Applying ointment to chinchilla feet? Dry feet ointment?

My chinchilla who is now 10 months has been having really dry and red feet. I was just wondering about the best way to apply the ointment. Should I put it on an object and let them walk on it? Because he is pretty new so he doesnt like to be touched. Also, can I use vaseline instead of bag balm because the price of bag balm is through the roof. Just so you know I have skipped dust baths for a week now without seeing any changes. So at this point, im willing to try anything. THANK YOU