On a hot summer’s day, we all enjoy ice cubes in our drinks to cool us down. Of course, our four-legged friends feel the heat as well and it's important they stay hydrated and cool during those hot summer days. So, you might wonder if giving your dog ice cubes too is okay.
We’ve created a guide for owners about how to do it and the potential risks. Take a look
Is it safe to give ice cubes to dogs
Dogs can have ice cubes, but there are precautions you should take beforehand. It’s essential to be aware of a few things:
- The size of the ice cubes compared to the size of your dog – smaller sizes may be best.
- Just like humans, if your dog has sensitive teeth, ice cubes might cause them some discomfort.
- The hardness of the ice cubes – there is a chance that a big chunk or a hard bite could damage a tooth.
- Ice cubes are best avoided with very young puppies or geriatric dogs.
Can I give my dog ice cubes when they’re overheating?
If your pup has been playing too hard or running around too much, they might be overheating. A typical sign of this is excessive panting, as this is their primary means of losing heat and cooling down. You can help cool them by putting ice cubes in their water bowl or giving them an ice cube or frozen treat to lick. Dog ice cream is a real thing now – although make sure you are not giving them human ice cream.
Heatstroke in dogs is severe, and if you think your dog is suffering from this, it is very important that a dog receives urgent veterinary treatment.
Signs of heatstroke include panting, drooling, excessive thirst, a rapid heart rate, collapse, disorientation, and a high body temperature. Although you can give ice cubes to a dog with heatstroke to try and reduce their body temperature, it is important to seek urgent veterinary attention without delay.
If your dog gets too hot, they might start drinking their water too quickly. If you have put ice cubes in their water it is important to supervise your dog to reduce the risk of choking.
To find out more about how to cool your dog down, check out our guide and make sure to contact your vet if you’re concerned about your dog getting too hot, or displaying unusual symptoms.
Can ice cubes break a dog’s teeth?
Like other hard food items, there is a small chance that ice cubes could break your dog’s teeth. This is especially true if the ice cube is big, or if your dog is a young puppy or a much older canine.
As we mentioned previously, we suggest offering ice cubes in moderation, using smaller chunks of ice and you could let the cubes melt slightly before giving them to your dog.
If you think your dog’s tooth might be damaged or broken, make sure to contact your vet.
Will ice cubes cause my dog to choke?
As we know, dogs can have ice cubes but as with any other item of food or drink, there is a chance of your dog choking – especially if the ice cube is large. It’s a good idea to source smaller ice cubes or purchase small ice cube moulds to reduce the risk of choking. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog when you give them an ice cube or put ice in their water.
Which dog breeds like ice cubes the most?
You might find that athletic and large dog breeds like to chew on ice the most. Your smaller pups may not find this as enticing. However, any dog breed and dog size might like chewing on ice – it’s a personal preference! Many will enjoy drinking colder water with ice in it especially in warmer weather but again, every dog is an individual and have their own preferences.
We hope this article answered all your questions about giving dogs ice cubes. We have many dog feeding guides for more information on what dogs can and can’t eat – make sure to check them out! Next, find out if dogs can eat ice cream.
Related articles
