Alex Schenker, Co-Founder/CEO
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Our dogs don’t, in fact they struggle more in snow. But what you’re experiencing is not uncommon!
Dogs often prefer to poop on snow for a variety of reasons, mainly related to their instincts and environmental factors:
- 1. Clean Surface: Snow provides a fresh surface that appeals to dogs. They might instinctively prefer it over muddy, dirty, or wet ground.
- 2. Temperature Comfort: Snow is cold, so dogs may feel more comfortable on their paws than on hard or frozen ground.
- 3. Better Scent Control: Snow may help “trap” their scent, allowing them to mark their territory more effectively. Dogs rely heavily on scent marking, and snow could preserve their unique smell longer than other surfaces.
- 4. Soft Texture: Snow is softer than frozen or rough ground, making it more comfortable for dogs to squat on.
- 5. Playful Environment: Snow can make dogs feel playful and excited, so they might be more inclined to relieve themselves in a snowy spot they’ve been exploring.
Each dog is unique, though, and their preference for snow might just be a matter of habit or personality!
While your pup is out doing their business, you might be wondering: how long can they safely stay out there in very cold temperatures? Find out as we cover How Cold Is Too Cold For Dogs? and give you tips on keeping your pups warm in the winter season.
While some terrier breeds, like Border Terriers, can tolerate cold weather due to their double coat, generally speaking, most terriers are not considered “winter dogs” as many have short coats and can feel the cold quickly, especially smaller breeds like Yorkshire Terriers. This makes them more susceptible to needing sweaters or jackets in cold climates.
Great question! We have a list of core vaccinations you’ll definitely want to get. I’ve also listed non-core vaccinations. More details in our article on which vaccinations to get for your pup.
Core Vaccinations
Non-Core Vaccinations
According to the company, the Halo Collar 3 is waterproof, which makes it compatible for use in rain or snow. In general, weather should not affect the GPS signals and logged data. The only exception, however, is that any build-up of snow on the antenna should be avoided, as large amounts of water will absorb GPS signals.
Even though you’re uncomfortable approaching your neighbor, that’s probably the best move in the long run. If you haven’t met them, this is also a great chance to introduce yourself. Try to stay on friendly terms, and you might find they have the same issue. There’s things you can do to help reduce your dog’s anxiety, and we have a guides on dog barking and what to do, as well as how to calm a dog down that’s barking.
I’m always about rescues. There’s too many dogs that need homes, and the breeders are not helping that situation. I think you’ll also find that rescue dogs tend to be some of the best! We’ve always rescued dogs and have always ended up with the sweetest pups. They also tend to have less health complications than pure bred dogs. That being said, definitely take the time to get to know the dog and ask plenty of questions. We always aim for one that’s great with both kids and other dogs. We have a guide on picking the right dog breed.
Learn more in our comparison of pure bred vs rescue dogs.
The corn itself is fine, but they should avoid the cob as it could harm their gut.
If your pup already consumed the cob, here’s what you can do.
And here’s guidelines on all forms of corn and which ones your dog should, and should not, consume.
There’s 7 main reasons pups might lick their paws:
- Injury – stepping on a thorn, a bee sting, etc. – examine your pup’s paw carefully to find the culprit.
- Abscess or growth – if you see an abnormal growth on your dog’s paw, contact your vet.
- Dermatitis (irritated skin) – this can be caused by allergies and sensitivities to things like grass, pollen, yard or de-icing chemicals, etc. If you get to the root of the problem you can correctly address it. More in our article linked below.
- Food allergies – can cause paw itchiness as well (in addition to other body parts). Your pup may be allergic to anything from chicken to dairy, wheat, and soy. You can try an elimination diet to identify the culprit (start the dog on only rice or a kibble that doesn’t cause an allergic reaction and slowly add in foods). You may be interested in at-home dog allergy test or one of our picks for the best dog food for allergies.
- Parasites – fleas or mites.
- Pain – arthritis, internal injury, or other conditions. Contact your vet for assistance.
- Behavioral – Believe it or not, boredom and anxiety can also cause paw licking.
We delve deeper in our in-depth article on why dogs might lick their paws.
There’s three top criteria I go by to find a good dog trainer:
- Your dog should meet the prospective dog trainers before committing to any contracts or work plans. Does your dog listen to and respect them? This is essential for effective training. A suitable trainer is someone who you feel comfortable with, and who your dog abides as well. A dog that is acting out of respect versus fear for the trainer will learn to produce the desired outcome in the future for you and the trainer.
- Do any of the dog trainers you are considering use physical discipline? If so, stay away. Examples of physical training include: yelling, yanking on leashes, alpha rolling (forcing a dog to lie on its back), grabbing the scruff of the neck, kicking, and hitting. These indecent and unethical training techniques can actually make a dog more aggressive and less obedient.
- On the flip side, dog trainers who use positive reinforcement methods and get results are the real deal. These techniques include using dog treats, attention, and praise as rewards for a dog that demonstrates good behavior.
Great question Goose. The health benefits are similar in dogs as in humans for asparagus. First off, dogs can eat asparagus. (this does not apply to all human foods, but here’s a list of 32 human foods that dogs can eat), but like with any new food, starts slow and use moderation. Additionally, it’s probably best to avoid raw asparagus as that can cause stomach upset, and they should not eat the asparagus plant (if you’re growing it in your garden).
Hi Gus Gus. That depends heavily on the breed and size of your pup. If you can share that, I can give more specific recommendations. Meanwhile, we have an article covering the best dog harnesses for running. We have winners by best value, most popular, and best for tactical. Our buyer’s guide covers safety, adjustability, comfort, and durability.
Pre-emergents come in granular and liquid forms (as do fertilizers). All of these lawn products may contain ingredients that are harmful to pets and children, so be sure to read the label as well as post-application instructions. As Sally points out, if you are concerned for your pet, the only completely safe solution is to avoid herbicides altogether (as Sally points out, Sunday Lawn care is a good DIY solution). This may not result in a perfectly green lawn, but ask yourself how important that really is in the grand scheme of things. Research has shown that herbicides can also reduce biodiversity, as well as negatively affect our water table, ecosystem, and pollination populations (bees).
Hi Beachgal, we can relate! Our Barley is a scarfer as well and without one of our “slow feeding bowls” he chokes and coughs his food back up (not to mention, he finishes so fast he then goes over and eats his sister Lily’s food before she’s done).
There are many bowls available that are designed to slow down your dog’s eating. You may need to experiment with a couple to find the right one for your pup. Check out our coverage of over 35 options in our article comparing the best slow feeder dog bowls.
Great question SirBarksALot (love your name btw!). Yes, dogs can get depression (and other mental health effects), just like humans.
What Is Dog Depression?
Depression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest in previously rewarding or pleasurable activities. While being sad and feeling low from time to time is considered normal, the word “depression” can also mean sadness that persists, affecting concentration, energy, appetite, and sleep.
Can Dogs Get Depressed?
Many pet parents know the answer to the question: “Do dogs get sad?” — it’s a clear yes. Even the waggiest of tails can droop if a dog has to stay home when everyone else is going out or he has to wear the cone of shame. There’s no mistaking those eyes and those deep sighs. But can dogs be depressed? According to experts in animal behavior, the answer is yes. And while depression in dogs is a lot less common than in people, it can still happen.
Common Signs of Depression In Dogs
If your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms, please have him checked by your veterinarian without delay. Signs of depression in dogs are, to some extent, quite similar to those in people:- Lacking in energy, withdrawn, and moping
- Changes in sleeping patterns; often sleeping more than usual
- Decreased appetite and sometimes even reduced drinking
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, such as walking, car rides, chasing a ball, playing with other dogs
- Hiding under the bed or in a closet
For more on dogs and depression (and what you can do to help), read our in-depth coverage of this topic by Dr. Alison Foucault, DVM (veterinarian): https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-depression/
Alexa, you can find several photos Kimberly took during her testing of Sunday lawn care. Here’s a comparison of her lawn before and after Sunday:
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