Why Dogs Love Snow in Denver (and Why Some Don’t)

Snowmageddon. Snowpocalypse. Snowapalooza. Whatever fun name you’re giving it, it’s coming! Denver is expecting up to two feet this weekend. And as I prep for it, I started thinking about why dogs love snow in Denver—and why some absolutely hate it. Some pups frolic like middle schoolers on their first snow day, while others give you the “oh hell no” look and refuse to step outside.

Why Dogs Love Snow in Denver

As a dog walker, I love to watch the snow lovin’ pups pounce & run & roll in it. It seems to energize them like a kid hopped up on Mountain Dew & Skittles. Alexandra Horowitz, PhD, and author of Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know told Scientific American, “More than anything, I suspect that the sensation of snow on the body is engaging for dogs.” I guess I can understand that. I know when I am hiking in the mountains, when the fresh air fills my lungs and the scent of the woods hits my nose, I get energized.

Another opinion is that it is new & different. Certified trainer and behaviorist, Susie Aga from Atlanta Dog Trainer, says, “I think it’s just fun. It’s something new. Plus, snow is like a brand new toy.” A lot of the dogs I walk like to bite at it. Scout, a Great Dane, loves to do “drive by bitings.” She just takes big ol’ bites of it while she walks without missing a step. “Dogs like to manipulate their environment,” Stanley Coren, a scientist and Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and an authority in canine psychology, “They will play in pile of leaves, just like the way kids do—the mind of a dog is very much like that of a two-year-old.”

Why Some Dogs Hate the Snow

Although the fluffy white stuff may excite some pups, others, not so much. Why? Is it the cold & wet? The salt that hurts their paws? The possible delay of their Bark Box or Chewy delivery? It seems like maybe many reasons. “A small dog might be swallowed by a snow drift; a light-coated dog is freezing. For a fearful dog, hesitant about the outside, snow means the world is transformed—but they were just getting used to it as it was, thank you” advises Alexandra Horowitz, PhD.

When my rescue Shiba Inu was younger, she liked it a small degree. We lived in Chicago at the time and we rescued Akiko from Wisconsin. She grew up in snow. We played in it. She loved “Snow Monster,” a game we played in which I would kick snow and Akiko would chase/bite at it. But, there was always a limit; she hated the deep snow. If it was getting to her chest, she was out. Nope. And nowadays, in her sightless senior years, that is a big “NO” from her. She starts shaking and refuses to move when I set her down in it. I have to shovel out a patch of grass for her to handle business. SMH. I have become that pup parent.

Keeping Your Dog Safe in Denver’s Winter Weather

Whether they love it or hate it, they have to go out in it. And it’s up to us parents to ensure they are safe & comfortable. If you’ve ever wondered why dogs love snow in Denver, the answer often comes down to safety, comfort, and their unique personality. Here are a few tips according to the ASPCA –

• Protect their skin & paws – Keep your home humidified, towel-dry paws (especially between toes), and remove snowballs.
• Wash after walks – Salt and chemicals can cause irritation. Wash and dry feet and stomach.
• Use paw protection – Petroleum jelly or booties can help. Opt for pet-friendly ice melts.
• Avoid antifreeze – Clean spills immediately and use safer propylene glycol products.
• Feed a bit more – Staying warm burns extra calories. Keep fresh water available.
• Warm sleeping spot – Off the floor, away from drafts, with blankets or a cozy bed.
• Never leave pets in cold cars – They act like refrigerators and can be deadly.
• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.

Helping Your Pup Enjoy the Snow — Even If They’re Not a Fan

So, as winter wraps up and those unpredictable late winter storms keep us on our toes, please stay safe and warm out there. Let those pup-cicles frolic & play, keep the haters comfortable in the chilly elements and maybe play a game of “snow monster” on your next walk. And as you watch, you might just discover your own answer to why dogs love snow in Denver.

Looking for a Denver dog walker this winter? Contact Mr. Woof — we know all the best snowy spots for your pup to enjoy.

Thomas Thacker, is the owner of Mr. Woof, LLC., a Dog Walking & Pet Sitting company in Denver, CO.