Dogs' Ability to Walk on Snow Explained - as part of the series on dogs and pets by GeoBeats.

How can dogs roam around barefoot in snow?

Do you ever stand back watching your companion run bare-pawed through the cold elements and wonder how their paws are not frostbitten? Well, now the concerned pet owners may know for sure and put their minds at ease. According to a Reuters report, a study done in Tokyo by a university professor claims that a dog's unique way of blood circulation helps them to keep body parts warm and prevent the feet from freezing.

Cooler blood coming from feet is heated by their warm blood before it reaches the heart and other circulation areas. That keeps our furry friends warm. But don't take this as giving unlimited winter access to your dog as different breeds react differently to cold temperatures.

Dogs are amazing in many regards - they are also ancestors of wolves who have been thought to keep warm by their huge mass of fur. The Artic wolf grows a second layer of fur in subzero temps and covers itself at night with the fur like a blanket. Cats also protect themselves from the cold only using their fur and curdling up into a lovable ball. It begs the question - do dogs really need clothes that we love to put on them or is it just our way to make them more like humans?