Does My Dog Need Paw Balm? A Guide to Dry Paws; Nose Care
Your dog’s paws work hard.
They walk on hot footpaths, cold surfaces, grass, concrete and rough ground. They get wet, muddy, dirty and washed.
And then there’s their nose.
It gets sniffed into everything from the garden to the kitchen floor - usually without your dog’s permission being requested. 😂
So it’s not surprising that sometimes their nose or paw pads need a little extra care.
What are paw pads designed to do?
A dog’s paw pads are tough for a reason.
They provide cushioning, grip and protection while your dog walks, runs and explores.
But tough doesn’t mean indestructible.
Paw pads can become dry, rough or uncomfortable, particularly when exposed to environmental conditions that are harder on the skin.
What can cause dry or rough paw pads?
There are lots of everyday things that can contribute.
☀️ Hot surfaces
During warmer weather, footpaths and other hard surfaces can become extremely hot.
Even when the air temperature doesn’t feel particularly high, surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can heat up considerably.
🌧️ Wet and muddy adventures
Dogs love getting dirty.
Unfortunately, repeated exposure to water, mud and washing can leave paws feeling less than fabulous.
🏃 Lots of activity
Active dogs put plenty of pressure on their paws.
Running, walking and exploring are all great for dogs, but increased activity can mean their paw pads need a little additional care.
🌿 Everyday environmental exposure
Grass, dirt, sand and rough surfaces are all part of being a dog.
For some dogs, their paws simply need more attention than others.
What does paw balm actually do?
A good paw balm provides moisturising and conditioning ingredients to help care for the skin.
Think of it as skincare for your dog’s paw pads.
Serotoninkc Nose & Paw Balm is formulated with rich butters and nourishing oils, including organic cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut, hemp and almond oils.
It’s designed to moisturise and condition dry noses and paw pads and can be incorporated into your dog’s regular grooming routine.
When should I use paw balm?
You don’t necessarily need to wait until your dog’s paws are extremely dry.
A paw balm can be useful when you notice:
- Dry-looking paw pads
- Rough or textured paws
- A dry nose
- Paws that need extra moisturising
- Increased exposure to harsh surfaces or weather
- Your dog’s paws simply looking like they need a little TLC
A small amount is generally all you need.
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry paw pads or the nose and allow it to absorb.
Paw balm isn’t a substitute for checking your dog’s paws
Using a balm is also a great opportunity to regularly inspect your dog’s paws.
Take a quick look between their toes and around their pads.
You’re checking for things like:
- Cracks
- Cuts
- Foreign objects
- Swelling
- Significant redness
- Anything else that looks unusual
If you notice a significant injury, persistent cracking, bleeding, swelling or obvious pain, speak with your veterinarian rather than relying on balm alone.
Don’t forget the nose!
Dry noses can be caused by many different things, and a dog’s nose naturally changes throughout the day.
If your dog’s nose is persistently dry, cracked, bleeding or changing in appearance, it’s worth getting veterinary advice.
For everyday moisturising and conditioning, however, a little nose balm can be a lovely addition to your grooming routine.
A tiny grooming step with a big payoff
Grooming isn’t just about shampooing and brushing.
Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.
A few seconds spent caring for your dog’s paws and nose can become an easy part of your regular grooming routine - particularly for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors.
And let’s be honest…
Happy paws = more adventures. 🐾
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