The 6 Best Dog Paw Balms of 2023

Best Overall

Musher's Secret Paw Protection Wax

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This wax that was originally created for dog sledders in Canada is a must for just about any pup walking outdoors in snow and ice. A big plus for city dogs is that it protects against irritation from salt and other snow-melting chemicals on sidewalks and driveways. The 100 percent natural, food-grade wax creates an invisible boot around your pup’s paws that protects them while allowing perspiration to escape through the pads.

If damage has already been done, the all-purpose wax also soothes dry and cracked paw pads and it’s also safe to use on ears, elbows, and other hot spots. Speaking of hot, Musher’s Secret Paw Was helps on hot pavement, too; it’s used on patrol dogs in Texas and military K9’s. For best results apply two to three times a week.

Price at time of publish: $16

Best for Noses Too

Bag Balm Paw and Nose Moisturizer

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With just four ingredients, this petrolatum- and lanolin-based dog paw and nose balm has been a favorite since 1899, when it was originally created in Vermont to protect cows’ udders. The long-lasting moisturizer works on paws and noses to treat cracked and damaged skin.

In addition to your pup, you can use this on your own dry or chaffed skin, to treat baby’s diaper rash, or as a first-aid ointment. It was specially formulated to discourage your pet from licking it off. Among Bag Balm’s many claims to fame is that it has been to Antarctica.

Price at time of publish: $9

Best Organic

Paw Nectar Organic Paw Wax

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If you value feeding your pup an organic diet, you’ll appreciate that this paw balm uses 100 percent organic ingredients. It contains an all-natural blend of coconut, avocado and lavender oils, shea and cocoa butters, vitamin E, and soy and rosemary seed extract in a plant-sourced botanical wax. Slather it on your pup’s paws to treat dry, cracked, chaffed, chapped or damaged footpads. It’s also safe to use on your pup’s skin. And because it’s all-natural, there’s little to worry about should your dog lick it off. Reviewers note that the balm works quickly and one even goes so far as to call it “miracle stuff.”

Price at time of publish: $20

Best Stick

Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Stick

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This all-natural, vegan dog paw balm comes in a stick that makes it easy to apply to your pup’s paws without getting your hands goopy. Simply twist up and swipe on affected areas—it’s safe to use in between the pads. It heals and nourishes cracked and irritated pads and is even safe for treating paw pad hyperkeratosis, also known as “hairy paw.”

Natural Dog Company Paw Soother is made in Texas, and its ingredient list reads like your own favorite body moisturizer, with coconut oil, cupuacu butter, jojoba oil, calendula extract, cajeput essential oil, chamomile, vitamin E, and rosemary extract.

Price at time of publish: $18 (2-ounce stick)

Best Pocket-Sized

Pawtitas Travel Size Dog Paw Balm

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This organic dog paw balm is available in a 1.75-ounce tin, which is portable enough for travel, but it also comes in a handy .15-ounce version—about the size of a standard chapstick. Pawtitas Organic Paw Dog Balm is more than just a conveniently pocketable option, it's also an excellent vegan option, with all-natural ingredients, including coconut oil, olive oil, candelilla wax, jojoba oil, rosemary herbal oil, carnauba wax, turmeric, and calendula herbal oil.

Cruelty-free, Pawtitas Organic Paw Dog Balm is only tested on humans, not animals.

Price at time of publish: $10