Why Do Dogs Get So Excited When They See Snow?

Has it snowed where you live yet? The sudden onset of winter is never a joke. In the morning, when you take your dog out for a walk on a leash, the sun is still shining brightly, and the crisp autumn air fills the atmosphere. By the afternoon, however, you’re already cuddling your dog for warmth.

In places like Beijing and Hebei, once the snow falls over the Forbidden City, it becomes a beautiful scene of red walls and white snow, like a painting. During this time, dogs often seem unusually excited, practically jumping around in the snow and refusing to come out of it. This is especially true for larger, thick-coated breeds like Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies. These breeds are naturally built for snowy environments, with thick fur that protects them from the cold, allowing them to thrive in the snow. But why do dogs, in particular, seem to get so excited when it snows, compared to other pets? First, it's due to their curiosity. Snow is a rare weather phenomenon, especially in southern regions, where it's even less common. And just like when we walk dogs with leashes, they enjoy sniffing around and "digging for treasures." Dogs' curiosity about new things is far greater than that of other pets. We might even speculate that when dogs see the vast white snow, they might think it's some new, exciting treat! Second, snow can mask the scent of other animals. After it snows, the familiar scents of other dogs and animals in parks and neighborhoods are often covered up. If the owner takes their dog for a walk during this time, the dog will notice the absence of familiar scents and instinctively start running around to leave their own mark and claim territory. Third, snowy weather is often a time when owners and dogs play together. Unless there’s a heavy snowstorm, many pet owners can't resist the urge to go outside and play in the snow—building snowmen or having snowball fights—until they're covered in snow and sweat. Naturally, the dog, who’s always by the owner’s side, won't want to be left out and will jump around in the snow as well. A little reminder from Little Di: Most dogs that love to frolic in the snow are large and strong, built to withstand the cold. However, some small dogs may not tolerate the cold as well and should not be out in the snow for too long. If you do take your dog out in the snow, remember to dry their paws with a towel when you get home to keep them comfortable and dry. Of course, snow makes the roads slippery, and the risk of accidents increases, especially in extreme weather conditions. In such cases, it’s best for both the owner and the dog to stay indoors and keep warm.