How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Snowballs

Many dogs enjoy playing in the snow, but whether or not they like it can vary depending on the individual dog’s preferences and experiences. Some dogs love to run, jump, and roll around in the snow, while others may not be as interested.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all dogs are well-suited for cold weather and snow. Breeds with shorter hair or smaller bodies, for example, may be more sensitive to the cold and require extra protection like coats or boots to keep them warm and safe.

Additionally, snow can sometimes hide hazards like ice, sharp objects, or chemicals like road salt, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested or come into contact with their paws. It’s always a good idea to supervise your dog when they’re playing in the snow and take precautions to keep them safe and healthy.

5 Safety Tips for Dogs in Snow

Generally, it is safe for dogs to play in snow as long as certain precautions are taken. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Monitor the temperature: If the temperature is too cold, it may not be safe for dogs to be outside for extended periods of time. Keep an eye on the temperature and watch for signs of hypothermia, such as shivering or lethargy.
2. Protect your dog’s paws: Snow and ice can be abrasive and cause irritation or injury to your dog’s paws. Consider using dog boots, like these from Ruffwear, to protect their paws or rubbing a protective balm, like Musher’s Secret, onto their paws before they go outside.
3. Keep your dog hydrated: Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your dog can’t get dehydrated. Make sure they have access to fresh water when they come back inside.
4. Be aware of hazards: Keep an eye out for hazards that might be hidden in the snow, such as rocks or sharp objects. Also, be aware of bodies of water that may be frozen over and not safe for your dog to walk on.
5. Supervise your dog: Always supervise your dog while they are playing in the snow to make sure they are safe and not getting into any trouble.

If you take these precautions, playing in the snow can be a fun and safe activity for your dog!

Does it Hurt When Dogs Get Snowballs?

When dogs play in the snow, their fur can trap snow, which can then clump together and form snowballs. This is more likely to happen when the snow is wet or heavy, or when the dog has longer hair. Snow can also stick to the fur on their paws, legs, and underbelly, and this snow can then accumulate and form larger snowballs as they move around.

Snowballs can be uncomfortable and even painful for dogs, especially if they become stuck in their fur or between their toes, and can lead to frostbite if the snow remains on their skin for too long. To prevent snowballs from forming, some dog owners trim their dog’s hair, particularly around the paws, to reduce the surface area where snow can accumulate. Dog booties can also be used to keep the snow from sticking to their feet, but some dogs may not tolerate wearing them. It’s important to monitor your dog when playing in the snow to make sure they are comfortable and safe.

How Do You Remove Snowballs From Your Dog

Removing snowballs from your dog’s fur can be a bit tricky, but here are some steps you can follow:

1. Bring your dog inside a warm area, if possible, to prevent him from getting cold during the process.
2. Inspect your dog’s fur to locate the snowballs. Focus on the paws, legs, and belly, as these are the areas where snowballs tend to form the most.
3. Use warm water to melt the snowballs. You can use a bucket of warm water or a bathtub, depending on the size of your dog. Make sure the water is not too hot and that your dog is comfortable with the temperature.
4. Gently massage your dog’s fur with your fingers to loosen the snowballs. Be careful not to pull or tug at the fur, as this can cause discomfort and potentially harm your dog’s skin.
5. Use a comb or brush to remove the snowballs from your dog’s fur. Make sure the comb or brush is appropriate for your dog’s coat type, as some types of fur can be more delicate than others.
6. Dry your dog’s fur with a towel or a hair dryer on a low heat setting. Make sure your dog is completely dry before letting him outside again.

Remember to keep an eye on your dog while he’s outside, and consider following our advice below for how you can prevent snowballs from forming in the first place.

How To Keep Your Dog From Getting Snowballs in the First Place

Through our wonderful Instagram community, we recently learned about an amazing product called ShowSheen by Absorbine. It’s a hair polish and detangler often used for show horses and dogs to nourish and shine their manes and tails for competitions. We discovered that when you spray ShowSheen all over your dog’s coat (and especially the paws) right before a snowy adventure, it pretty much completely prevents snowballs from forming. Don’t believe us? Watch the video below to see how smooth and shiny June was after our snowy hike in Tahoe National Forest. This stuff has literally been a gamechanger for our outdoor winter adventures. If your pup gets snowballs too, you should definitely check these guys out.