There is a lot of misinformation circulating about dogs and ice cubes. While giving your dog ice cubes may not be the quickest way to keep your dog cool, in most cases, it will be a nice refreshing treat.

Can Dogs Eat Ice? Are Ice Cubes And Ice Water Dangerous? ice1 Classroom, dog class, dog wellness

If your dog is healthy and feeling warm on a hot day, you can give them ice cubes. You can also add ice cubes to their water bowl to keep the water chilled.

The ice cubes need to be an appropriate size for your dog, for example a small dog can’t be given a large ice cube as they can pose a choking risk. In these instances, it’d be better to give your dog smaller cubes or even ice shavings-this is also helpful for those dogs who wolf down food.

If a dog is suffering from heatstroke, then you should not give them ice. Instead, you should cool them with water and contact your vet immediately as heatstroke needs urgent treatment. Look out for the following warning signs of heatstroke:

excessive panting or drooling

low energy or lack of coordination

collapsing

purple gums or redness of the skin

There is no definitive evidence that ice cubes cause bloating in dogs-the two are not known to be connected. Bloat-a condition where the stomach swells-is caused by the build up of gas within the stomach. This can be triggered by eating too quickly, but studies into the causes of bloating have not linked ice cubes as a risk.

While ice cubes are a harmless treat for dogs, they may not be the most appetising treat for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Ice? Are Ice Cubes And Ice Water Dangerous? ice2 Classroom, dog class, dog wellness

We humans enjoy ice in our drinks, so you may be thinking your dog would enjoy a little ice in their water too, right? It’s a tough reminder, but we have to keep in mind that dogs and humans aren’t the same (even though we may feel like family sometimes!).

After a long walk or vigorous game of tug-of-war, your dog will be just fine with water straight from the hose or faucet. Giving him ice water, or just a handful of ice cubes, has no beneficial value, Nichols says. And as with any addition to your dog’s diet, it’s best to check with your veterinarian to better understand whether your pooch in particular may have any additional risks to take into consideration.

If you’re bombarded with puppy dog eyes every time you help yourself to a cold drink, you could give your dog ice cubes. But if you do choose to give Fido ice, Nichols recommends serving crushed over cubed.

Again, chewing on ice cubes can cause your dog’s teeth to break-especially if your pup likes to crunch his food. To avoid a big veterinarian bill (and to keep your four-legged friend from hurting himself!), it’s best to avoid frozen snacks altogether in favor of a full water dish. But in general, crushed ice pellets are a better option than large, solid cubes.

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/ice-cubes-for-dogs

https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-nutrition/what-can-dogs-eat/can-dogs-eat-ice