The first snow fall is the sign that the fun winter activities of dog owner and pet is about to begin. The dog owner does not have to bundle up the pet as the thick fur would protect the dog from the freezing temperature. Dog owners would always want to have the pet around as they make any kind of activity enjoyable. Most dog owners though would be concerned about the pet’s inclination to eat snow. Owners of snow eating dogs would not be too concerned as this habit would not be disgusting like the dog habit of eating feces and rotting animals. People love to eat Sno Cone, the dessert made from snow and topped with colored fruit flavored syrup.
For dessert, snow with fruit toppings is a winner. It seems that dogs really do have a lot of similarities with humans as these animals also love to eat snow. Dogs are not fastidious eaters as they would love to eat even unflavored snow. A dog owner would wonder why the pet has an unaccountable fondness for snow? Is the dog thirsty because you always forget to fill its water bowl?
In the wild, dogs have been eating snow when the rivers and springs are frozen. Modern day dogs don’t need to fend for themselves as the owners provide the pet with all its basic needs as well as all the comforts imaginable. However, we know that dogs are naturally curious. The glistening snow would not fail to catch the attention of the inquisitive dog. Once tasted, the dog would take another mouthful because the melting of the cold snow on the warm tongue would be pleasant sensation for the dog. The pet would find eating freshly fallen snow enjoyable and the doting owner would not have the heart to stop the pet more so because eating snow is not dangerous.
If the dog’s stomach is filled with snow, the dog’s body temperature will be lowered. Lowered body temperature can result to hypothermia. The dog’s habit of eating snow can have another dangerous effect – poisoning. The Sno Cones that people love to eat is topped with fruity flavorings but the snow that the dog eats can be topped with antifreeze or with other toxic substances. The dog’s snow eating habit is dangerous after all as it can result to poisoning.
A medical concern may be the reason why the dog eats snow excessively. The dog may have an undiagnosed kidney or thyroid disease. Dogs with diabetes and Cushing’s disease will eat snow to satisfy the huge appetite that is a manifestation of the disease. To stop the dog’s snow eating habit, these medical concern must be addressed.
At Sarah’s Dogs you can learn more about why dogs eat snow as well as dog first aid and other common dog behaviors.