PAW by Blackmores is an Australian vet-channel range, described by the maker as developed by vets and inspired by nature. The live range here falls into four groups: dermatology washes and conditioners, joint supplements, daily multivitamin chews, and a small first-aid and internal-health set. Most of it is written for dogs, with cat versions of the calming chews and the OsteoSupport joint powder, and the DigestiCare powder, ear cleaner and Manuka gel labelled for both.
Which wash for which skin
This is where most people arrive, and the four lines are not interchangeable. NutriDerm is the dry and itchy skin line, built on the Cerasine ceramide complex, with a sulphate-free oatmeal shampoo and a matching conditioner. Sensitive Skin is for fragile skin rather than itchy skin. 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo is the everyday wash, pH balanced for an adult dog whose skin is already healthy, and Gentle Puppy Shampoo is the same idea for young skin. MediDerm is the medicated one: it carries Piroctone Olamine and its label covers pyoderma, seborrhoea and the itch that goes with them. Two details worth knowing before you buy MediDerm are that it needs a five minute contact time on the coat to do its job, and that the Medi-NutriDerm Duo Pack pairs it with the NutriDerm conditioner in one box, which is the usual way it is used.
Joint and internal supplements
The three joint products use different actives, so compare them rather than assuming they are versions of one thing. OsteoCare chews carry 500mg glucosamine and 250mg chondroitin per chew. OsteoSupport is a capsule of 500mg Perna128 green lipped mussel powder that you open and sprinkle on food, and it comes in separate cat and dog versions with different dosing. OsteoAdvanced adds curcumin and boswellia to the green lipped mussel, and its own label says it is for veterinary supply and to be discussed with your vet as part of a treatment plan. HepatoAdvanced likewise comes in two strengths split at 15kg bodyweight, so check which one suits your pet before ordering. The Manuka Wound Gel is a sterile wound dressing rather than a supplement, and the label rules it out for heavily exudating wounds and body cavities. If your pet has a diagnosed condition, these are products to raise with your vet rather than to work out from a shelf.
