Your dog’s nose, while remarkable, can suffer from dryness and irritation. Dog nose balms offer a solution, but with numerous options available, choosing the right one can be challenging. We sniffed out the six most popular balms on the market and researched to help you make the best choice for your pup’s nasal care.
Reviewers love the smooth jelly-like texture of this balm and how easy it is to apply, Additionally, pet owners who prefer a natural dog nose butter will like that Snout Soother is vegan and made in the U.S.
It can be used on dogs of all breeds and not just their noses—pet owners put the balm on their pup’s ears (and themselves) too! While some pet parents commented on the price, many stated that a bit of Snout Soother goes a long way, and is smooth and creamy, making for easy application. Plus, it won’t stain clothing or furniture.
“It is great this product can be used on not just noses, but on other parts of the body. The oils included in the ingredient are great to support the health of the skin.” – Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Nozzle Nectar is an organic and natural nose balm that includes hydrating, organic ingredients such as safflower oil, beeswax, soy, avocado oil, cocoa butter, shea nut butter, and Vitamin E. This balm can be used daily and lasts more than a month. The product’s waxy texture also means it stays put and won’t get inside your dog’s nostrils.
Organic ingredients include safflower oil, vitamin E, and more. It’s described as unscented, but some pet parents say it reminds them of Crisco. It has a bit of a thick texture so for best results, try warming it up in your hands before application.
“It is great that Nozzle Nectar contains all these organic ingredients. Organic ingredients are less likely to cause skin reactions or sensitivities.” – Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Wrinkle Balm, made by the same company as Snout Soother, is our top pick for wrinkle breeds. This formula is designed specifically for dogs with wrinkled snouts, such as American Bulldogs. It contains no chemicals or pesticides and is made in the U.S.
Wrinkle Balm is vegan and organic. The main ingredients are avocado oil, rosemary extract, olive leaf extract, niaouli, and vitamin E. It has a slightly medicinal smell, possibly from the rosemary extract or niaouli (which comes from an evergreen tree). Some pet parents report their pups weren’t interested in licking any of this balm, which is nice for keeping things clean. The application is smooth and can be applied with your fingers or a cloth, there’s no residue, and very low risk of staining.
“It is great that wrinkle balm has organic ingredients. One concern I would have is since it has a medicinal smell, it may be irritating to some dogs who have sensitivities.” – Dr. Dwight Alleyne
This USDA organic balm is made with all-natural ingredients and can be used on both your dog’s nose and paws. It’s completely safe for pups that might try to lick it off and can be reapplied two or three times a day. The company even has a money-back guarantee and houses a hippo sanctuary in West Africa!
The ingredients in this item are all organic and vegan. It includes hemp oil, shea butter, rosemary extract, calendula extract (known to accelerate healing), St. John’s wort, carnauba wax, and vitamin E. There’s a slight hemp scent, and the balm is mildly lickable; it contains no chemicals or toxins so there’s no need for concern if your dog ingests it.
The consistency isn’t as smooth as other balms, though it does go on evenly once rubbed in. It can leave some residue behind, but washes off easily so pup parents needn’t worry about staining.
“4-Legger Noses & Paws Healing has great ingredients for the health of paws and nose. The residue left behind may be a concern for some dogs who may be sensitive to the product.” – Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Burt’s Bees Paw and Nose Lotion stands out as an affordable option for keeping your dog’s paws and snout in top condition. Unlike waxy balms, this lotion offers a lighter consistency, making it ideal for long-term care throughout the colder months. Its formula is pH-balanced specifically for dogs and is free of fragrances and sulfates, ensuring gentle care for sensitive skin.
This lotion boasts hydrating ingredients like olive oil and rosemary, contributing to its light, fresh scent derived from the natural components. It applies smoothly, leaving no residue or stains, making it a convenient choice for everyday use.
“I like that this product is free from fragrances and sulfates, so it is a perfect product for dogs with sensitive skin.” – Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Crafted with nourishing ingredients like Shea butter, Almond oil, and essential oils, this unscented balm is designed to effectively moisturize and soothe crusty snouts. The application is straightforward—just a simple dab on your dog’s nose allows the natural ingredients to work their magic.
Handcrafted in the USA, this balm is suitable for all dog breeds, making it a versatile option for any canine companion. Adding a playful element, the balm features breed-specific labels that celebrate the diversity of dogs without changing the formula. Choose The Blissful Dog Nose Butter for a practical, nurturing, and lightly scented solution to keep your furry friend’s nose healthy and comfortable.
A lightly scented version with notes of cedarwood and Ylang-Ylang is coming soon, but not available in all sizes just yet.
“I like that this product contains ingredients such as Shea butter, and cocoa seed butter which are great to soothe rough skin.” – Dr. Dwight Alleyne
On paper, here’s a glance at how the products stack up against each other. They’re ranked by price, from lowest to highest.
*price at the time of our review
In general, nose balms are like paw balms but tend to be a bit thicker. They also tend to have a waxy consistency to help the product stay in place on the snout. Some options, like the 4-Legger balm, work for noses, paws, and sometimes even skin wrinkles. A multifunctional option might be best for pups who live in cold climates and need something to protect their paws from irritating chemicals and salt on winter roads.
Nose balms are formulated to soothe and moisturize dogs’ noses. Just like humans, dogs can get dry and irritated skin. If left untreated, a crusty nose can lead to an infection. Things like redness, irritation, and inflammation around the snout are signs that your dog might need a nose balm. Balms aren’t likely to be needed for pups with healthy, smooth noses.
Scent is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right balm. Dogs have a heightened sense of smell so you want to make sure it’s not obtrusive or offensive to them. Keep in mind products that only seem to have a light scent to us can be stronger to dogs, especially when applied directly to their nose.
Lickibility is another important factor to consider. A balm that is less likely to be licked away will be more effective at healing your dog’s sore nose. This can be highly subjective from dog to dog — a balm that one pup will lick completely off another will leave alone, so it may take some trial and error.
It’s important to find a nose balm made with ingredients that help with moisture. Some of our fav ingredients are below:
When considering ingredients in nose balms, it is important they are able to strengthen the skin barrier, are able to moisturize effectively, and are able to penetrate deep into thickened skin. These properties can be found in Vitamin E, plant-based oils, and cocoa butter.
Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Applying any kind of balm or cream to your dog’s skin can be a challenge. Follow these steps for an easy application:
Before you can get your hands on a great nose balm for your dog, you might seek out an alternative option that you already have on hand. Products like Aquaphor and Vaseline are staples in most households, and because they’re moisturizing and fragrance-free, they can be used in a pinch. They might not, however, be as effective as a dog nose balm.
If you use one of these dog balm alternatives, you should monitor your pup to ensure they don’t lick the product off their nose or paws. And remember: Human-grade lotions should never be used on pups, and a dog-safe product is always best.
A nose balm specifically formulated for dogs will help moisturize and soothe your pup’s sore nose.
Yes! Especially balms with natural and safe ingredients like the ones on our list.
Yes, Vaseline can be used in a pinch to moisturize your dog’s nose. However, for long-term use, a dog nose balm is best.
It’s not recommended to use lotion meant for humans on your dog’s nose. This is because the ingredients and fragrances would be irritating to them.
Coconut oil is generally safe to use on your dog’s dry nose since it isn’t toxic if they ingest a small amount. However, it’s not likely to be as effective as a balm.
Our recommended nose balms are made with natural ingredients that are safe for dogs. That said, it’s always a good idea to monitor your dog after applying a balm to their nose or paws.
Petsmart sells one dog nose balm, which didn’t make our favorites list.
Yes. Dry paw pads will benefit from nose balm since most dog nose balms can be used for skin irritation in other areas.
