My dog eats snow: when it is harmless and when it is dangerous

A few flakes of clean, fresh snow are usually no cause for alarm. Large amounts, road salt, de-icers and contaminated roadside snow can, however, cause stomach problems or poisoning.

Some dogs snap at snow while playing; others are thirsty or enjoy its cold texture. Small amounts of clean snow are often tolerated without symptoms. Nevertheless, snow does not replace drinking water. It is very cold and provides little fluid relative to its volume.

Roadside snow may contain salt, de-icers, fuel, oil, dog faeces and other contaminants. Even white-looking snow is not automatically clean. Large cold amounts can irritate the stomach and throat. Possible consequences include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or coughing.

Snow near garages and car parks is particularly dangerous if antifreeze has been spilled. Even small amounts of ethylene glycol can cause severe kidney damage.

Watch your dog for:

Go straight to a veterinary clinic after possible contact with antifreeze or severe neurological symptoms. Ingesting larger amounts of salt can also be dangerous. Treatment of salt imbalance must be handled by a vet.

Bring fresh water, especially on longer walks. Calmly interrupt excessive snow eating and offer water. Avoid roadside snow piles and areas around car parks, workshops and garages. Do not use snowballs for repeated fetching games if your dog swallows large amounts in the process.

If a dog vomits after eating snow, a connection seems likely. Nevertheless, infections, foreign bodies or other illnesses may be present at the same time. Repeated vomiting, refusal to eat or lethargy should be assessed. Do not change food spontaneously while the cause remains unclear.

Note: snow containing road salt or antifreeze is not a harmless snack. Call a vet immediately if exposure is suspected.