Prepping Your Dog for a Winter Adventure

Mushers Secret Prepping Your Dog for a Winter Adventure

Prepping Your Dog for a Winter Adventure

Adventures with your dog are the best kinds of adventures, especially ones in a winter wonderland! Taking your dog on a winter adventure could be a great experience for both you and your furry friend. Seeing the joy on their faces as they frolic through the snow is one of the most satisfying experiences and one that can create lifelong memories. However, as fun as they could be, they can also be very dangerous, so it’s important to do your research and be prepared before taking to the snow!

There are many tips and tricks to ensure a successful adventure. Here are some tips we feel are most important. 

Proper grooming.

Preparing your dog's coat for the cold is extremely important. Make sure you give your dog a good bath with moisturizing shampoo to keep their skin healthy and moisturized. Bathing helps restore essential oils to their skin. Once bathed a thorough brushing to remove loose hair is key. By brushing your dog’s you’re removing dead hair, which allows the growth of thick winter coats that will help keep your dog warm.

Protect your dog’s paws.

Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax is a great way to protect your dog’s paws from the snowy conditions. Musher’s Secret Paw Wax forms a breathable, dense barrier to protect your dog’s paws from the elements in even the most extreme weather conditions. We suggest applying a thin layer 2-3 times a week for maximum results all year round. In snowy conditions, additional applications may be necessary and to prevent snowballing rub up in between and around the pads. Not only does it aid in preventing snowballing, but frostbite as well!

Increase their calorie intake.

Depending on the circumstances and the climate of where you live, this tip may vary a little. If you live in an area where it’s cold all year round it’s best to keep your dog’s calorie intake higher than if you lived in a warmer climate. Your dog will burn more calories keeping warm. This is especially true of short haired and hairless dogs. If you live in an area that experiences seasonal winters, it’s smart to increase your dog’s calorie intake during those times. A higher protein diet is a good winter choice. You must feed your four legged friend more to keep them warmer.

Understand your dog and their coat.

Some dogs need more protection from the frigid cold than others. Unless your pup is a true winter dog, there is a good chance they will get cold, especially on those days when the temperature drops to or below single digits. BRRRR! Depending on how cold your dog gets, it may be a good idea to invest in a fleece or insulated jacket.

Pick a good trail.

It’s important to know your dog and what they can handle. If you are exploring in deep powdery snow, your dog might sink a little or all the way to his chest, causing them to start jumping up and down through the snow. As fun as this is for them it’s only OK for short periods of time. It can cause exhaustion and can accelerate hip problems, especially for dogs with hip dysplasia tendencies. When looking for trails, try finding ones where your dog can find some solid footing if needed.

Do your research and know the signs

Traveling through the winter wonderland with your dog can bring on some pretty dangerous circumstances. It’s extremely important to know what those threats are and what you can do to get out of them or even better avoid them. One of those big threats being in the cold is hypothermia. Some signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, dilated pupils, and slow breathing. If you see your dog experiencing these symptoms, warm your dog immediately with blankets or even your own jacket, get to a warm safe place, and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Of course, regardless of the weather conditions, always be sure to come equipped with a first aid kit and enough snacks and water to keep you and your four legged friend hydrated and fueled to go go go! 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share:

More Posts

FREE DOWNLOAD

MUSHER’S ULTIMATE ADVENTURE CHECKLIST

Are you ready for your next adventure

Instagram feed

Brunch with your bestie just got a serious upgrade 🐾🍳☀️ @baysideskillet in Ocean City rolls out the welcome mat (and the sun deck!) for pups who brunch. 😎 Whether you’re team omelette or crepe crew, there`s a patio seat with your dog`s name on it — plus belly rubs and people-watching galore. 🤩

Tag your foodie fur-iend and plan your next paw-some brunch date! 🐶❤️ #PawsAndPancakes #DogFriendlyDining #BaysideSkillet #MushersSecretEats

2 0

Because self-care isn’t just for the humans. 🐕💅 From power naps to paw massages, our pups know how to treat themselves right — and Musher’s Secret is basically their spa-in-a-jar. ✨🐾

Soft paws, big vibes, no apologies. 😎 Tag us in your reel and show off your pup’s self-care routine! 🛁🐶 #PawSpa #MushersSecret #selfcareroutine

4 0

It’s National Pet Month! 🐾🎉

Cue the extra snuggles, bonus treats, and all the belly rubs. Whether they’re pro snugglers, treat lovers, or chaos gremlins in fur coats — we wouldn’t trade them for the world. 💖🐶🐱

Show us how you’re celebrating your furry ride-or-die this month. Tag us and use #NationalPetMonth so we can spotlight your MVP (Most Valuable Pet)! 🏆🐾 #PetLove #MushersSecret #FurFamilyForever #CelebratePets #PetMonthVibes #PawsAndCelebrate

5 0

🚶‍♂️🐾 Who’s walking who today?

It’s Reverse Walk Day — aka the one time your pup gets to be the GPS. 🧭 Let them choose the route, take the turns they want, and sniff their way to adventure. It’s a fun way to boost their confidence and give their brain a little workout too! 💡🐕

Just make sure they’re staying safe (maybe not down that alley with the mysterious smells… 👀).

Ready to let your dog lead the way? 🐶 Drop a 🐾 if you`re trying a reverse walk this week — and tag us in your detour-filled journey! #ReverseWalkDay #DogLedWalks #MushersSecret #PupPoweredAdventures #SniffAndStroll

5 0

When it comes to paw care, less really is more. No alcohol to dry things out, no artificial scents to irritate sensitive sniffers, and absolutely zero petroleum. 🙅🏻 Just food-grade, natural ingredients your pup would probably write a love letter to if they could. 💌🐾

Because your dog’s paws deserve the good stuff — nothing funky, nothing fake. 💚 Ready to go clean with your paw care? Visit the link in our bio to shop Musher’s Secret! #CleanCareForPaws #MushersSecret #NoNastiesPawBalm

7 0

Packing for a dog? It’s a fine art of “just in case” moments. 🎒🐾 Gotta be ready for muddy paws, snack breaks, surprise zoomies, and everything in between! Big thanks to @miso.theminiaussie for showing us how it’s done (and for making sure Musher’s Secret made the cut!). 🐶💼

Tag us in your adventure prep reels — we’d love to see what essentials your pup absolutely can`t live without! 🌟 #DogCampingGear #AdventurePup #MushersSecret

7 0

When your dog’s paws go from “ouch” to “ahhh” 😌🐾 Big thanks to Melinda A.C. for sharing this glowing Amazon review — and to her sweet Great Dane for the paw glamour shot! 💙

Tag us in your paw care moments — we love to see the glow-up! ✨ #PawCareGoals #GreatDaneGlowUp #MushersSecret

10 2

Park Bench Pupdates: where the sniffing stops and the people-watching begins. 🐾👀 Whether they’re judging joggers, admiring squirrels, or simply soaking in the sun like seasoned retirees, pups on benches are living their best lives. 🛋️🐶

Got a four-legged friend who loves a bench break mid-walk? Tag us in your cozy pupdates — we’re always here for the slow moments. 🐕✨ #ParkBenchPupdates #PawsAndPeopleWatching #MushersSecret #PupPerspective #SpringDogDays

7 0

Snowflakes + sweet faces = the kind of winter math we love. ❄️🐾 Say hello to our Star Furball of the Week: the radiant alan.and.bella. ✨ This snow-loving senior is proving that age is just a number when you’ve got spirit (and snow!) in your step. 🐶❤️

Want to see your pup in the spotlight next? Tag us in your photos with @musherssecretpawwax for a chance to be featured! #StarFurballOfTheWeek #MushersSecret #SeniorDogMagic #PawProtectionPros #SnowDayEnergy

5 0

Paw balm that pulls double duty? Don’t mind if we do! 🐾✨ When your pup’s go-to wax also saves your dry winter hands, you know it’s the real deal.

Cold weather, cracked paws (or knuckles), and dry air don’t stand a chance when Musher’s is in the mix. All-natural, totally lickable (for them, not you 😉), and ready for wherever adventure takes you. 💪

💬 Tell us—have you ever borrowed your dog’s Musher’s? Tap the link in bio to grab your jar today! 🤩 #MushersSecret #WinterPawCare #DogParentWin #ColdWeatherEssentials #AllNaturalPawBalm #PyreneesApproved #PawfectCare

8 0

Big thanks to @mr.mochipuff for sharing your reel on Musher`s Secret Paw Wax! 🐾 We at Musher Secret love seeing pups` paws stay healthy and happy. 🌟 #PawCare #HealthyPaws

10 0

Got a soft spot for silvery sweethearts? 😻 Meet the Korat — a shimmering heart-shaped face with eyes that practically glow (and judge you lovingly). 💚

Known as Thailand’s good luck cat, the Korat is a loyal little shadow. They’ll follow you from room to room like a fuzzy VIP guest, chiming in with quiet chirps and expressive eyes. 🐾 This breed is calm, cuddly, and all about their person — aka, your lap is no longer your own. 😅

Nutrition-wise, they thrive on high-protein, balanced meals (no fillers, just the good stuff). And while they’re not marathon runners, they do love a daily play session — feather wands and climbing perches are Korat-approved. 🐱✨

Low maintenance in the grooming department, their short, dense coat just needs a weekly brush to stay silky and shed less. Bonus: they sparkle in the sunlight. ☀️💎

Thinking of adding this blue-gray beauty to your family? Tag a fellow cat lover who needs to know about the Korat! 💬🐾 #CatBreedSpotlight #KoratCat #LuckyCatLove #MushersSecret #PurrfectPersonality #FelineFacts

2 0

Pet parents, it’s time to spill the treats… we mean tea. 😅🐾

Ever called your dog by a nickname so ridiculous even they tilted their head? Or realized too late you’ve been singing “Who’s a good girl?” in public… loudly? 🎤🙈

Let’s normalize the chaos, the cuddles, and the comedy that comes with life as a pet parent. Drop your most hilarious, embarrassing, or totally relatable “oops” moments in the comments — we promise we’ve done worse. 💬😂👇 #PetParentConfessions #MushersSecret #PetLifeUnfiltered #RealTalkWithPets #FurRealMoments

5 0

Spring Paw Care: Keep Your Dog`s Paws Funk-Free

9 0

Forgot the paw wax once… never again. What’s your ‘never again’ moment?🫣👇

7 0

We all know pets have a flair for the dramatic… but some? They’ve got hidden superstar energy. 🎤🐾 Does your dog spin in circles before dinner? Meow on command? Balance a treat like a pro?

It’s time to brag a little. Tell us your pet’s weirdest or most unexpected talent in the comments – or better yet, tag us in a reel and show it off! 🎬✨ We’re ready to be impressed (and slightly confused). 😉 #PetPartyTricks #HiddenTalentsUnleashed #WeirdPetSkills #DogsofInstagram #MushersSecret

5 0

If your dog could text, what would they say? 🐶📱👇👇👇

5 0

More sunshine means more sniffing, but all that fresh air can take a toll on those cute little noses! 🐽🌸 From pollen crusties to unexpected sunburns, spring can be a real snout situation. Here’s how to keep that boop-zone happy and hydrated:

➊ Moisturize regularly 💧 – Use a pet-safe balm (like the one you know we love 😉) to soothe and protect dry or cracked noses.

➋ Wipe away the pollen 🌼 – After outdoor play, gently clean with a soft, damp cloth to keep allergens from building up.

➌ Watch for sun exposure ☀️ – Light-colored or sensitive noses can burn, so limit midday sun and reapply that balm!

➍ Stay hydrated 🥤 – A dry nose can sometimes mean a thirsty pup. Keep that water bowl topped off!

Got a sniffer that could use some TLC? 🐾 Drop a 🌞 in the comments if your dog’s nose is ready for springtime adventures! #SpringPetCare #DogNoseTips #SnoutCare #PetWellness #PollenSeason #MushersSecret

5 0

Looking for a way to turn snack time into a mini workout? 🐶✨ Say hello to the Stairway to Treats challenge – aka your pup’s new favorite game. It’s fun, low-impact, and perfect for rainy-day energy burners! 🪜🐾

Here’s how to set it up:

1️⃣ Choose your “stairs” – Real stairs work great, but you can also use cushions or stacked pillows for smaller dogs.

2️⃣ Place the goods – Set treats on each step or level, just out of reach to encourage a stretch or gentle climb.

3️⃣ Add a command – Try a cue like “Find it!” or “Climb!” to build a mental connection with the activity.

4️⃣ Monitor the moves – Keep an eye on your pet’s form and make sure it stays safe and fun – especially for senior pets!

5️⃣ Celebrate like crazy – Every step is a win! 🎉 Give them extra love (and maybe another treat 😄).

Tag us in your pup’s stair sessions – we’d love to see how high they’ll climb for snacks! 🐕🪜💚 #MushersSecret #PetActivityIdeas #TreatChallenge

5 0

Are You Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Download the Ultimate Adventure Checklist now to help prepare you and your furry friend on your next exploration! Whether it’s hiking, backpacking, camping, or just a day at the beach, be prepared with all your dog’s essentials to ensure a fun and safe adventure.

Are you ready for your next adventure
Scroll to Top

Add your STORY here!

We love hearing from you guys, so please fill out the
form below to join the Musher’s Family!

Strong Testimonials form submission spinner.
This will not be shown
Where are you from?
A headline for your testimonial.
Tell us what do you think about Musher's Secret.
rating fields
Would you like to include star rating?

DO YOU LOVE MUSHER'S SECRET TOO?

We love hearing your stories and would love to showcase your experience (and pet pics) here.