Here in the Seattle area, 2021 is going out with a bang. This summer we had record breaking heat and in the fall we had record breaking rainfall. Now, this winter is serving us a record breaking cold snap. Maybe 2022 will take it a little easier on the record breaking weather, but in the meantime my dog and I are walking over the snow and ice for two outings a day, and although she’s invigorated by the cold air at first, her paws would start to bother her after walking on the hard ice and having the snow pack into her pads. Someone told me about a balm they put on their dog’s paws before going out in this weather, so I decided to make one for Bailey and see if it helps. Sure enough on the first walk we took where I’d slathered her specially-made-balm on her paws she did great the entire walk! She didn’t stop, lie down, and lick her paws once, and we went for a slightly longer walk than her usual one. The balm is so easy to do too! I didn’t put any essential oils in it because dogs’ noses are just too sensitive for essential oils. If I’d had time to make an herbal oil and turn that into a balm, I would have used lavender buds, rose petals, and/or plantain, but just the oil and beeswax balm worked well. Here’s the (so easy!) recipe:
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Dog Paw Protective Balm
2 oz almond oil (you can use another oil such as grapeseed or olive oil)
1/8-1/4 cup beeswax (the more wax you use, the harder the balm)
Mix the two together in a double boiler set-up. I use a measuring cup in a pot of water. Turn the burner on medium, making sure the water never boils. Mix the combo occasionally with a chopstick until the beeswax is all melted. Pour into a container and let it cool before capping.
That’s it! For a vegan balm, substitute the beeswax with carnauba wax or use a butter instead, such as shea butter or cocoa butter. The final balm will be softer if using the butters and the waxes provide a better protective barrier so use those if you have them.
Happy New Year Everyone! 🎆May it be a healthy, joyous year of growth and fulfillment for you and all those you love! ✨(Including your furry friends and family, of course🐶🐈🐰).
What a great idea!
Thank you!
That sounds great for the dogs paws. I will give it a try when we get some snow. Thanks Love
This is awesome, Kristen! I don’t need it for my pup but my sister lives in Kansas and just yesterday said how her poor pup’s feet get blasted on the snow and ice every time he goes out!! I am going to send it to her 🙂
Love when there is synchronicity in life matters and we find the answers right away!!
Sending all good things <3
Awesome! It looks like a lot of states will be hit with harsh winter weather again this week~ I hope you stay warm and cozy. XO
Thanks, Kristen 😊 I have a lot of nerve…I walked outside and it felt cold to me…then I checked my phone and the temp was 72F…oops! Have a great week!