Make Your Own: Pet Paw Balm

Our four-legged fur babies need lots of love all the time. They are often our best buddies. Just as we do, they have all kinds of health concerns, internal and external. When it comes to working with plants and pets together, it is always best to consult an expert. There are many herbs that can be useful for your pets, however, not all of them are safe for your pets. Here in the Pacific NW, we are blessed to have so many great Holistic Vets and Pet stores. If you are looking for one, here are a few for you to check out:

1. Dr. Keith Weingardt-Holistic Veterinarian. Check him out here: http://www.ahapdx.com/
2. Heather MacFarlane-Pet Nutrition Consulting. https://www.balancedbynaturepdx.com/
3. Dr. Wagner-Hawthorne Veterinary Clinic- Holistic health care and acupuncture http://hawthornevet.com/
4. Two Rivers Vet- https://www.tworiversvet.com/
5. Green Dog Pet Supply- http://www.greendogpetsupply.com/
6. Salty’s North Portland Pet Supply- https://www.saltyspetsupply.com/

Do some research wherever you live, and find one that’s a great fit for you and your pets! Because our pets, especially dogs, are often very active running, jumping and bouncing around, they have a tendency to hurt their sweet little paws. Providing them with a little Pet Paw Balm will give them the freedom to keep running and playing. You can make this simple blend at home and rub it on their paws when they need a little extra TLC. Watch me live on KGW8 with Cassidy Quinn on July 31st at 5pm, for a live clip from The Herb Shoppe for this month’s product making tip! Here’s what you will need Make Your Own Pet Paw Balm! Gather:

• 1oz beeswax
• 8oz olive oil, which will be infused with Calendula, Marshmallow Rt, Echinacea Rt
• Container(s) large enough for around 9oz
• Calendula or Calendula Oil
• Marshmallow Root or Marshmallow Root Oil
• Echinacea Root or Echinacea Oil

To infuse the herbs with your oil base:

1. Place equal parts herb blend into oven safe glass container.
2. Put base oil blend on top of bulk herbs. Make sure that you cover everything with about an inch of oil on top of herbs.
3. Let sit in oven on lowest setting (around 200 or 225 degrees), uncover and let infusion happen for about 2 hours. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn. If your oven seems too hot then crack the door.
4. After 2 hours, remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Take cheesecloth and strain all the herbs from the oil. Don’t leave any herbs in the oil or it will spoil your batch.

To Make Your Own: Pet Paw Balm Blending Wax:

1. Make a double boiler with 2 pots stacked on top of each other. Add water to the bottom and bring to a boil.
2. Add beeswax and Infused Herbal Oil Blend to the top pot and let melt. Mix until all ingredients are one unit.
3. Pour into desired containers.
4. Label and use away!

We take great pleasure in creating products and recipes for you. However, if you are interested in going more in depth to make all your own herbal products, get signed up for THS Make Your Own: Herbal Product Series, beginning in August 2019. In this 4 month, hands-on program, we will dive into making an assortment of products for your hair, skin, body and home. Space is limited. Secure your spot today! Early Bird Special $100 off till Aug 1st. Or you can purchase our blend of THS Happy Paws Balm Ready to Go! To set up an herbal consultation with me email: info@theherbshoppepharmacy.com