Puppy Paws Foot Pad Salve
Being an herbalist usually involves working with people but there are occasions when I need to formulate for our pets too. This recipe is my go-to when our German Shepherd steps on a thorn or scuffs the pads of her feet somehow. It very rarely happens, but for those moments when it does, it is handy to have this salve available for her in our pup first aid kit. I like to keep it in my bag when we are out hiking and foraging just in case it is needed. The recipe is people-friendly too, so it is a great multi-purpose recipe.
Ingredients:
4 parts calendula-infused oil (learn how to make infused oils here)
2 parts plantain leaf-infused oil (Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata)
1 part beeswax
To Make:
Melt the beeswax over low heat using the double boiler method, then stir in the herb-infused oils. Remove from the heat, pour into tins or jars, add your label, and stash a jar in your pup first aid kit or apothecary so you will have it available when it is needed.
Tips for Use:
Spray the pads of your pup’s feet with diluted lavender hydrosol before gently massaging a small amount of the salve into the pads of the foot.
I like to leave essential oils out of this recipe, especially for puppies. The essential oils aren’t needed to make the salve effective and since dogs will naturally lick their feet, especially if they are bothering them, it is just a good idea to leave them out.
About the Author
Hi there, I’m Erin! I am the main instructor here at Floranella. I am a clinical herbalist, aromatherapist, artisan distiller and organic gardener based in the Pacific Northwest. Here at Floranella, I teach people how to work with plants safely and effectively from the garden to the apothecary. Thanks for being here! I’m glad you stopped by.