How to Make Wax for Dog Paws
Applying wax to your dog's paws can protect the paw pads from the outside elements, such as gravel, snow or rain. The wax also softens the paw pads. According to Dog Pro, applying wax to dog paws can also prevent the dog from slipping while walking or running on slippery floors in your home. Several paw wax products exist on the market, but according to D'tails Grooming, you can also whip up your own batch of organic dog paw wax for your four-legged companion.
Instructions
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Melt the beeswax. You can purchase commercial grade beeswax and follow the instructions on the package on how to melt the beeswax. You can typically find beeswax at local craft stores because it is an ingredient for making homemade lip balms. Approximately one ounce of beeswax is a good starting point for a batch of dog paw wax.
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Add the olive oil or avocado oil to the melted beeswax. For every one part of beeswax, add one part olive oil.
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Stir the mixture until it has the consistency of whipped cream or a whipped batter mix.
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Add one pinch of borax to the mixture. Stir it until the borax is mixed into the oil and beeswax mixture.
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Tips & Warnings
Store the paw wax in an airtight container to keep it fresh and soft. Keeping the air away from the paw wax mixture also prevents the mixture from discoloring.
Apply the paw wax to the pads on the bottom of your dog's paws. You only need one or two small dabs of wax for each paw. Rub the mixture onto the paw pads similar to the way you would rub moisturizing lotion onto your own feet or skin. When the wax dries, it will create a protective covering on the pads of the dog's paws.
Your dog will probably try to lick the wax you apply to its paws. While the ingredients are organic and safe, try not to let your dog lick off the wax, because it will lick off the protective element you have applied.
If your dog has open wounds on the pads of its paws, you should treat the wounds and allow them to heal prior to applying the protective wax. Contact your veterinarian for appropriate treatments for open wounds or sores on your dog's paw pads.
References
- Photo Credit paw image by pusti from Fotolia.com
