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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
PawTection protects. Paw Soother heals. Use PawTection before walks to shield the pads, and Paw Soother after walks or before bed to moisturise and repair dry, cracked or irritated paws. Together, they cover both prevention and repair.
Paws need two kinds of care: protecting healthy pads from damage, and repairing pads that are already dry or sore. That's the difference between these two Natural Dog Company balms.
PawTection: protect and prevent
A natural wax-based balm that forms a protective, nourishing barrier on the paw pads. Apply it before your dog heads out. A little goes a long way.
✓ Everyday wear and tear from daily walks, park runs and play
✓ Hot pavement and sand, which can burn and blister pads
✓ Rough ground like gravel and trails
✓ Seasonal irritants such as pollen, grass and garden fertilisers
Paw Soother: heal and soothe
An all-natural balm made with a blend of butters, oils, vitamin E and calendula, for paws that need repair.
✓ Rough, dry or cracked pads: the butters and vitamin E moisturise, and calendula soothes irritated skin.
✓ Itchy paws from allergies: soothes the skin while you work on the cause. Constant licking can lead to sores or yeast, so act early.
✓ Hyperkeratosis: keeps thick, crusty pads softer and more comfortable. It can't cure the condition, so look for the cause with your vet. It can also be a sign of a mineral imbalance, which an HTMA test can show.
✓ Small cuts and scrapes: gentle enough for minor wounds, and can help scars fade.
Which one should I pick?
Choose PawTection if…
Your dog's paws are healthy and you want to keep them that way, especially on hot days or rough ground.
Choose Paw Soother if…
Your dog's paws are already dry, cracked, itchy or scraped.
The simple routine: PawTection before going out, Paw Soother after walks or before bed.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
BeanBean has Paw Soother on her paws before bed.
Wangcai had PawTection before walks and Paw Soother after walks. He also had yeast between his toes, and that's something neither balm could fix. Yeast needs to be managed from the inside, starting with diet and allergies.
Other balms I use
✓ Farm Dog Naturals Restore Salve for itchy paws and itchy skin between the toes
✓ Farm Dog Naturals Salvation Salve as an alternative to Paw Soother
Tin or stick?
Both come in a tin and a stick. The tin is easy to work into the pads and between the toes. The stick is mess-free and handy for quick application before a walk.
Balms won't fix yeast. If your dog has red, smelly, itchy skin between the toes, it's often yeast, and that needs managing from the inside. Read dog ear yeast infections for how to start.
For more on what causes dry paws and how to care for them, read rough and cracked dog paws.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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