Are Ice Cubes Bad For Dogs?

In today’s world, you never know what to believe on the internet. We are happy to inform you that despite rumors in emails and Facebook posts that claim ice cubes are bad for dogs, they actually can be perfectly safe. This article will break down the benefits as well as risks surrounding feeding ice to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cubes? (& Why They Like Them)

Think about how much you enjoy crunching on a piece of ice; how satisfying the chewing is, followed by the cold ice sliding down your throat and quenching your thirst on a warm summer day. Well, dogs love that too! Do not always rely on ice to cool your dog down (see the following paragraph for more information.)

Ice has many benefits; one may even be just trying to cut down on over-feeding your pup or trying to help them lose weight; ice can be a good treat for them! Ice cubes are great after certain medical procedures; ask your veterinarian before trying this. Sometimes an animal needs to avoid water after a procedure, so your vet may recommend letting them lick an ice cube.

Can Ice Cubes be Used to Treat Heat Stroke In Dogs?

Dogs, just like us, enjoy ice on a hot day to cool down. Indeed, an ice cube in their water dish or even letting them lick an ice cube can help cool them down. However, if your dog is having a serious reaction to the heat (such as heat stroke), take them straight to the emergency vet. Do not waste any time trying to get water or ice in them.

There is a risk that if your dog cools down too quickly, it could go into shock, so we recommend being prepared on hot days. Bring a wet, cool blanket, find shade, sit them in front of a fan, or use ice packs under the arms and be sure to wrap the ice pack with a cloth first. The biggest sign of heatstroke in a dog is excessive panting.

Also, drooling, dizziness, red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, or fainting are other signs of heatstroke. Please take them to the emergency vet immediately if you witness any of (or a combination of) these symptoms. 

Bloat in Dogs: How Dangerous is it?

Bloat, otherwise known medically as gastric dilation-volvulus, is a very serious disease commonly found in dogs to this day. Bloat is both medical and surgical, and if you suspect your dog may have it or is showing symptoms of it, please do not hesitate to take them straight over to an animal hospital.

There is little scientific evidence that any one thing is causing bloat. What we do know for sure is that ice is not the culprit. However, do keep in mind that eating and drinking too quickly is what may be causing bloat.

Dogs who are fed only once a day are twice as likely to develop bloat. Dogs with high anxiety are also more likely to bloat. If you know that your dog has a hereditary history of bloat, you might want to consider a preventative surgical procedure called a gastropexy. This procedure connects the stomach to the dog's abdominal wall, which will prevent the stomach from twisting if it develops bloat. Please consult with your veterinarian first.

Potential Risks of Ice Cubes For Dogs

Damaging Your Dog’s Teeth

Few problems can arise from giving your dogs ice. One, however, is the damage ice can do to a dog's teeth. The larger the cube of ice and the harder it is, the more likely your dog will chip a tooth. This may lead to surgery or needing to have that tooth extracted. Consider giving your dog small pieces of ice or shaved ice.

Choking on Ice

Another problem that can arise with feeding ice cubes to dogs is that they are often a choking hazard. Think about how careful you are with your children. They don’t know any better, and everything they see, they instinctively must put in their cute little mouths the minute they get their hands on it. Dogs are the same way. If a large enough ice cube is swallowed, it can easily get lodged in their throats, and it may or may not melt fast enough.

Safe Ice Treats for Dogs

Frozen treats are a great idea for cooling your dog down in the summer. And depending on what you are freezing, they are often softer than frozen water. Blueberries, bananas, and watermelon are great examples. They freeze soft, making this treat both healthy and safe for their teeth. There are many recipes online that you can try at home. Think about investing in a dog bone mold for your freezer! The perfect size treat for most pups!

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Why do dogs throw up after eating ice cubes?

Often when dogs throw up after eating ice, it’s because they were eating too fast, or if the ice is placed in their water bowl, they were drinking too fast.

Is iced water safe for dogs?

Ice is safe for dogs as long as you give them small pieces with no sharp edges and keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t choke on it or consume it too fast.

Do certain dog breeds like ice more than others?

Most dogs like ice. Just be careful with small dogs and make sure to stick with shaved ice or tiny pieces.

How often should you give water to a dog?

A dog should be consuming between one half to one full ounce of water per lb of their body weight. So if a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 16 lbs, it should be consuming 13-16 ounces of water a day. The water should be replaced in their bowl at least once a day. Unless in training, water should be available all day and night.

Conclusion

To answer the question, “Are ice cubes bad for dogs?” Simply put, no. Ice cubes are safe for your dog as long as you follow basic safety guidelines. It can’t hurt to reach out to your veterinarian for more information. Ice is a healthy snack for a dog that needs to lose weight and a great way to cool them down as long as you are careful!