter from snow , ice, and salt and can help prevent balling of snow on the pads.
- Protects from hot pavement and sand.
- Soothes any dry skin area.
- Made in the USA.
Pawstruck Ruff Relief Nose And Paw Balm
- Natural, non-toxic, hypoallergenic.
- Organic.
- Moisturizes nose, paws, elbows, wrinkles, and any dry skin area.
- Ingredients:
- Organic:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Coconut Oil.
- Beeswax.
- Carnauba Wax.
- Jojoba Wax.
- Non-GMO Vitamin E.
- Organic:
- Protects from salt, ice, sand and heat.
- Fragrance free.
- Made in the USA.
Petsmont Organic Paw Balm
- Organic.
- For dry and cracked noses and paws.
- Fragrance Free.
- Ingredients:
- Organic:
- Shea Butter.
- Coconut Oil.
- Beeswax.
- Olive Oil.
- Jojoba Oil.
- Aloe Vera.
- Vitamin E.
- Organic Plant – Based Collagen Booster.
- Organic:
- Made in the USA.
Seeing your dog with a rough, dry nose or cracked, dry paws may give you cause for concern about your pup’s well being. Paw and nose balm can help restore your dog’s nose and paws to their natural textures and provide them with relief of symptoms.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.