🌿 Soothing Paw Soaks: Natural Relief for Yeasty, Red, and Allergy-Prone Paws

Our dogs’ paws go through a lot—hot pavement, hot sand, itchy plants, bacteria, grass seeds, chemical cleaning products, lawn fertilisers, glysophate sprayed grass and everyday wear and tear. Regular paw care can help soothe irritation, support skin health, and prevent minor issues from becoming bigger problems.

We’re sharing two simple, natural paw soak recipes you can easily make at home. One is a gentle herbal option, and the other includes povidone-iodine, inspired by holistic veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, for times when paws need a little extra support.

✨ Important note: These soaks are for minor paw irritation only. If your dog has open wounds, swelling, limping, or ongoing issues, always consult your integrative or holistic veterinarian.

🐾 Paw Soak #1: Apple Cider Vinegar + Herbal Tea Soak

Best for: Itching, seasonal allergies, yeast-prone paws and cleansing of daily pollutants.

This gentle soak combines raw apple cider vinegar with calming herbal tea. It’s simple, soothing, and perfect for regular paw care.

🌱 Ingredients

• 4 cups warm (not hot) water

• 1–2 tablespoons raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)

• 1 cup strongly brewed green tea or chamomile tea (no sugar), cooled

🫖 Why These Ingredients Work

• Apple cider vinegar is anti-fungal, helping combat yeast overgrowth

• Green tea is rich in antioxidants and supports skin health

• Chamomile tea is calming and soothing

🐶 How to Use

1. Brew your tea and allow it to cool completely.
2. Mix the tea, warm water, and apple cider vinegar in a shallow container
3. Gently place your dog’s paws in the soak for 3–5 minutes.
4. Use yummy food/treats or a lickimat to distract your dog / make it pleasant.
5. Remove paws and pat dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.

💡 Tip: Never rinse after this soak—the benefits continue as the paws dry.

🐾 Paw Soak #2: Povidone-Iodine Soak (Dr. Karen Becker–Inspired)

Best for: Very red and inflamed paws, minor cuts, post-park paw cleaning, questionable bacteria exposure

This soak is often recommended by holistic veterinarians when paws need gentle antiseptic support.

🧴 Ingredients

• Warm filtered water (enough to cover paws)

• Povidone-iodine (Betadine®-style solution)

🎨 The Right Colour Matters

Add just enough povidone-iodine so the water turns the colour of weak iced tea or light amber.

• Too dark = too strong

• Light tea colour = just right

🐶 How to Use

1. Mix warm water and povidone-iodine in a shallow container.
2. Soak paws for 2–5 minutes, using positive reinforcement / food to encourage your dog
3. Remove paws and gently pat dry.
4. No rinsing required

⚠️ Avoid using this soak daily long-term. It’s best used short-term or as needed.

🐕 Paw Soak Safety Tips

• It’s important to rinse and thoroughly dry paws before applying balms, oils or creams as you don’t want to ‘seal in’ any topical irritants. 

• Do not use on deep wounds or punctures.

• If licking is excessive after soaking, use a towel, or a treat search for distraction.

• Consistency matters more than frequency—1–3 times per week is plenty for most dogs or as and when required.

🌼 Final Thoughts

Paw care is an often-overlooked part of holistic pet wellness, but it can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and mobility. Whether you’re managing seasonal allergies or giving paws a post-adventure refresh, these two soaks are gentle, effective tools to keep in your natural pet care routine.

Shop the ingredients for your paw soak:

• Organic sugar-free Chamomile Tea

• Organic sugar-free Green Tea

• Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar

• Betadin liquid available at most chemists or supermarkets