Why Do Dogs Like Snow?

If you live in the north or in a mountain location, you have long ago discovered that dogs like snow. Running, jumping and playing among white flakes and on snowy mantles is your dog’s favorite activity in the winter months.

Despite the extremely cold conditions, it seems that this environment is a perfect place for your four-legged friends. If you also want to know why the dog likes snow, in this article you will find all the necessary explanations.

Why do dogs like snow?

There is a very special bond between dogs and snow. This strange white coat intrigues your animals, who are at ease in a land that has become soft and fun. They feel a little more adventurous and free. Here are the reasons why a heavy snowfall turns into a party for the dog.

The snow, an infinite playground

Many dog ​​owners are surprised at their dog’s reaction to snow. It is difficult to keep your friend at bay once freed on a vast white expanse.

He wants to move, run, dig and put his nose under the snow. The first reason for so much excitement is that the normal, routine environment is being transformed into a new and unusual landscape. This generates curiosity in the animal, which feels the desire to fully experience this unexpected novelty. Change the background, change the smells …

His instinct as a hunter and explorer is revealed, generally dormant in normal city life. The dog discovers something fantastic, original and to be fully experienced. He enjoys finding wooden sticks under the snow, finding and following footprints of other animals, freeing all his innate desire for freedom.

Dogs and the cold

Contrary to popular belief, dogs’ bodies are able to withstand the cold. You don’t necessarily have to have a Malamute, a Husky, a Czechoslovakian wolfdog or a Newfoundland to be able to have fun on the white blanket. Regardless of your dog’s breed, rest assured that he will be able to handle the snow without any problems.

This is explained by the very biological structure of this beautiful animal. The blood circulation of the canines works in such a way as to always keep the temperature of the legs constant. We refer, in particular, to the lower pads that more than any other part of the body enter into contact with the ground.

In addition, the animal’s metabolism is regulated according to external degrees. In the presence of cold, it will work faster, warming the body more.

Evidently, however, to avoid problems, there are a series of tricks and precautions that are worth following. So that your dog can have fun in the snow in complete safety.

Dogs in the snow, what precautions should you take?

Here is a series of useful tips for those who want to spend a few hours playing with their dog in the snow.

• Cold protection. Even if the hair is a very effective defense tool, when it comes into contact with the snow, it can get wet and lower the body temperature of the animal. Get your dog to wear a waterproof cape so he can have fun safely without getting cold.

• Isolate the paws. As we told you before, the pads of the paws can always keep a constant temperature. If you intend to spend a lot of time outdoors, between snow and ice, it is good to protect these areas more completely. The simplest solution is to apply petroleum jelly, which will work as a normal anti-cold insulator. If you have more time to organize yourself, you can buy shoes or even comfortable foot protectors, which will give the animal less discomfort.
• Follow your pet. It is possible that your dog, scratching and digging in the snow, will find something to bite or bite. Always follow him closely to prevent him from instinctively eating anything he encounters. You will avoid easy infections and problems like diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Never lose sight of it, especially if there are other people on the spot.

• Choose a suitable place. Leaving the dog free to run off the leash is always nice. But remember to do this only in limited and safe areas. If your pet is near ski or toboggan runs, it could be injured or cause an accident.