Why do dogs bury themselves in snow? A Complete Guide

Paw-fect weather! Pet dog enjoys burying his face in the snow while frolicking in a field after a whiteout

  • A Shiba Inu in China appears to prefer embracing the cold than staying cosy
  • Footage shows the three-year-old pet frolicking with excitement after a snowfall
  • The canine was intrigued by the snow as he tried to sticking his head underneath
  • Dogs do that to explore their surroundings and scent with their mouth and nose
  • On a chilly winter day, many of us prefer to stay cosy while cuddling up with a blanket – but this pet dog in China loves embracing the cold.

    Footage shows the Shiba Inu named Ma Tuan having a whale of a time in a field after a whiteout as he frolicked in the snow while curiously burying his head underneath.

    The owner told MailOnline that her energetic three-year-old pet had always enjoyed roaming in the snowy weather ever since he was a puppy.

    Why do dogs bury themselves in snow?

    Footage shows the pet Shiba Inua named Ma Tuan having a whale of a time on a field after a whiteout as he frolicked in the snow while curiously burying his head underneath

    Why do dogs bury themselves in snow?

    Why do dogs bury themselves in snow?

    On a chilly winter day, many of us prefer to stay cosy while cuddling up with a blanket – but this Shiba Inu in China loves embracing the cold. The pet owner captured the scene recently while taking her Shiba Inu out to play near their home in northern Chinas Inner Mongolia region

    The pet owner captured the scene recently while taking her Shiba Inu out to play near their home in northern Chinas Inner Mongolia region after a snowfall.

    Ma Tuan, whose name translated as a Chinese snack of fried sesame balls, is seen in footage repeatedly sticking his head in the snow, seemingly curious about whats underneath all the fluffy white stuff.

    He then suddenly lifted his head up and looked into the distance as though he was having some deep thoughts about the exploration.

    Another clip shows the canine jumping up and down with excitement as his owner kicked a pile of snow up in the air.

    Why do dogs bury themselves in snow?

    Ma Tuan, whose name translated as a Chinese snack of fried sesame balls, is seen in footage repeatedly sticking his head in the snow, seemingly curious about whats underneath the snow

    Why do dogs bury themselves in snow?

    Ma Tuans owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, told MailOnline that her three-year-old pet had always enjoyed the snowy weather. The Shiba Inus behaviour amused and puzzled many social media users who wondered if Ma Tuan was trying to dig some treasure

    Ma Tuans owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, told MailOnline that her three-year-old pet had always enjoyed the snowy weather.

    He has played in the snow ever since he was a puppy, she added. He loves it.

    After the owner shared the videos on the Chinese TikTok-like Douyin, the Shiba Inus behaviour amused and puzzled many social media users who wondered if Ma Tuan was trying to dig some treasure.

    One viewer asked: So adorable, arent you cold? Are you looking for some tasty bones?

    Another commenter said: Where was the sausage I hid under here? I think I hid somewhere around here, where is it now? Let me think…

    Netizens might have some creative explanations to the animals behaviour, but the dog is simply exploring his surroundings and scents on the ground.

    Dogs use their nose and their mouth to explore new subjects, from food to smell, such as the snow, which gives off a scent and is foreign and intriguing to them, according to US-based pet care company Wag.

    Pet owners might worry that their dogs would get cold by burying their heads in the snow, but it is normal behaviour and part of their canine nature.

    This explains why many dogs actually prefer their crates when left alone at home or to sleep in at night.

    Give your dog a comfy, sturdy bed with a couple of towels or small blankets to burrow in, and they will do what comes naturally.

    Check out this video of a little Dachshund digging his way to a comfortable sleeping position:

    He was with me for a few months before he started tunneling under the covers, but now it’s a nightly ritual.

    Take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup to make sure they’re in top health. You can also find certified dog trainers or behaviorists.

    Humans and dogs know that snow can be a fun substance to play in. If you live in a place where it snows, go ahead and let your dog act out his crazy habits of investigation. It will make his daily walk and play time much more enjoyable, even if it is a bit cold out.

    If you take your dog outside where there is fresh snow, it is suggested that you allow your dog to explore the region. Yet, this can take some time because your dog’s senses will be heightened. You may want to watch over your dog to make sure he reacts okay with the cold weather and if he does not, then you may want to act accordingly by bringing him inside. Many dogs are not built for the cold and cannot tolerate it very long. It is also suggested for all owners to bundle up when you take your dog out in the snow because you want to give your dog time to explore and use his canine senses to be a dog, but you dont want to freeze out in the cold. You could also use a longer leash so your dog can explore a bit away from you.

    Dogs will use their nose and their mouth to explore the world they live in from the food they eat to the scent that is on the ground. He may roll around, stick his face in the snow, dig, and even sniff. Snow will give off a scent just as grass does and it is a new substance, which is foreign and intriguing to your dog. Once your dog understands what snow is, he may still continue to stick his head in the snow. Your dog will continue exploring but he may also be marking his territory through his scent. If your dog is doing this, there is nothing to worry about because it is a part of his canine nature. Snow also changes your dog’s senses because your dog will experience the different tastes, smells, and feelings of the substance. Your dog’s most sensitive area for sensing things is his mouth and his nose. For this reason, when you take your dog outside, you may notice your dog walks funny, rolls around, and sniffs the snow much longer than he would with normal grass.

    There are not any health concerns with your dog sticking his face in the snow unless you see your dog shivering a bit. If you do not live in a region where there is snow, this occurrence may only happen if you take your dog where there is snow. Either way, it is recommended to allow your dog to enjoy his canine nature and explore the world he is in. This will make him feel safer and he will be able to let out his canine energy through play and investigation.

    When the weather drops, most of us tend to cuddle up inside with a blanket, a fire, and a nice cup of tea. In fact, most people love staying inside where they are warm and comfortable on a cold winter day. Yet, it seems most dogs love to enjoy the cold weather and the fresh blanket of snow that falls on the ground just as some humans do. To your dog, the snow is a fun and new environment that adds a new layer to the world they have always been living in and your dog is going to want to explore his environment and investigate this new world profusely. You may have even noticed that when your dog goes to the bathroom on a daily basis, he will sniff, explore, and then mark his territory. With snow, there are a few reasons why your dog may shove his face into it. The first reason is for exploration because your dog is trying to familiarize himself with snow and the new environment.

    WE BURIED PHIL | SNOW DOG SNOWED UNDER