We've already covered why some dogs love snow, but what about those that don't? There are plenty of dogs who aren't the biggest fans of the wintery white fluff (which can be especially difficult when it's time to take your dog out for a bathroom break) and plenty of explanations behind the aversion. Here are seven reasons why some dogs hate snow and what you can do about it.
1. They're Too Short Or Small
Some dogs are literally not built for snow, like those that are too small or short, which can cause an aversion to it. For starters, small dogs are more sensitive to cooler temperatures, making them prone to more easily and quickly becoming too cold. This is because a smaller dog's body temperature drops at higher external degrees and has more trouble thermoregulating. Their size also makes it difficult to avoid coming in contact with snow, which only increases the likelihood of a drop in body temperature. For example, their bellies (which have less fur) often come into contact with or are completely submerged in snow. All of these factors put smaller dogs at a greater risk for hypothermia.
In addition, it's more difficult for smaller dogs to walk or move in snow, which can cause them to more easily tire out. Achondroplastic dogs or those with short legs and long backs (like Basset Hounds, Corgis and Dachshunds) may have a particularly tough time. These dogs move best through trotting, which is hard to do in snow. Most dogs canter to move through snow, as that allows them to cover more ground and bound about, but cantering is challenging for achondroplastic dogs. So many shorter and smaller dogs not only tire out more easily in the snow but also feel trapped, stuck, overwhelmed and overall uncomfortable.
What you can do:
- Clear a spot and pathway for your dog to walk through snow in your yard, especially for potty breaks.
- Give treats while outside and after coming inside to encourage them and begin creating a positive association with snow.
- Use water-repellent, warming clothing such as jackets, vests and paw booties.
- Limit time outside and stay where the ground is shoveled or has less snow.
- Plan to walk during the sunniest or warmest time of the day.
- Watch for signs that your dog is cold such as shivering, whining, holding up paws, slowing down or refusing to move, hunched posture, tucked tail and acting anxious.
- Wipe your dog's paws, legs and belly to remove any snow, ice, salt and chemical residue (the latter two are often toxic and can be ingested if your dog licks their paws). If need be, dip a towel in lukewarm water to wipe them off.
- If you have a backyard or large enough space, use the tarp method. Before it's supposed to snow, put down a tarp and secure it with large rocks or something heavy. Once it stops snowing, remove the tarp so there's a snow-free spot for your dog.
- Discuss with your vet about slightly increasing your dog's food or adding dog-safe fats to their diet. Dogs burn more calories and energy in the cold to maintain body temperature and the increased fats will be used first for energy. But it's important to maintain a healthy weight, so make sure not to increase your dog's food too much as that can lead to obesity.
- If all else fails, create an indoor potty spot using fake grass or absorbent pads, like those used for potty training.
2. Their Fur Is Too Short
Dogs with short (or no) hair are more sensitive to the cold, which may make them dislike snow. Their body temperature is quicker to drop than those with longer fur and they have trouble with thermoregulation, making it difficult to warm themselves up. All of this puts them at a greater risk for hypothermia and frostbite. Some breeds with short or no fur that are prone to the cold include but are not limited to Greyhounds, Weimaraners, Dalmatians, Whippets and Chinese Cresteds.
What you can do:
- Use water-repellent, warming winter clothing such as jackets, vests and paw booties.
- Limit time outside and stay where the ground is shoveled or has less snow.
- Plan to walk during the sunniest or warmest time of the day.
- Watch for signs that your dog is cold such as shivering, whining, holding up paws, slowing down or refusing to move, hunched posture, tucked tail and acting anxious.
- Take your dog to indoor dog parks, doggy daycare or obedience classes for exercise and socialization.
- If you have a backyard or large enough space, use the tarp method. Before it's supposed to snow, put down a tarp and secure it with large rocks or something heavy. Once it stops snowing, remove the tarp so there's a snow-free spot for your dog.
- Discuss with your vet about slightly increasing your dog's food or adding dog-safe fats to their diet. Dogs burn more calories and energy in the cold to maintain body temperature and the increased fats will be used first for energy. But it's important to maintain a healthy weight, so make sure not to increase your dog's food too much as that can lead to obesity.
3. Their Fur Is Too Long
Although dogs with longer fur tend to tolerate the cold more (as many dogs bred for the cold have long coats), that doesn't mean they all like the snow. Long fur can actually be an issue for some (especially fluffy dogs) in winter because snow and ice can encrust on the coat and become matted. This most often occurs between the toes, which can push the pads apart and become uncomfortable or even painful (especially when walking). Snow and ice can also encrust on your dog's nails, belly fur, leg feathering and tail.
What you can do:
- Groom your dog, carefully cutting the fur between their toes.
- Keep your dog's nails trimmed and short.
- Use paw booties.
- Limit time outside and stay where the ground is shoveled or has less snow.
- Plan to walk during the sunniest or warmest time of the day.
- Watch for signs that your dog is cold such as shivering, whining, holding up paws, slowing down or refusing to move, hunched posture, tucked tail and acting anxious.
- Take your dog to indoor dog parks, doggy daycare or obedience classes for physical exercise, mental stimulation and socialization.
- If you have a backyard or large enough space, use the tarp method. Before it's supposed to snow, put down a tarp and secure it with large rocks or something heavy. Once it stops snowing, remove the tarp so there's a snow-free spot for your dog.
4. Their Age And Health Plays A Factor
Age and health can play a big factor in whether or not a dog enjoys time in the snow. For example, older dogs and puppies can be more sensitive to lower temperatures and more prone to becoming cold. In addition, older dogs that are experiencing a decline in vision or hearing may find that snow further inhibits them. Dogs with arthritis are also sensitive to the cold and may find their pain or mobility exacerbated by it. Other health conditions can make it more difficult for dogs to regulate temperature as well, causing those dogs to dislike the snow.
What you can do:
- Use water-repellent, warming winter clothing such as jackets, vests and paw booties.
- Limit time outside and stay where the ground is shoveled or has less snow.
- Plan to walk during the sunniest or warmest time of the day.
- Clear a spot and pathway for your dog to walk through snow in your yard, especially for potty breaks.
- Watch for signs that your dog is cold such as shivering, whining, holding up paws, slowing down or refusing to move, hunched posture, tucked tail and acting anxious.
- Talk to your vet to see if there's anything they can give older dogs or those with health issues, such as pain management.
- Take fully vaccinated puppies to indoor dog parks, doggy daycare or obedience classes for physical exercise, mental stimulation and socialization.
- If you have a backyard or large enough space, use the tarp method. Before it's supposed to snow, put down a tarp and secure it with large rocks or something heavy. Once it stops snowing, remove the tarp so there's a snow-free spot for your dog.
- If all else fails, create an indoor potty spot using fake grass or absorbent pads, like those used for potty training.
5. They're Fearful Or Overwhelmed
Every dog has its own unique personality and while some are confident, laidback and happy, or adaptable, others are more shy and timid. These dogs are often more nervous, insecure or fearful and don't like being in new or uncomfortable situations. Snow can be one of those since it changes your dog's surroundings, literally altering the landscape and what your dog sees, smells, hears and feels. Colder environments tend to mask odors better than warmer ones, making scent less available and more difficult for dogs to detect. In addition, snow provides new tactile experiences for your dog, as the feel of snow and the sensation of cold on the body are novel. So the familiar becomes unfamiliar and that can be overwhelming or even scary to more timid dogs.
What you can do:
- Clear a spot and pathway for your dog to walk through snow in your yard, especially for potty breaks.
- Give treats while outside and after coming inside to encourage them and begin creating a positive association with snow.
- Limit time outside and stay where the ground is shoveled or has less snow.
- Watch for signs that your dog is cold such as shivering, whining, holding up paws, slowing down or refusing to move, hunched posture, tucked tail and acting anxious.
- If you have a backyard or large enough space, use the tarp method. Before it's supposed to snow, put down a tarp and secure it with large rocks or something heavy. Once it stops snowing, remove the tarp so there's a snow-free spot for your dog.
6. It's Cold And Their Paw Pads Can Be Sensitive
Snow is cold, of course, and some dogs don't like that. Furthermore, the cold can almost become painful (especially when combined with salt, antifreeze or melting agents and other toxic chemicals). Although dog paw pads are tough (it's the thickest skin on your dog's body) and well insulated to allow your dog to walk on warm or cool surfaces, they are still sensitive. Extended time in the snow can make them feel too cold and may even cause pain and burning sensations, which can deter dogs from enjoying the snow.
What you can do:
- Use paw booties and other paw protection.
- Limit time outside and stay where the ground is shoveled or has less snow.
- Plan to walk during the sunniest or warmest time of the day.
- Clear a spot and pathway for your dog to walk through snow in your yard, especially for potty breaks.
- Watch for signs that your dog is cold such as shivering, whining, holding up paws, slowing down or refusing to move, hunched posture, tucked tail and acting anxious.
- Inspect your dog's paw pads after walks and wipe unprotected paws off to remove snow, ice, salt and chemical residue (the latter two are often toxic and may be ingested if your dog licks their paws). If need be, dip your dog's paws in lukewarm water then wipe them off.
- Take your dog to indoor dog parks, doggy daycare or obedience classes for physical exercise, mental stimulation and socialization.
- If you have a backyard or large enough space, use the tarp method. Before it's supposed to snow, put down a tarp and secure it with large rocks or something heavy. Once it stops snowing, remove the tarp so there's a snow-free spot for your dog.
- If all else fails, create an indoor potty spot using fake grass or absorbent pads, like those used for potty training.