It can be quite entertaining to watch a dog play in the snow, especially if it’s their first time. They appear to be enjoying themselves in the snow as they run, roll, jump, and play. Some dog owners may wonder why canines adore snow so much.
Although there is no definitive explanation for why dogs enjoy snow, there are several likely causes. In this article, we examine three likely causes of dogs’ comical behavior during snowfall.
The Snow Is New
Dogs quickly get into routines, so any changes to those routines can be exciting. For dogs, going outside and discovering their familiar world covered in a fluffy snowfall is novel and unexpected. This can lead to their fascination with it. They don’t know how it got there or why it’s there, after all.
If your dog doesn’t see snow often, they might get particularly excited when it does. They are even happier to play and have fun in it as a result. Dogs that frequently encounter snow, such as sled dogs in the Arctic, don’t react to it with the same enthusiasm. Since they are accustomed to it, it is no longer a novel sensory experience for them.
Do All Dogs Love the Snow?
Not all dog breeds are as enthusiastic about the snow as others are. Some dogs wholly dislike it. Although some people might not mind, you won’t see them playing in it.
Your dog is more likely to enjoy the snow and have a natural love for it if they are a cold-weather breed, like an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky.
Thin-coated dogs bred in warm climates may not be as adept at handling the snow as some other breeds. They might not only detest the snow, but staying outside in it for an extended period of time could be risky for them as well.
When your dog must be outside in the snow, try to keep them warm by dressing them in boots and coats if they are small, have a thin coat, or are otherwise reluctant to go outside in the snow. Their outings can be more enjoyable if there is a wall between them and the snow.
Three Likely Reasons That Dogs Love the Snow
Dogs may be instinctually inclined to play in the snow. When everything is frozen over, wild dogs cannot access natural water sources. Wild dogs rely on eating the snow to get the necessary hydration, despite the fact that domesticated dogs today have access to water inside.
Many animals have the instinct to play when they’re young, and it follows them into adulthood. Being playful in the snow is a way that a dog can express this instinct. Children also have the instinct to play, and many young kids also love to play in the snow. Dogs have mental abilities that are similar to those of a 2-year-old child. It makes sense that both dogs and kids love to play in similar ways.
FAQ
Are dogs happy in the snow?
The majority of dogs are content to continue going for walks in all kinds of weather, and many of them enjoy playing in the snow, but it’s important to give your dog a little extra attention when it’s icy, snowy, and bitterly cold outside.
What kind of dogs love the snow?
All of these puppies—including the well-known Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and Norwegian Elkhound—do well in the chilly winter months.
Why do animals love snow?
An animal may become curious about its surroundings and be stimulated to view things differently as a result of the novelty of snow. Plus, snow just feels good. “Snow is cold, it’s invigorating, it’s energizing,” says Slobodchikoff. “It feels good on the skin or the fur.
Should I let my dog play in the snow?
In general, you should probably limit the amount of time your dog spends playing in the snow to about 30 minutes, but watch out for signs of discomfort, such as shivering or sticking close to you and acting as though they want to go home.