Is eating snow bad for dogs?

[Christy&Riley]

My boss heard somewhere that eating a lot of snow can be dangerous for dogs. Something about it being so cold. Would hypothermia be the concern? Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I've never heard of this, but the dog would have to eat an awful lot for there to be any effect on his health. Dogs are given ice chips and ice water all the time, especially when they are ill. 

Perhaps your boss heard warnings about dogs eating snow or ice which has antifreeze or snow-melt on it, or some other contaminants. Clean fresh snow shouldn't pose any risk or problems. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Unless mixed with salt or other undesirables, I can't imagine it being harmful. Unless truck loads are eaten. :p

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Maybe he read the poem/lyrics by Frank Zappa,
Don't Eat the Yellow Snow

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Joanne, I met Frank Zappa once.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You Rock!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

: )

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

That is my DH's favorite winter warning! 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Well... Luna has been eating tons of snow since she was little and we have no issues :p

She is a crazy Canadian dog though...

We got about a foot of snow overnight here.  She loves catching snow balls out of the air with her mouth then trying to "find" them in the snow after dropping them :)

[Sue]

My Wisconsin dogs have been eating for years too. No problems.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

One thing I love about snow is that I don't have to take water with me when I run Spud.
He would rather eat snow than any water I pour.
If I forget to bring water I feel confident there is a backup

[Christy&Riley]

Thanks everyone. I had never heard it before so wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

[Donna K & Quincy]

My crazy doodle loves to eat snow, so much so that he tried to scrape up the quarter of an inch that was on the patio yesterday. :>)