A dog’s paw pads take a lot of punishment. They face hot pavements in summer, frost and grit in winter, rough ground on hikes and the dry air of a centrally heated home. A good paw balm keeps the pads soft and protected, and helps to heal small cracks before they become sore.
We have compared five paw balms currently available on Amazon UK, from a protective wax to lick-safe natural balms and a low-cost tin. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Musher’s Secret Paw Wax | All-weather protection | £19-£21 | 4.6/5 |
WildWash Magic Paw Balm | Cracked pads | £15-£17 | 4.3/5 |
Animology Paw and Nose Balm | Cheap and simple | £4-£6 | 4.5/5 |
BUGALUGS Lick-Safe Paw Balm | Licking dogs, oatmeal | £12-£14 | 4.6/5 |
PawSono Lick-Safe Paw and Nose Balm | Coconut oil, big review count | £14-£16 | 4.6/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
Mushers Secret Paw Wax
Best for: the classic all-weather protective wax
Musher’s Secret was developed for sled dogs, and it is a wax-based paw protector that forms a breathable barrier on the pads. It is used in winter to protect against cold, salt and grit, and in summer against hot pavement.
It is applied before a walk rather than after, so that the wax coats the pads. It is a natural, food-safe formula, which is important as dogs lick their feet.
It costs around £20 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across almost 50,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Long-established and trusted
- Protective barrier
- Enormous number of reviews
Worth knowing:
- Most expensive here
- Wax can be messy on floors
Specifications:
- Type: paw wax
- Use: before walks
- Feature: all-weather protection
- Brand: Musher’s Secret
WildWash Magic Paw Balm
Best for: a conditioning balm for cracked pads
WildWash is a premium British brand, and its Magic Paw Balm is a conditioning treatment for dry and cracked paws. It is made from natural ingredients and is designed to soothe and soften the pads.
It is best used as a treatment, applied after a walk or before bed. A small tin goes a long way.
It costs around £16 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across just over 130 ratings.
What we like:
- Natural ingredients
- British brand
- A little goes a long way
Worth knowing:
- Pricey for the size
- Fewer ratings
Specifications:
- Type: conditioning paw balm
- Size: 50ml
- Use: dry and cracked pads
- Brand: WildWash
Animology Dog Paw and Nose Balm
Best for: a very cheap, all-in-one balm
Animology is a familiar UK pet brand, and its paw and nose balm is a low-cost balm that can be used for both. It moisturises dry paw pads and noses.
It comes in a 50ml tin, and it is simple to apply with a finger. It is a practical choice for occasional use or for trying paw balm for the first time.
It costs around £5 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 1,100 ratings.
What we like:
- Very cheap
- Works on paws and noses
- Well reviewed
Worth knowing:
- Less specialised than premium balms
- Small tin
Specifications:
- Type: paw and nose balm
- Size: 50ml
- Use: dry paws and noses
- Brand: Animology
BUGALUGS Lick-Safe Dog Paw Balm with Oatmeal
Best for: a natural balm designed for licking dogs
Dogs lick their paws, so a balm needs to be safe to lick. The Bugalugs balm is a natural, lick-safe formula with oatmeal, and it is designed to soothe dry, itchy or cracked paws.
It is gentle enough for regular use and smells pleasant without being overpowering. It is a good choice for dogs with sensitive skin.
It costs around £13 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 500 ratings.
What we like:
- Lick-safe natural formula
- Contains oatmeal
- Very good reviews
Worth knowing:
- Mid-range price
- Smaller tin
Specifications:
- Type: lick-safe paw balm
- Key ingredient: oatmeal
- Use: dry or itchy paws
- Brand: Bugalugs
PawSono Lick-Safe Dog Paw and Nose Balm
Best for: a coconut oil balm with a big review count
PawSono’s balm is a lick-safe paw and nose balm with coconut oil, made to moisturise and soothe dry paw pads. It is designed to help to reduce licking caused by dryness.
It comes in a 60g tin and is easy to rub into the pads. It can also be used on noses and elbows.
It costs around £15 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 2,300 ratings.
What we like:
- Lick-safe formula
- Coconut oil
- Strong reviews
Worth knowing:
- Pricey compared with basic balms
- Coconut oil may not suit every dog
Specifications:
- Type: lick-safe paw and nose balm
- Size: 60g
- Key ingredient: coconut oil
- Brand: PawSono
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Paw Balm
What to Look For
Choose a balm made with natural, food-safe ingredients, since dogs will lick their paws. Look for ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil and oatmeal, and avoid strong fragrances and essential oils that may irritate.
A tin should be easy to apply with a finger, and a small tin is usually enough for several weeks.
Dog Paw Balm Types Explained
Protective waxes create a barrier before a walk. Conditioning balms heal and soften dry pads. Multi-purpose balms can be used on noses and elbows. Lick-safe balms are formulated to be safe if swallowed in small amounts.
Use a protective wax before winter walks, and a conditioning balm afterwards.
How and When to Use Paw Balm
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry paw pads. For a protective wax, apply before your walk. For a conditioning balm, apply after a walk or before bed, and give the balm a few minutes to absorb before your dog walks on your floors.
Trim the hair between the pads, and check regularly for cuts, cracks or sore patches.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good paw balm costs £5 to £20. A cheap balm is fine for occasional use, and a premium wax is worth having for regular winter walkers.
Frequently asked questions
What does dog paw balm do?
It moisturises dry, cracked pads and forms a barrier against cold, heat, salt and rough ground. It can also soothe irritation and help small cracks heal.
How often should I apply paw balm?
Once a day for dry, cracked paws, or before each walk if using a protective wax. Once the pads are healthy, apply once or twice a week.
Is it safe if my dog licks the balm?
Choose a balm that is labelled lick-safe and made with natural ingredients. A little licking is not harmful, but do not let your dog eat large amounts.
Can I use paw balm in summer and winter?
Yes. In winter, it protects against cold and salt, and in summer it helps to protect against hot pavement and dry ground. Avoid walking a dog on very hot pavements.
When should I see a vet instead?
See a vet if the paws are bleeding, swollen, infected or very sore, if your dog is limping or if there is persistent licking. A balm is not a treatment for a medical problem.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Musher’s Secret wax is the best protective choice, with a proven record and nearly 50,000 ratings. For conditioning dry or licked paws, the Bugalugs and PawSono lick-safe balms are both excellent, with a strong review record.
The Animology balm is a very cheap way to get started, and the WildWash Magic Paw Balm is a premium natural treatment. Whichever you choose, check your dog’s paws regularly and ask your vet if you have any concerns.
This roundup is part of our Pet Grooming Tools: The Complete Guide.
