Between brisk winter walks and zoomies in the living room, dog and cat paws deserve some pampering!
The Holiday Paw Ritual:
Warm your hands.
Lift one paw gently (paws are sensitive, so slow is kind).
Massage the pads with small circular motions using a pea-sized amount of pet-safe balm.
This eases dryness and supports healthy tissue — especially helpful during cold months.
Why it works: Rhythmic touch releases oxytocin — the love hormone — in both humans and pets. Science meets holiday tradition.
This ritual is preventative. If your dog or cat has any existing paw irritations, or shows signs of not wanting his or her paws touched, please consult with your veterinarian as to the best way to treat the poor paws.
Tip from Dr. Kevin: Because paws get licked constantly, we want anything we may place on them to be non-toxic and safe to ingest! Look for gentle all-natural balms with a beeswax or shea butter base, and avoid ones with essential oils, camphor which can be toxic or irritating.
🐾 Learn more fun paw facts: “Paw Check! Why Your Pet’s Paws Are Pure Magic” on our blog.

