WashBar vs. vet-grade balm… I let my paws pick 👇

WashBar’s healing balm saved my paws—do yours secretly need it too, hooman?

Dog Paw Balm vs. Veterinarian-Grade Balm: A Rottie’s Sniff Test and Verdict

Soothe those paws with more than love—find out which balm actually stands up to backyard zoomies

Hoomans, let’s talk paws. You know, the soft jellybeans at the ends of our legs that do all the hard work—and I mean all. We sprint, dig, high-five, and occasionally tap passive-aggressively on the linoleum while you’re late for walkies. So when I started hearing whispers about WashBar Natural Dog Paw Balm and its fancy cousin, the “Veterinarian-Grade” version, I did what any self-respecting Rottweiler would do: sniffed them out. Literally.

Before Mum started slathering this stuff on my toebeans, my paws were starting to look like I’d been breakdancing on gravel. After a few rounds of balm-on, zoomies-outside, balm-back-on… woof. My pads went from cracked to cushiony. And I didn’t have to sport those humiliating booties.

Wait—aren't all balms the same squishy stuff?

Let’s sort this out.
On one paw, you’ve got paw balms like the WashBar balm, loaded with natural oils, beeswax and no nasties. On the other paw, there’s the veterinarian-grade stuff—a bit more clinical, a tad more complicated, and supposedly the holy grail of paw therapy. But is one really better for a rugged Rottie like me?

What’s inside matters more than the tin

The WashBar Natural Balm is made with Kanuka oil—from a magic New Zealand plant that sounds like it should grant paws immortality—and a blend of safe-to-lick waxes and oils. Perfect for pups who nap, lick, then nap again (aka all of us). It’s quick to absorb, smells like Mother Nature’s spa, and doesn’t leave sticky pawprints on the hardwood floors—Mum says thanks for that.

Now, the Veterinarian-Grade Balm (like this one here)? Yes, it’s strong stuff. Designed with lab-level precision, safe, non-toxic, made right in a GMP-certified facility—fancy! It’s great for heavy-duty healing, especially if your dog’s paws look like they’ve been dragged behind a lawnmower. But it’s a bit greasier, takes longer to dry, and smells… serious. Like vet waiting rooms. You know the smell.

So which balm gets the belly-rub-worthy seal of approval?

If your dog’s paws are just a bit dry, rough, or sniffing the dangers of beach sand or hot pavement, the natural balm is more than enough. It’s gentle, quick, smells like a walk through the forest, and even doubles as elbow and nose butter (or so I’ve been told while resisting application to my glorious snout).

Pro tip: Always rub it in after a walk or before bed. Paw massages aren’t just for pampering—they’re part of the job description when you’ve got a dog like me.

But if we’re talking paw damage from serious hiking, winter salt, or a rogue escape into the neighbour’s gravel driveway—go ahead and bring out the big stuff, vet-grade balm. Just don’t expect your dog to sit still and sniff approvingly.

Little luxuries or medical-grade magic?

  • WashBar Natural Balm: Great for daily paw care, minor dryness, and hoomans who want clean, fast-absorbing, lick-safe ingredients. Bonus: doubles as nose-moisturiser and wrinkle softener. Triple threat!
  • Vet-Grade Balm: Made for ultra-rough situations—works well on cracked heels (for us) and cracked furniture (for you... if we jump on it too early).

Why paw care isn't just ‘extra fluff’ (though fluff is nice too)

My Rottie heritage means I’ve got thick bark and beefy paws—but thick doesn’t mean unbreakable. Cracked pads aren’t just ouch-worthy; they lead to infections, limping, and most importantly, fewer walks. Think of paw balm the way hoomans treat skincare — a bit of preventative luxury with practical benefits.

If you’d moisturise your face before a windy picnic, why leave my paws to crack while I’m defending the backyard from suspicious pigeons?

Final sniff: which balm wins this tail-wag?

Rottweiler-rated? 100%. I’d say go natural for day-to-day paw love, reach for vet-grade only when things get ruff. Either way, a happy paw means more fetch, fewer vet visits, and all the high-fives you can handle. And let’s be honest—healthy paws make for cuter Instagram pics. Just sayin’.

Thanks for pampering these precious pads, hoomans. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some lawn to roll in.

High paw,
Thor 🐾

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