Regardless of the weather, life goes on, and my dog, Sadie, had to go outside to do her business. Sadie is a Bichon Frise, and a very small one at that. She's 16 lbs. She was toasty warm outside in one her several coats, but we can't get her to keep anything on her feet that would protect her from the cold. She is also the most stubborn creature on Earth, and she wants to play in the snow even if her feet are so cold they are hurting. Numerous times the last few days I had to carry her inside - literally kicking and screaming - because she wouldn't come back in. I used my own hands as a guide... if my hands were cold to the point of pain, in we went, because her feet were beyond that.
However, our summers here are also scorching hot, and going for a walk requires a walk across asphalt, which can burn her feet. I try to grab her and carry her across whenever possible, but that doesn't always work out. And either way, the cement is pretty hot, too.
I began looking for ways to protect her pads. I found something that seems to be working, and she doesn't even fuss when we put it on her.
Here's what you need:
- 6- 1 oz tins or 21 - 24 lip balm containers. Lip balm containers may be easier for larger paws. I put mine in tins because it is easier for us to use a finger. You can also put it in a large mouth glass container if you plan to use it all on your pet.
- Either a double boiler or a microwave safe container if you are using the microwave.
- 2 oz of olive, sunflower, or sweet almond oil
- 2 oz coconut oil (the solid kind, not liquid)
- 1 oz shea butter
- 4 tsp beeswax (trust me when I say this... get the flaked or pearl kind, don't buy a brick)
- 20 drops vitamin E oil
- Wax paper
Just as an aside before we continue... a lot of recipes for these balms include the use of essential oils. Many essential oils, even the ones from groups like doTerra or Young Living, can make your pets sick. And the ones that make pets sick differ by species, so what makes a cat sick may not make a dog sick. If you wish to use essential oils, remember cats and dogs lick their feet... do your research before adding any essential oils, fragrances, or anything not natural to this recipe. Stronger smells are more likely to entice a pet to lick.
Instructions:
- Put wax paper on your counter or table and lay out your tins or lip balm tubes. This step is optional as far as the wax paper, but it makes clean up a lot easier.
- Melt down your beeswax, stirring gently the entire time. This is the hardest one to melt to a liquid, so go ahead and do that first if using a microwave. You can add the other ingredients sooner on the stove.
- Once the beeswax is melted, add the other oils while the double boiler is still on the heat and stir gently as they melt. If you are using a microwave, add the oils to the beeswax and put it straight back into the microwave. The beeswax is going to go solid again as soon as those cool oils hit it.
- Pour the mixture into your tins or lip balm tubes. You may want to be a bit quick about it as this mixture starts to harden pretty quick.
- Let them cool until hard.
- Cap and label.
I store mine in the refrigerator during the summer. Remember, heat will melt it. During the winter, though, it might be too cold on their little feet.
This mixture is good for both dogs and cats. It can be used on their noses if they begin to crack. It is not advised to use this on open wounds or sores. The products are natural, so it is safe for licking if nothing else is added (please research before adding anything else).
This is great for cold and hot conditions, for extra conditioning of pads and noses, and for pets that spend time on harsher terrains like hiking trails, out hunting or camping in the woods, or rocky ground.
Yes, this can also be used as a lip balm. There are scents and flavors available that are safe for humans, so have fun with it.
To use on pets: rub a small amount on each pad or nose of pet. Do not overuse as it can soften pads too much eventually. I would suggest right before going out in extreme heat or cold or right before going out onto rough terrain.
Shameless plug time: if you don't feel like making this project, on the right hand side there is a banner for my Etsy page. I have this item ready made and for sale there.