Which balm do I actually need for paws, snout, skin, or wrinkle?
Each one targets a different area and texture of skin:
Cracked or dry paws: Paw Soother for existing dryness and damage; Pawtection as a preventive barrier before walks on hot pavement or cold ground
Dry or flaky nose: Snout Soother, formulated specifically for the thicker, rougher skin on a dog's nose
General skin irritation: Skin Soother for hot spots, rashes, and irritated patches anywhere on the body
Wrinkly breeds (Frenchies, Pugs, Shar Peis): Wrinkle Balm, designed to get into the folds and prevent the yeast and bacteria buildup that causes irritation and odour
How do I know if my dog actually needs a balm or if it's something more serious?
Balms are for surface-level dryness, minor cracking, and irritation from environmental factors like heat, cold, or rough terrain.
Signs it's balm territory: paws that feel rough or have small surface cracks, a flaky or crusty nose, or mild redness around skin folds.
Signs to see a vet instead: deep cracking that bleeds, persistent licking that doesn't stop with distraction, swelling, discharge, or a strong smell from skin folds. These can indicate infection, allergies, or underlying conditions a balm won't fix.
How often should I apply it?
Maintenance: once or twice a week for paws and snout as part of a regular grooming routine
Active irritation: daily until the area improves, then drop back to maintenance frequency
Wrinkle folds: every 1 to 2 days, folds trap moisture and debris faster than other areas, so more frequent application matters
Seasonal protection (Pawtection): before any walk on hot pavement or in very cold conditions, not on a set schedule
If daily application for a week hasn't improved the area, it's worth a vet check rather than continuing to apply.
Is it safe if my dog licks it off straight away?
All Natural Dog Company balms are formulated to be non-toxic and safe if ingested in small amounts. That's a deliberate design decision given dogs lick their paws constantly! The Drool by Dr. Chris Brown Super Useful Skin Cream is similarly pet-safe. That said, letting the balm absorb for a few minutes before your dog licks it off means it actually has time to work. Applying after a walk when your dog is tired, or distracting with a lick mat, gives it a better chance to absorb.
Should I wipe the area before applying balm?
For paws and general skin, a quick wipe removes dirt and debris so the balm isn't sealing anything in. For wrinkle folds, cleaning first is more important: use Wrinkle Wipes to clear the fold before applying Wrinkle Balm, otherwise you're trapping moisture and residue underneath. Paw Wipes and Snout Wipes are the matching clean step for those balms too, all from the same Natural Dog Company range so the formulas work together.