Why do dogs 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. Winter recreational activities would be even more enjoyable if the pet is around. However, the pet's tendency to eat snow would worry dog owners. 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.
Snow topped with fruits is a favorite dessert. What do you know - dogs, like their human friends also love the refreshing coolness of snow. However, unlike humans, dogs really love to eat even plain snow. What is so special about snow that makes dogs love it? Is the dog thirsty because you always forget to fill its 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. Curiosity though is one of the innate behaviors of dogs. 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.
Excessive snow eating though can lower the body temperature as the stomach is filled with the cold stuff. Lowered body temperature can result to hypothermia. Another danger that can result from the dog's habit of eating snow is 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. 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. A dog with diabetes and Cushing's disease are noted to have large appetites. The medical problems must be treated to stop the dog's inclination to eat snow.
Snow topped with fruits is a favorite dessert. What do you know - dogs, like their human friends also love the refreshing coolness of snow. However, unlike humans, dogs really love to eat even plain snow. What is so special about snow that makes dogs love it? Is the dog thirsty because you always forget to fill its 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. Curiosity though is one of the innate behaviors of dogs. 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.
Excessive snow eating though can lower the body temperature as the stomach is filled with the cold stuff. Lowered body temperature can result to hypothermia. Another danger that can result from the dog's habit of eating snow is 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. 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. A dog with diabetes and Cushing's disease are noted to have large appetites. The medical problems must be treated to stop the dog's inclination to eat snow.
About the Author:
At Sarah's Dogs you can learn more about why dogs eat snow as well as dog first aid and other common dog behaviors.
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