8 Best Dog Paw Balms For Dry and Cracked Paws

Dog Supplies, Dogs, Pet product reviews

Last Updated - July 31, 2025

Quick Comparison of Our Top 4 Picks

Best Overall
Cylindrical packaging of Fera PawBiome Pet Balm, labeled as USDA organic and veterinarian-formulated, for soothing noses, paws, elbows, and skin of dogs and cats.
  • Easy to apply
  • Light texture and not overly greasy

4.4/5

Best 3 In 1
Round metal tin of Pet MD 3-in-1 Pet Balm, designed to relieve dry noses, elbows, and paws, specifically formulated for dogs.
  • Can be used for the nose, paw, and elbow
  • Lightly scented and absorbs fast

4.5/5

Best Organic Option
Round container of Bodhi Dog Certified Organic Paw Balm, featuring USDA Organic seal and containing shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, and hemp seed oil, designed to soothe and protect dry and cracked pet paws.
  • Easy to use
  • All natural ingredients

4.5/5

Best Prebiotic Balm
Metal tin of Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm, featuring manuka honey, designed for daily preventative care to soothe and protect pet paws and noses.
  • All natural ingredients
  • Can be used for both cats and dogs

4.4/5

More Top Picks & Recommendations

As a devoted dog parent, you know that your pup’s paws take a beating—whether they’re padding across scorching sidewalks, splashing through muddy puddles, or trekking over icy paths in winter. Dry, cracked, or irritated paw pads can turn daily adventures into uncomfortable ordeals, and neglecting them can lead to infections or limping. That’s why including a top-notch paw balm in your grooming essentials is so important. These balms blend nourishing butters, soothing oils, and protective waxes to heal cracks, lock in moisture, and create a resilient barrier against rough surfaces and harsh weather.

In this post, we’ll explore the top-rated dog paw balms every dog parent needs to protect their dog's paw pads.

Best dog paw balms

Fera pets PawBiome Pet Balm

Best Overall

overall 

4.4/5

Price

$$$

Effectiveness

Ingredients

Ease Of Use

Cylindrical packaging of Fera PawBiome Pet Balm, labeled as USDA organic and veterinarian-formulated, for soothing noses, paws, elbows, and skin of dogs and cats.

Source: Chewy

If you’re a pet parent who values clean‑ingredient formulas and real results, Fera Pets’ PawBiome® Pet Balm is a standout choice. This USDA-certified organic, veterinarian-created balm is crafted to soothe and protect paws, noses, elbows, and even minor hot spots on both dogs and cats without any harsh additives. Rigorously 3rd‑party tested and fragrance‑free, it delivers peace of mind as you care for your furry friend’s sensitive skin.

What sets PawBiome apart is its powerhouse blend of organic coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, beeswax, neem oil, calendula oil, seabuckthorn fruit oil, and lavender essential oil, enhanced by the clinically studied postbiotic Floradapt proBio-65 Lactobacillus sakei to support a balanced skin microbiome and accelerate healing. Housed in an eco‑friendly push‑up tube (no plastic screw mechanism), application is mess‑free and precise—just a few presses and you’re ready for adventure again. For dry, cracked paws or seasonal sensitivities, PawBiome Pet Balm offers fast relief and lasting protection, allowing your pet to explore comfortably, regardless of the weather.

Product Form

Lotion

Lifestage

All Lifestages, Adult

What We Like

  • Easy to apply
  • Light texture and not overly greasy
  • Does not leave any residue behind

What We Don't Like

  • Scent is not for everyone or dog
  • Packaging can feel confusing at first use

Pet MD Dog Paw Balm

Best 3 in 1

overall 

4.5/5

Price

$$$

Effectiveness

Ingredients

Ease Of Use

Round metal tin of Pet MD 3-in-1 Pet Balm, designed to relieve dry noses, elbows, and paws, specifically formulated for dogs.

Source: Amazon

Pet MD 3‑in‑1 Pet Balm for Dogs delivers fast‑acting relief for cracked, dry paw pads, callused elbows, and chapped noses—all in one handy tube. This non-toxic, vet-formulated balm blends 12 natural oils and butters (including shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, and avocado oil) with beeswax and pet-safe essential oils, such as cedarwood, lavender, and orange. Whether your dog’s been trekking through snow, hot pavement, or rough terrain, this balm seeps deep to restore moisture and prevent cracking, bleeding, and discomfort.

Application is effortless: simply warm a dab of balm in your palm and massage into the affected area—no rinse required. It absorbs quickly, leaving behind a breathable protective barrier that locks in hydration without greasy residue. Because it’s safe if licked, you can apply it 2–3 times daily until the area heals, then as needed for maintenance. Manufactured in the USA under strict quality controls, Pet MD’s 3‑in‑1 Pet Balm is the go‑to choice for pet parents who want a single, reliable solution to keep their furry friend’s paws, elbows, and nose soft, healthy, and adventure‑ready.

Product Form

Balm

Lifestage

All Life Stages

What We Like

  • Can be used for the nose, paw, and elbow
  • Lightly scented and absorbs fast

What We Don't Like

  • Requires preparation before use

Bodhi Dog Paw Balm

Best Organic Option

overall 

4.5/5

Price

$$$

Effectiveness

Ingredients

Ease Of Use

Round container of Bodhi Dog Certified Organic Paw Balm, featuring USDA Organic seal and containing shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, and hemp seed oil, designed to soothe and protect dry and cracked pet paws.

Source: Amazon

If you’re a pet parent looking for a truly natural way to heal and protect your dog or cat’s paws, the Bodhi Dog Organic Paw Balm has you covered. This USDA‑certified organic salve comes in two handy sizes—2 or 4 oz, so you can keep it within arm’s reach at home or tucked into your travel bag. Made with only six plant‑powered ingredients—organic shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, hemp seed oil, calendula, and rosemary extract—this balm soothes dry, cracked pads and helps restore a healthy moisture barrier without any fillers, artificial additives, or harsh chemicals.

The smooth, non‑greasy formula glides on easily and absorbs quickly, leaving behind a light, natural scent rather than a sticky residue. Its screw‑on canister keeps the balm fresh and mess‑free, while year‑round protection guards against hot pavement burns in summer and icy, salt‑strewn sidewalks in winter. Gentle and safe to lick, it's perfect for pets with sensitive skin or issues such as hyperkeratosis. Crafted in a cruelty‑free facility in the USA, Bodhi Dog’s Organic Paw Balm delivers instant relief and long‑lasting resilience—so your furry friend can keep exploring without pausing for sore paws.

Product Form

Balm

Lifestage

All Life Stages

What We Like

  • Easy to use
  • All natural ingredients
  • Can feel little to no grease and leave little to no residue

What We Don't Like

  • Have an earthy smell that is not for everyone

SKOUT'S HONOR Prebiotic Pet Balm

Best Prebiotic Balm

overall 

4.4/5

Price

$$$

Effectiveness

Ingredients

Ease Of Use

Metal tin of Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm, featuring manuka honey, designed for daily preventative care to soothe and protect pet paws and noses.

Source: Amazon

For dog and cat owners seeking a clean‑ingredient balm that delivers fast relief, lasting protection, and a feel‑good mission, Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm hits all the right notes. Packed with serious skincare benefits into a pocket‑sized roll that’s perfect for home or travel.

What sets this balm apart is its Microbiome-Friendly certification. Powered by real Manuka honey, it’s 100% natural, fragrance‑free, and alcohol‑free—so you can soothe your fur baby without worrying about harsh chemicals or irritants. A blend of organic castor seed oil, coconut oil, beeswax, olive oil, shea butter, and nourishing botanicals, including calendula and argan oil, delivers instant hydration while supporting a balanced skin microbiome.

Application is a breeze: simply swipe the balm on your pet’s paws, nose, or any dry patches and let it absorb. The rich, non-greasy formula creates a resilient moisture barrier, allowing your companion to keep exploring without interruption. Plus, every bottle you purchase feeds an animal in need—a thoughtful bonus for socially conscious pet lovers.

Product Form

Balm

Lifestage

All Life Stages

What We Like

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Can be used for the dog's nose and other areas as well
  • Can be used for both cats and dogs

What We Don't Like

  • Feels too thick for some

WagWell Paw Protector

Best Stick

overall 

4.6/5

Price

$$$

Effectiveness

Ingredients

Ease Of Use

Bright orange cylindrical container of WagWell Paw Protector, featuring a minimalist outline of a dog lifting its paw. The label reads “WagWell Paw Protector – Microbiome Friendly, Vet Approved,” and the product size is 15g.

Source: Amazon

If your dog’s paws are battling hot pavement, icy sidewalks, or gritty trails, the Wagwell Paw Protector balm is a game‑changer for pet owners looking to safeguard those precious pads. This lightweight, non‑greasy stick creates an invisible barrier that locks out dirt, salt, and germs—so your pup can romp through any terrain without discomfort or damage .

Backed by veterinary approval and the very first canine microbiome‑friendly certification, Paw Protector delivers clinically proven results, with 88 % of users seeing stronger skin barriers in just three days and 100 % reporting improvement within two weeks . Its gentle formula is free from wheat, corn, soy, and unnecessary fillers, making it safe even for dogs with the most sensitive paws.

At its core is a blend of 100 % natural ingredients—from nourishing coconut and jojoba oils to barrier‑forming beeswax, sunflower wax, olive husk oil, and vitamin E—that moisturize, calm inflammation, and offer antimicrobial and antifungal protection for round‑the‑clock defense . The propeller-stick design ensures a mess-free application, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Product Form

Twist-up stick balm

Lifestage

All Life Stages

What We Like

  • Easy to use and apply
  • No scent
  • It can leave little to no greasy residue

What We Don't Like

  • Some dogs enjoy the taste and will lick it off

Dandylion Soft Paws Hydrating Dog Paw Lotion Cream

Best Paw Cream

overall 

4.4/5

Price

$$$$$

Effectiveness

Ingredients

Ease Of Use

Tall, slim bottle of Dandylion Soft Paws Hydrating Paw Lotion with a built-in brush applicator and dark green label featuring a daisy graphic. The text reads “Soft Paws – Hydrating Paw Lotion. Lotion hydratante pour les pattes,” and the product is made for dogs.

Source: Chewy

If you’re a dog parent who dreads digging greasy balms out of a tin, the Dandylion Soft Paws Hydrating Paw Lotion is your new best friend. Housed in a unique brush‑on applicator, this lightweight, non‑greasy formula delivers deeply nourishing hydration without the mess. Just pump a little lotion onto the soft bristles and brush it onto dry or cracked paw pads—no water, no rinse, no fuss.

What makes Soft Paws truly stand out is its clean, plant‑based ingredient list. A blend of aloe juice, glycerin, shea butter, broccoli seed oil, olive oil, and coconut oil soothes, softens, and locks in moisture, while a vet‑dermatologist approved, pH‑balanced, fragrance‑free formula keeps sensitive paws safe—even if your pup licks them afterward. Free from harsh sulfates, artificial fragrances, drying alcohols, and essential oils, this 0.6 fl oz tube is perfect for daily use—and its cruelty‑free, vegan credentials mean you can feel good about every application.

Product Form

Lotion with brush

Lifestage

All Life Stages

What We Like

  • Easy to use and mess-free
  • Non-greasy and light

What We Don't Like

  • Pricey compared to other balms

Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax

Best Paw Wax

overall 

4.7/5

Price

$$$$$

Effectiveness

Ingredients

Ease Of Use

Open 200g container of Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Balm with a blue lid labeled “Paw Protection Par Excellence.” The label notes it's made with 100% natural waxes and provides protection for dog paws; ingredients and usage instructions are printed on the side.

Source: Amazon

For pet parents seeking a no‑fuss way to keep paws protected in every season, Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax delivers an invisible “boot” that locks out sand, salt, snow, and hot pavement—so your pup can explore worry‑free. Unlike many paw balms made with low-quality fillers, Musher’s Secret has been perfected over three generations using only 100% natural, food-grade waxes and oils—a time-tested remedy beloved by Canadian sled dog teams.

At its core, this semi-permeable balm blends beeswax and vitamin E to deeply condition and soothe cracked pads, while allowing natural perspiration to escape. It works equally well on noses, elbows, and other “hot spots,” helping repair dry, rough skin and prevent painful splits or bleeding.

Application is effortless: simply rub the wax between your fingers, massage it into the pads and between your toes, and head out—the formula fast-dries and won’t stain carpets, floors, or clothing. For peak protection, reapply 2–3 times per week, or more often in extreme cold or heat, and watch your dog’s paws stay soft, supple, and resilient through every adventure.

Product Form

Balm

Lifestage

All Life Stages

What We Like

  • Light and no greasy residue
  • The balm goes on smoothly, and a little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

  • Offers a great value

What to Look For

Formula

When choosing a paw balm, prioritize formulas that combine deeply nourishing, skin-soothing ingredients with absolute lick-safe purity. Seek out balms blended from rich emollients—like shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax—that penetrate to heal dry, cracked pads, while botanicals such as calendula, chamomile, or colloidal oatmeal calm inflammation and promote tissue repair.

Lick‑Safe, Non‑Toxic Formula

Ensure every component is non‑toxic and food‑grade, with no parabens, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or high‑concentration essential oils. That way, when your dog inevitably gives their paws a lick, they’re only ingesting gentle, safe ingredients—and you’re delivering both powerful moisture and total peace of mind.

Application

Jar

Scooping balm from an open jar or tub gives you the ultimate control over each application—you decide exactly how much to use and can even mix in a drop of extra oil or essential additive if your dog’s pads need a little extra TLC. Because tubs often hold the most product per ounce, they’re cost‑effective and reduce how often you need to reorder. The wider opening also makes it easy to see the balm’s texture and assess freshness over time.

However, this format isn’t without its challenges. Dipping fingers (or a spatula) into a jar can become messy—especially if your dog's feet are caked in dirt—and each dip exposes the remaining balm to air, moisture, and potential contaminants, which can shorten shelf life.

Jars are also less travel‑friendly; you’ll want to keep them upright and sealed tightly to prevent spills. For home use, though, the generous supply and hands‑on mixing flexibility make tubs a favorite among pet parents who don’t mind a little cleanup in exchange for maximum customization.

Stick

Solid sticks or push‑up tubes present paw balm in a convenient, solid form—much like a giant deodorant stick—for truly mess‑free application. With a simple twist of the base, a column of balm rises to meet your dog’s paw, allowing you to swipe it directly across pads and between toes without ever touching the product itself. This one‑handed operation is a dream for wriggly pups: no scooping, no double‑dipping, just a clean, even layer of protective wax that seals in moisture and shields against hot pavement, ice, and irritants.

Because the balm remains encapsulated until you dispense it, sticks stay hygienic and leak‑proof, making them ideal for carrying in a backpack or glove box. They’re also temperature‑stable, so there’s no risk of the formula melting in summer or freezing in winter (provided you store them in a temperate spot).

On the flip side, the firmness of a stick can make it harder to press balm into tiny cracks or narrow spaces between toes; you may need to follow up with a finger or cloth to really work the product in. And because sticks must maintain their shape, they often contain fewer oils or butters than jarred balms, which can mean less slip and potentially more frequent reapplication. Still, for pet parents who prioritize speed, cleanliness, and portability, the solid stick remains one of the most user‑friendly formats on the market.

Brush On

Brush‑on applicators combine the familiarity of a paintbrush with the functionality of paw balm, delivering a precise, even coat exactly where your dog needs it. Typically housed in a small tube or bottle, the balm is dispensed directly onto soft, synthetic bristles when you twist or squeeze the applicator body. As you brush along the pads and between toes, the bristles help work the balm into cracks and crevices, ensuring thorough coverage without the need to dip your fingers into the container. This targeted approach is ideal for pets with very dry, cracked skin that requires extra attention—nothing gets left behind.

One of the biggest advantages of brush‑on applicators is their hygienic design. Because you never touch the balm itself, there’s less risk of introducing dirt or bacteria into the tube, and cleanup is straightforward: simply wipe the bristles clean after each use. The bristles also offer a gentle massaging action, stimulating blood flow to encourage faster healing of damaged pads. Portion control is built in, too—you dispense just the amount you need, minimizing waste and helping your balm last longer.

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About the Author

Doctor of veterinary medicine with extensive experience in animal welfare with a strong interest in feline medicine and plans to pursue ABVP-Feline specialty board certification. A key member of many local veterinary associations and avid reader of animal related science journals and studies.

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