DIY dog nose balms: recipes for pet parents to try

A good nose balm can be just the thing to soothe your dog’s dry and cracked snout. We’ve reviewed the top nose balms on the market and picked our favorites. But if you’re a pet parent who would rather roll up your sleeves and create the perfect buttery balm for your pup, we’ve got you covered!

• You know what’s in it. You have full control and knowledge of the ingredients. There are no secret ingredients or fragrances when making these balms at home.
• It’s customizable. You can adjust the recipe depending on your dog’s needs. If your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients, it’s easy to use an allergy-friendly substitute. And you can always ask your veterinarian which ingredients might be best for your pup.
• It’s multipurpose. Nose balms are safe to use on your pup’s paws, too! These balm recipes are multipurpose and can be used on their nose, paws, and even ears, where some dogs experience dryness.

👉  Nose balms aren’t necessary if your dog has a healthy, smooth nose. Dogs that live in dry, cold climates tend to benefit most from this kind of product, especially in the winter.

Below are a few of the ingredients we used in our recipes, all of which are safe, effective, and can provide your dog with relief from their dry, cracked skin.

• Beeswax. Used as a moisturizer since Egyptian times, beeswax is a natural exfoliator and is often used in cosmetics and baby products.
• Vitamin E oil. Among its many positive properties, vitamin E promotes skin health by protecting your dog from sun damage.
• Shea and cocoa butter. Both options are packed with fatty acids that help to lock in moisture.
• Oils (sunflower, olive, coconut, sweet almond). These oils are full of healthy vitamins (like D, E, and K) and absorb nicely into the skin.

Since it’s common for dogs to lick their noses, it’s especially important to include only safe and nontoxic ingredients in a nose balm. Below are a few ingredients that are harmful to dogs and should never be used.

• Alcohol. Using a harsh product like alcohol can actually delay the skin’s healing.
• Parabens. These chemicals Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Government agency. Go to source are often used in cosmetics for preservation.
• Phthalates. This chemical is used in products like cosmetics and plastics and has been shown to cause harm to dogs’ kidneys and reproductive systems.
• Artificial fragrances. Chemicals that go into artificial fragrances are toxic to dogs and can cause them serious harm. Essential oils can also be dangerous for pups, so it’s best to leave them out.

In addition to the ingredients listed above, you’ll also need measuring spoons, a pot or glass jar, a spoon, and a small container to put the finished balm in. You can either heat the ingredients in a small pot on the stove or in a glass container in the microwave.

For each of these recipes, you’ll follow the same basic instructions. First, combine all of your ingredients in a pot or glass jar and heat the mixture slowly until melted. Next, mix everything together with a spoon until well-combined, and then pour the mixture into a tin container. Finally, allow the mixture to cool and harden. These recipes each make about 6 ounces of product. Store the balms in a cool, dry place, and they’ll last for one to two years.

The American Kennel Club recipe

This balm from the American Kennel Club (AKC) Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source is a smooth moisturizing cream and a great starting point when creating your own nose balm:

• 2 ounces sweet almond oil
• 2 ounces coconut oil
• 1 ounce shea butter
• 4 teaspoons beeswax

Rich and creamy

Like the AKC balm, this version contains beeswax as a binding ingredient but uses cocoa butter and sunflower oil rather than shea butter. It’s similar in color to the AKC balm but has a sweeter smell.

• 2 ounces sunflower oil
• 2 ounces coconut oil
• 1 ounce cocoa butter
• 4 teaspoons beeswax

Smooth and glossy

Unlike the previous two recipes, this balm doesn’t contain beeswax, so it’s a bit softer and runnier than the others. It still dries hard but warms up easily between your fingers and goes on smooth and clear.

• 1 teaspoon shea butter
• 1 teaspoon cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoon sunflower oil
• A few drops of vitamin E oil

Applying any kind of balm or cream to your dog’s skin can be a challenge. Follow these steps for an easy application:

Use their favorite treat or toy as a distraction — Most dogs are unbothered when it comes to a nose balm, but a special toy or yummy treat can encourage them to stay put for a few minutes during application.

Clean their nose first with water — Never use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which destroys healthy skin cells and delays healing.

Use your fingers — You can also use a cloth to apply a protective layer of balm to your dog’s nose.

Rub the balm into the skin until absorbed — Some balms might dry instantly, while others take 20-30 minutes. Try not to leave your pup unattended during this time in case they want to lick the balm off.

Reward your pup — Once all is said and done, give your dog a well-deserved treat!