Why your Dog needs Homemade Dog Balm and how to Make It
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Why your Dog needs Homemade Dog Balm and How to Make It
Have you noticed your dog's nose is a bit rough-looking? A little crusty? A bit red? Maybe your dog is constantly licking its paws. Is he itching a hotspot on its body?
These are signs of discomfort.
Is your weather HOT and dry? Or COLD and windy? Either way, these tender parts of their body are vulnerable to environmental changes. And can affect their well-being.
Well, there's a way to get relief from all these irritants. And I bet you can whip it up your kitchen.
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Why would my Dog need Homemade Dog Balm?
Dog's paws suffer a lot of wear and tear while walking on warm pavement, or jumping and leaping around in freezing snow. These everyday adventures can take their toll on our beloved 4 legged friends.
*Temperatures above 77- 80 degrees can be too hot to walk on comfortably. An easy way to check is to place the back of your hand on the ground for up to 10 seconds. If you have trouble holding your hand on the surface, it's too hot for your dog's paws. They can easily suffer from sunburned skin. Find a shady area or grass. Or walk much earlier when the heat is not a factor.
Here are some important reasons why homemade dog balm should be on your "must-have" list.
- Soothes and Heals: With consistent use Homemade dog balm can help to soothe and heal dry cracked paws, preventing future damage.
- Natural Ingredients: You control the ingredients by making your homemade dog balm at home, ensuring it is safe and free from harmful chemicals.
- Cost-Effective: Homemade dog balm made in bulk is often less expensive than a store-bought version. Plus you can include your kids.
- Personalized Care: Whether the homemade dog balm is for allergies, hotspots, or general nose and paw protection, you can tailor the balm to your dog's specific needs.
Let's make Homemade Dog Balm
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Dog Balm
To make the best dog balm at home, you will need the following natural products
- Organic Olive oil: Olive oil aids in extra hydration. It also contains essential fatty acids that can put a layer of protection around the skin and help to soothe those tender parts.
- Organic Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This rich soft oil can help in repairing.
- Pure Shea Butter: Shea Butter is known for its rich deep moisturizers that help nourish sensitive skin.
- 100% Natural Beeswax: Beeswax is rich in vitamin A that has healing properties
- Organic Calendula Oil: Calendula oil nourishes deep into the skin. It has sun protection properties.
- Organic Marula Oil: Marula oil penetrates deep to nourish those rough areas. Marula Oil may help protect the damaging effects of the sun and cold wind.
Let the Fun Begin!
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 T. Shea Butter (9 oz.)
- 3/4 Cup of Olive Oil (6 oz.)
- 3/4 Cup of Coconut Oil (6 oz.)
- 3/4 Cup of Beeswax Pellets (6 oz.)
- 1/4 Cup of Calendula Oil (2 oz.)
Instructions
For Best results, melt the Beeswax first, in either a double boiler or a large mason jar placed in a pan with boiling water. Melt the Beeswax completely before adding additional oils.
Once the Beeswax is completely melted, add the coconut oil, olive oil, calendula oil, Marula oil, and Shea butter. Stir the mixture until fully incorporated.
Once all oil mixtures are completely combined and melted, your mixture should look like this. (see photo below) Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Poor the mixture into your desired container or I recommend a 2 oz. tin jar with lid. Leave the lid off to cool and solidify, completely.
This lush creamy formula is ready!
Are you familiar with Beef Tallow? We combined natural lush ingredients to make the perfect healing balm. Check out our DIY homemade Beef tallow dog balm here.
How long will my Homemade Dog Balm last?
Since your all-natural homemade dog balm does not contain preservatives, we recommend you store it in the refrigerator for maximum shelf life, as temperature also plays a role in the shelf life of your homemade dog balm.
As a general rule of thumb, consider homemade dog balm “good” and safe to use as long as it looks, smells, and feels normal. Typically for up to 6 months.
How do I apply the Homemade Dog Balm?
I noticed that when I would apply with my fingers I had to ensure that I washed before and after each application. I never scooped enough for multiple areas.
Instead of having to re-wash from double-dipping, scoop a good portion and place it on the palm of one hand or a clean sterile napkin.
Now you can come back to that scoop for different areas on your pet's body if needed. And not introduce germs into your homemade dog balm.
This worked great and extended the shelf life.
Storage
You can use a lip balm tin, an empty mint tin, or an empty plastic or glass makeup container is perfect.
You will want to sanitize whichever container you choose, before pouring in the dog balm mixture.
Please make sure to wash your containers thoroughly before use. This will extend the shelf life of your product.
NOTE: As with any food, sensory, or toy product, it's advised to consult with your veterinarian before starting a new diet or snack implementation for your pet. Some pets may have pre-existing health challenges. Check out our full disclaimer here.
Final Thoughts
There are so many great lush oils out on the market. I found this combination to be the best fit for my dog's paws, nose, and hot spot areas.
When using the recommended products that I posted in this informational blog, you will ensure that the homemade dog balm is of the best quality and provides the best care for your beloved pet's sensitive areas.
Note
I would love to hear about your experience using these products. Leave a message in the comments below.