Why do dogs love to eat snow

The first snow fall is the sign that the fun winter activities of dog owner and pet is about to begin. Because of the thick fur, the dog owner would not worry that the pet would catch cold in the frigid temperature. Sledding and tobogganing - the pet will be a most entertaining companion. However, the pet's tendency to eat snow would worry dog owners. Although the habit to eat snow would be much better than eating rotting animals and feces, eating snow cannot be totally danger free. People holding plastic cups of snow topped with bright colored syrup is a common sight.

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. However, unlike humans, dogs really love to eat even plain 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. Curiosity though is one of the innate behaviors of dogs. Sparkling white snow would be very interesting to the curious dog. The freshness of the snow on the warm tongue as well as the crunching sound will motivate the dog to get another mouthful. Because snow eating is not dangerous, the dog owner would not prevent a pet that seems to get so much pleasure from eating snow.

However, if the pet has ingested large amounts of snow, it is possible that the body temperature will be lowered. The dog that has been eating snow excessively stands the risk of hypothermia. The dog's habit of eating snow can have another dangerous effect - poisoning. Instead of being topped with brightly colored and fruit flavored syrup like the snow people love to eat, the dog may be eating snow topped with anti freeze or other toxic substances. Snow eating for the dog can result to poisoning.

A medical concern may be the reason why the dog eats snow excessively. Kidney disease or thyroid diseases can be the reason for the dog fondness for eating snow. A dog with diabetes and Cushing's disease are noted to have large appetites. 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.