Can Dogs Eat Snow?
Quick answer
A little clean, fresh snow is not a problem for most dogs, according to Hill's veterinary experts. The risk is what the snow hides: de-icer and antifreeze near roads and driveways, and sticks, stones or rubbish underneath. Eating a lot can also chill a dog. Keep them off roadside, ploughed, dirty or half-melted snow.
Taken from this page and its sources. Not veterinary advice. If your pet has already eaten some and seems unwell, see who to call.
On this page (6 sections)
When snow is fine
Hill's says that as long as the snow is clean, it is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. Source: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Why do dogs eat snow? (expert reviewed, 13 November 2020).
What snow can hide
Hill's names toxic substances such as ice melt and antifreeze as the main danger, and says to avoid puddles of melted snow, which are more likely to hold chemicals. It also warns that sticks, rocks and rubbish under the snow can break teeth, cause choking, or block the gut. It says never to let a dog eat dirty, discoloured or partly melted snow, snow on roads or pavements, or snow that has been driven on or ploughed. Source: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Why do dogs eat snow? (expert reviewed, 13 November 2020). More: antifreeze poisoning and rock salt and dog paws.
Too much snow
Hill's says eating large amounts of snow could dangerously lower a dog's body temperature. The RSPCA lists the dogs most at risk from cold: small, slim, young and elderly dogs, dogs with short or thin coats, and flat-faced breeds. The signs of being too cold have their own page: hypothermia and frostbite. Sources: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Why do dogs eat snow? (expert reviewed, 13 November 2020); RSPCA, Looking after your dog in cold weather.
Why dogs eat snow
Hill's suggests thirst (a water bowl that is not fresh), instinct, or simple curiosity and enjoyment. It notes that a dog that eats snow obsessively may have a health reason worth raising with a vet. Source: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Why do dogs eat snow? (expert reviewed, 13 November 2020).
On the walk
- Fresh water at home, so snow is not the only drink.
- A lead near roads, gritted paths and driveways.
- Paws and tummy wiped after the walk; the RSPCA suggests this and dog boots against cold ground and chemicals.
Sources: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Why do dogs eat snow? (expert reviewed, 13 November 2020); RSPCA, Looking after your dog in cold weather. More: walking your dog in cold weather.
Sources
- Hill's Pet Nutrition, Why do dogs eat snow? (expert reviewed, 13 November 2020), read 7 November 2026.
- RSPCA, Looking after your dog in cold weather, read 7 November 2026.
Sources last checked 7 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Related pages
Walking your dog in cold weather, rock salt and dog paws, antifreeze poisoning and every food for dogs.
