My dog eats snow: Why this can be dangerous and how to protect your furry friend

Sniffing, romping, digging: Although admittedly rare in many places, snow days in winter are a dream come true for most dogs. Many four-legged friends even like to eat snow. But that can become a real problem.It may seem playful and harmless, but eating snow can be quite dangerous for dogs. In this article, you will find out why dogs eat snow, what health risks this can cause, and which symptoms you should pay particular attention to.

Why do dogs eat snow - and what does it mean for their health?

Most dogs are fascinated by snow, and are eager to romp and play in it. Some four-legged friends also try to eat this white magic - be it out of curiosity, boredom or because they are thirsty. Some dogs happen to chomp some down while playing, others seem to purposefully quench their thirst with the cold snowflakes. But the supposedly harmless pleasure can have negative consequences for health. This is because snow is often contaminated with dirt, road salt or even harmful substances,potentially causing gastrointestinal problems, bladder infections or even gastritis in dogs.

What are the health risks of dogs eating snow?

Eating snow may seem harmless, but it is actually associated with health risks for your dog. Here are some of the most common consequences:

Stomach problems in dogs: At first glance, snow seems radiantly clean to us – but looks can be deceiving. Not only can snow harbour dirt and bacteria, but road salt and chemical residues scattered on roads and paths may also be hiding in it. All these substances can irritate the sensitive lining of your dog‘s stomach and cause them digestive issues. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain are possible signs of stomach discomfort after consuming snow.
Gastritis in dogs: If your dog eats snow regularly, this can lead to stomach inflammation. A condition known as gastritis can arise from the cold, dirty water and the pollutants often contained in it. Symptoms of gastritis in dogs include loss of appetite, recurrent vomiting and abdominal pain.
Yellow vomit in dogs: Dogs throwing up yellow is a sign of stomach irritation that can be triggered by ingesting snow. It can be a sign of gastritis or indicate that the stomach walls are irritated by the cold water.
Diarrhoea in dogs: Eating snow contaminated with road salt, pollutants or bacteria can lead to acute diarrhoea in dogs. In severe cases, it can even lead to bloody diarrhoea, indicating severe irritation or infection in the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, an immediate veterinary examination is necessary.
Bladder infections in dogs: Cold snow can lower the temperature of the bladder and urinary tract. Playing in the snow can thus lead to bladder infections, which female dogs are particularly susceptible to due to their shorter urethras.Typical signs of bladder infections in dogs are increased urination, pain when urinating and general malaise.

Typical symptoms: How to tell if your dog has eaten snow

The following symptoms may indicate that your dog has got its jaws on (too much) contaminated snow:

Vomiting: In particular, the appearance of yellow, frothy vomiting is a sign that your dog's snow nibbling has not agreed with them.
Diarrhoea: If your dog gets diarrhoea, this is a sign that the gastrointestinal system is under strain, possibly caused by ingesting dirty snow.
Loss of appetite and tiredness: A dog suffering from stomach inflammation or irritation due to eating snow will show little interest in food and will seem lethargic.

There are many causes of diarrhoea and vomiting. In our guide you will find everything you need to know about vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

What to do if your dog has eaten snow

If you notice that your dog has eaten snow, you should keep a close eye on them. Mild stomach discomfort can usually be controlled with gentle care and a stomach-friendly diet. Many herbs help treat an upset stomach. DOG'S LOVE Super Digest contains a mixture of effective stomach-friendly herbs and can easily be mixed into their food. Vital+Stomach powder from our DOG'S DOC line also offers targeted support for the stomach and intestines. Even more practical to use are the DOG'S LOVE Smart Snacks Vital+ BELLY.

But this support is not always sufficient. Caution is advised upon the onset of the following symptoms, and a visit to the vet is advisable:

Vomiting yellow
Persistent or bloody diarrhoea
Severe abdominal pain and sensitive reactions when touching the abdominal area
Increased urination or signs of pain when urinating

In these cases, a veterinary check-up can clarify whether there is a bladder infection, inflamed stomach lining or a more serious gastrointestinal disorder.

Take special care with road salt and chemicals in the snow

All snow is not equal. Eating snow on roads and paths in built-up areas is particularly dangerous for your dog. This is because road salt is often applied there, and other chemicals can also end up in the snow. The residues are often invisible, but can still be very irritating and even toxic. Road salt is particularly harmful to health.It irritates the stomach lining and can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, poisoning. If your dog likes to eat snow, take special care to keep them away from heavily salted areas to avoid stomach problems and gastritis.

Prevention is better than cure: The best tips on how to stop your dog from eating snow

Training: Teach your dog at an early stage that snow is not food. Practise commands such as "Off" or "No" to prevent them from eating snow.
Distraction and alternatives: Keep your dog entertained in the snow with toys or a dummy to distract them from eating snow.
Observation and caution: Keep a close eye on your dog near roads and paths, as there is often road salt and chemicals in the snow. Cut back on large spans of off-leash roaming if your dog takes advantage of this opportunity to eat snow.
Adequate hydration: Sometimes dogs eat snow because they are thirsty. Make sure that your dog has enough water available, especially for longer winter walks.

Yes to playing, no to eating: Protect your four-legged friend in winter

Sharing adventures in the snow is one of the beautiful sides of life with a dog in winter. So to make sure you and your four-legged friend can enjoy these snow days, you should do your best to prevent your dog from eating snow. It may seem harmless, but it actually poses many risks to your dog's health. Road salt, dirt and chemicals can cause gastrointestinal problems, bladder infections or gastritis in dogs. Yellow vomiting in dogs, diarrhoea or bloody diarrhoea can be symptoms of stomach irritation and should be taken seriously. If your dog likes to eat snow, caution is advised – especially where snow is likely to be contaminated.