Winter activities would be even more enjoyable if shared with the beloved dog. The four legged friend will be comfortable in the near freezing temperature as it will be fully insulated by the thick fur. Sledding and tobogganing - the pet will be a most entertaining companion. 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 holding plastic cups of snow topped with bright colored syrup is a common sight.
For dessert, snow with fruit toppings is a winner. What do you know - dogs, like their human friends also love the refreshing coolness of snow. It would be understandable if the snow is topped with flavorings like the ones we humans love but dogs would eat plain snow with gusto. What is so special about snow that makes dogs love it? Have you again forgotten to fill the dog's water bowl?
Actually, dogs have been eating snow when the rivers and the streams in the wild 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. 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. Thinking that the pet's habit of eating snow would do the pet no harm, the dog owner would not do anything to curb the dog's habit.
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. This would naturally 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 are voracious eaters but Cushing's disease and diabetes will increase the dog's inclination to eat. The medical problems must be treated to stop the dog's inclination to eat snow.
For dessert, snow with fruit toppings is a winner. What do you know - dogs, like their human friends also love the refreshing coolness of snow. It would be understandable if the snow is topped with flavorings like the ones we humans love but dogs would eat plain snow with gusto. What is so special about snow that makes dogs love it? Have you again forgotten to fill the dog's water bowl?
Actually, dogs have been eating snow when the rivers and the streams in the wild 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. 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. Thinking that the pet's habit of eating snow would do the pet no harm, the dog owner would not do anything to curb the dog's habit.
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. This would naturally 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 are voracious eaters but Cushing's disease and diabetes will increase the dog's inclination to eat. 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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