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Does your dog suffer from dry cracked paw pads? Maybe you’ve noticed that your dog’s paws feel like sandpaper or more than likely your dog is lifting his paws when walking in the snow. The solution to all of the above is Mushers Secret for dogs.
Mushers Secret has been trusted by dog sledders for years, and many dog owners use it as their go-to product to protect their dog’s paws.
The name implies that it is a “secret”, but this paw wax has been gaining popularity since it was first introduced to the market in the early ’90s.
Table of Contents
What Is Mushers Secret For Dogs?
Mushers Secret is a safe and 100% natural dog paw wax. It was originally developed in Canada to protect the paws of sled dogs, hence the name Mushers Secret.
This wax provides a breathable barrier of protection from the harsh winter elements such as snow and ice to prevent snowballing. It also protects your dog’s paws from harsh chemicals such as salt and ice melt.
Mushers Secret is a great solution for any dog owner wanting to protect their dog’s paws from the cold ice and snow, especially when putting boots on your dog is not an easy option.
Mushers Secret is essentially an “invisible dog boot”, without the hassle of having to put boots on your dog or having them fall off.
Mushers Secret Can Be Used Year Round!
Did you know that Mushers Secret can be used for year-round protection? This amazing paw wax protects your dog’s paws in many different environments. It’s not just for paws either, it can be used on your dog’s snout, ears, elbows and hot spots.
Some people even use Musher’s Secret to soothe their own dry cracked skin, and why not?!! It is all-natural.
Use Musher’s Secret to protect your dog from:
- Harsh winter chemicals.
- Snowballing & ice build-up.
- Dry cracked paws.
- Lawn chemicals.
- Hot pavement. **
- Sand & sand burn. **
- Instead of dog boots.
- Any outdoor activity, like mushing, hunting, walking & jogging.
- Rough terrain.
- Soothe & protect fly-bitten ears, & hot spots.
** Mushers Secret claims to protect your dog’s paws from the hot pavement as well as sand and sand burn.
**I would still be hesitant to walk my dog on hot pavement or hot sand even with wax protection. Pavement and sand can get scorching hot when the temperatures soar. If you place the back of your hand on the sand or pavement and it is too hot for your skin, then it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Check out four-paws.org to learn which temperatures are too hot for your dog’s paws, as well as symptoms of burns.
What Are The Ingredients Of Mushers Secret?
Mushers Secret is made from a blend of 100% pure natural waxes including White and Yellow Beeswax, Carnauba, and Candelilla Wax, and White and Vegetable Oils with Vitamin E.
Mushers Secret is Non-Toxic, Non-GMO, and Gluten-Free. It does NOT contain any Nut, Soy or Flax Oil.
It is completely safe and natural to use on your dog, yourself, and other animals such as cats, horses and chickens.
How Often Do You Apply Mushers Secret For Dogs?
During snowy conditions, you might need to apply Mushers Secret daily in order to prevent snowballing from occurring. You can apply a thin layer on your dog’s paw pads as well as in between the toes and all around the paws. Don’t be afraid to rub a thin layer of it on your dog’s legs too, especially if your dog has long fur and the snow is deep.
For year-round use, it is recommended to apply a thin layer to your dog’s paw pads 2-3 times a week. Simply rub it in and let it absorb.
Your dog will likely lick the wax, don’t worry it’s safe, however, you may want to apply it just before heading out the door. Many dog owners also like to apply it to their dog’s paws just before bedtime or when their dog is sleeping.
Watch this short video to see how easy it is to apply:
How Long Does Mushers Secret Last?
Musher’s Secret will usually “walk-off” in about a week. It depends on how active your dog is and the type of terrain your dog is walking or running on. This wax will not wear off in the water, but it can be washed off using soap and water.
Each application of the wax only requires a thin layer, that way it absorbs easier. A little goes a long way. Applying too much of the wax will result in greasy slippery floors and stained carpets.
During winter more frequent application may be necessary depending on the weather conditions. Applying the wax 2-3 times a week will protect your dog’s paws year-round.
The wax itself will last indefinitely because it is a stable wax it has no expiry date. Be sure to keep it sealed and stored at room temperature.
Pros and Cons of Mushers Secret
I first discovered Mushers Secret about 6 years ago when I needed a solution to prevent snowballing between my Golden Retriever Ellie’s paws. I really only use it in the winter, and I do alternate it with using boots. [Check out my review of my favourite dog boots, Pawz Dog Boots].
The following are the pros and cons of Mushers Secret:
Pros:
- A great way to protect your dog’s paws in the winter from ice, snowballing, and chemicals like ice melt and salt.
- Easy to apply and it feels smooth.
- A great alternative to wearing dog boots.
- Absorbs quickly (when you apply a thin layer).
- All-natural & non-toxic.
- It has a fresh clean smell, almost like pine or eucalyptus. (It is just the natural ingredients, no fragrance is added).
- It lasts a long time, definitely worth the money.
- Softens and soothes your dog’s paws.
- Not just for paws, it has many uses.
Cons:
- You cannot apply too much or it will make your floors slippery or stain your carpets.
- Dogs love to lick it off, so you’ll need to apply it before heading out the door.
- Can be greasy before it absorbs into the paws, can cause slippery floors.
- I wouldn’t rely on it to protect your dog from hot pavement.
Despite the few cons of Mushers Secret, I really love this stuff! The key is to apply it either before you and your dog head out the door for a walk, or while your dog is sleeping (if you can). That way your dog won’t lick it all off.
A common complaint is that this stuff leaves your floors slippery. This happens when too much wax is applied. I made this mistake at first too and learned that a little goes a long way.
I know many dog owners struggle with putting boots on their dog or having boots stay on their dog! This is why Mushers Secret is so great, it offers the protection of a boot without wearing a boot.
Are you ready to give Mushers Secret a try?
Final Thoughts
Mushers Secret for dogs is my go-to product for winter paw protection. This paw wax is in my opinion the best out there, and many people tend to agree!
As I mentioned, I use it mostly in the winter, but this paw wax has so many more uses than just ice and snow protection. It can be used year-round and not just on your dog, your dry cracked skin can get relief from Mushers Secret too.
Have you tried Mushers Secret on your dog? Do you use it all year? Please share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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Thanks for sharing this article with us Jenny. I’ve been seeing ads for a lot of similar products to this and it makes so much sense to purchase something like this for our beloved pets. We keep our own hands and feet moisturized so why not theirs? I like how Mushers Secret is non-toxic and safe for dogs, even if they happen to lick it off of their paws. I notice that it is made out of beeswax, however, I know for some dog owners this could pose an issue since beeswax is a common allergy. Do you know of a beeswax-free alternative for those who are allergic to beeswax?
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for asking this question. You will find that pretty much all of the paw waxes on the market will have beeswax listed as one of their ingredients, even many of the DIY versions. The reason for this is that beeswax is an excellent natural ingredient that works to protect your dog’s paws from the harsh ground, as well as heals and soothes dry cracked paw pads.
That being said, beeswax can be an allergy to humans like you mentioned. I have searched for a beeswax-free alternative and have discovered they are hard to find! However, I found Petveda Soothing Butter Paw Balm. It contains kokum butter, shea butter and coconut oil. The thing to remember is that this one is a balm instead of a wax so it is meant to moisturize and heal the paws instead of preventing ice and snow buildup on the paws. I cannot speak on how well it works, but you may wish to check it out. My other suggestion would be to use dog boots if you are unable to find a beeswax-free solution.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts,
Jenny.