The first sign of snow signals the many winter fun activities you can do with your dog. The four legged friend will be comfortable in the near freezing temperature as it will be fully insulated by the thick fur. Dog owners would always want to have the pet around as they make any kind of activity enjoyable. However, just like any other dog owner, you may be concerned too with the pet’s inclination to eat snow. Of course this habit is much, much better than eating feces and rotting animals but eating snow can have its dangers too. 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. Apparently dogs do have many similarities with their human friends as these animals love eating snow too. Dogs are not fastidious eaters as they would love to eat even unflavored snow. Haven’t you ever wondered why the dog loves to eat snow? Have you again forgotten to fill the dog’s water bowl?
By eating snow, dogs in the wild have survived the winter months when the rivers and streams are frozen. Today’s dogs need not eat snow to assuage thirst because owners make sure that the pets are provided with all the basic needs. However, we know that dogs are naturally curious. Sunlight glistening on the snow crystals would entice an inquisitive dog to investigate. 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. The dog that has been eating snow excessively stands the risk of hypothermia. Another danger that can result from the dog’s habit of eating snow is 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. This would naturally result to poisoning.
A dog that has the tendency to eat snow may be suffering from a health concern. 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.
