When I first got my golden retriever I wondered, do golden retrievers like the snow? Because I was about to take him to meet my family and they live in a place where it’s always snowing so I had to do my research to find out.
The answer was pretty interesting, so here is what you need to know very quickly;
So, do golden retrievers like the snow? Yes, golden retrievers like the snow, they love rolling in it and playing in it, but you should not let them lick the snow or their paws after playing in the snow as it may contain salt and chemicals that can harm them, young golden retrievers also love the snow but can get cold quickly.
That was the short answer, keep reading to learn more about why golden retrievers like the snow and what you need to know in order to keep them safe.
Do Golden Retrievers Like the Snow?
Yes, most golden retrievers like the snow, goldens find it really fun to play with the snow. Younger golden retrievers love playing in the snow more than adults because it’s something new and exciting for them just like kids, however, there are some golden retrievers that may stray away from the snow.
If your golden retriever is a puppy or senior you should be really careful with them and do not expose them to cold temperatures.
Here is a table to help you understand how temperature works for golden retrievers
| Temperature | Suitable | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fahrenheit scale | 60°F to 80°F | 45°F | 103°F |
| Centigrade scale | 16°C to 27°C | 7°C | 39°C |
You should definitely take a minute to learn when do golden retrievers get cold in the snow here for a complete guide on when to take away from the snow and how to keep them safe (and warm).
Why do golden retrievers like the snow?
Golden retrievers like the snow because it’s fun to play with, golden retrievers are just like kids, they are very much like a two-year-old to be more accurate, they like to play in the snow, water, and even a pile of leaves because they feel different and are dogs usually love to explore new and different things.
Why doesn’t your golden retriever like the snow?
Here are some reasons why your golden retriever may not like the snow:
- Golden retrievers like their snow to be powdery and light, so It could be the snow that they interact with is icy, wet, and crusty – that kind of snow is more likely to freeze and clump up between their toes and it will leave them feeling uncomfortable or even in pain and can irritate their skin.
- Your golden retriever’s love for snow can change when they get older because senior dogs will start to show declines in their vision and their scenting may find that the snow now obscures the world for them.
- They may also lose interest in playing if they are suffering from some disease or depression.
- Your golden retriever could be lacking early socialization and they don’t like playing at all so typically they will not like playing in the snow as well.
Do Golden Retrievers Need Snow Boots?
Yes, golden retrievers and dogs in general, need snow boots to protect them from the salt and the other chemicals in the snow.
Your golden retriever could lick his paws after walking through the snow and the chemicals are toxic for them so the boots will prevent that from happening and if they feel uncomfortable wearing them, you can train them slowly at home before taking them out for a walk.
If you’re looking for good boots for your dog, I highly recommend checking out the QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Dogs with Reflective Strips on Amazon here. They are anti-slip, weather-proof, affordable, and comfortable for your dog. My dogs love them, and I think yours may too.
Why do golden retrievers roll in the snow?
Golden retrievers could be rolling in the snow for lots of reasons so here are some of the possible reasons why:
- They think they made a new discovery and they are embracing their cute little discovery by rolling around in the snow.
- They like rolling around the snow because of its fluffy texture.
- When dogs are excited or want to play with you they roll on the floor to basically tell you: “notice me, notice me please” and it’s the same thing with the snow, they are excited and they want to play in the snow.
Whatever the reason is you should always clean their coat after playing in the snow and make sure that there is no snow stuck in their coat.
You can also wash their paws as soon as you get home before they have the chance to lick it and try to moisturize their paw pad because the snow can dry them out and may crack and bleed.
By the way, I use the MUDBUSTER paw cleaner from Amazon (check here) to clean their paws BEFORE they get back in the car or house, and I absolutely recommend you do the same thing.
If you are going to give them a bath after they play in the snow, which is something I recommend doing, even though I know how impractical this can be, you should definitely check out these 11 ways to quickly dry your golden retriever after a bath here.
Why do dogs like to lay in the snow?
Dogs like to lay in the snow as a way of playing and showing excitement.
Dogs tend to like winter more because colder weather lets them play for as long as they want without overheating, they just become more energetic in cold temperatures.
Should you cover your golden retriever with a blanket at night?
Yes, you can cover your golden retriever with a blanket at night, the blanket will provide your pup with the warmth they need and it will comfort them as well.
Just like us, golden retrievers don’t mind having a soft and warm blanket wrapped around them in the cold of the winter. You can learn more about why some golden retrievers need blankets at night here to learn if your golden retriever indeed needs one. There are also 7 very useful tips to help you keep them warm at night in there.
How cold is too cold to walk your dog?
If you have a small or medium-sized dog then when the temperature drops below 40°F, do not take them for a walk because they are at higher risk to get frostbite and hypothermia but larger dogs such as golden retrievers and labradors retriever may tough it out but still never but them at any risk.
Can my golden retriever sleep in his dog house when it’s snowing?
No, in cold temperatures you shouldn’t let your dog sleep outside in the cold, golden retrievers can tolerate cold weather between 45°F and 90°F so if the temperature at the beginning of the night is close to that, you should not let them sleep outside because it will drop below that all night long even if you provided them with blankets and dog house heater.
Generally, I don’t recommend leaving golden retrievers outside at night at all. They are not guard dogs and they are not built for rough conditions. You can learn more about why golden retrievers are not outside dogs here.
Should dogs sleep in your bed in the cold?
No, they should not sleep in your bed in the cold, it’s better if they sleep in their own bed, however, that doesn’t mean they can’t nap with you but sleeping in your bed every night can create some behavioral issues and separation anxiety so it’s much better if you set some boundaries.
Do golden retrievers like being covered with a blanket?
Yes, golden retrievers like being covered with a blanket, they feel comfort and warmth when they sleep under a blanket, it may even help them fall asleep quicker and better.
So don’t hesitate to wrap them in a blanket just like children.
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Related Questions
Can golden retrievers be in the snow?
Yes, golden retriever can be in the snow because of their thick coats, it protects them from the cold and the snow, also, their high energy levels help them out, however, that does not mean that they should be exposed to the snow for a long time, they can tolerate cold weather between 45°F and 90°F.
Do Golden Retrievers get cold in the snow?
Yes, even though they have a thick double coat, they can still feel the cold just like us, also, they are prone to diseases such as frostbite (frozen skin and tissues) and hypothermia (low body temperature) so don’t leave them alone in the snow and try to avoid taking them outside in the night.
How can you tell if a dog is cold at night?
Here are some signs to help you know when your dog is cold at night.
- Shivering
- Whining
- Lifts paw off the ground
- Hunched posture
- Change in their behavior
- Seeks for shelter
- Shaking
- Barking
- Seeming anxious
- Reluctance to keep walking
- Tucked tail
- Hiding
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