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Last Updated on February 7, 2023
Are ice cubes bad for dogs? If this question has been boggling you for years, then you have come to the correct place. In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate resource regarding the question are ice cubes bad for dogs.
Are Ice Cubes Bad For Dogs?
To be honest, this is a question that has been asked by myself and my peers. I do recall occasions where my dog will lick the ice cube while I am holding it for her. Not that she loves to chew it, rather I suppose she loves to lick the cool icy water of the ice cube itself. While we might think that the ice cubes and hence the icy water should be safe for the dog, we will really need to dig a little deeper to answer the question are ice cubes bad for dogs?
Can Ice Cubes Choke Dogs?
One concern that some pet owners have is that ice cubes can be a choking hazard for dogs. While it is true that some dogs may try to swallow ice cubes whole, the risk of choking is relatively low. Ice cubes are small and generally melt quickly, so they are not likely to cause a blockage in the throat.
However, it’s always a good idea to supervise your dog while they are eating or drinking, especially if they are prone to choking or have a history of digestive problems. If you are concerned about the risk of choking, it’s best to break the ice cubes into smaller pieces before giving them to your dog.
Can Ice Cubes Harm a Dog’s Teeth?
Another concern that pet owners may have is that ice cubes can harm a dog’s teeth. While ice cubes are not likely to cause significant harm to a dog’s teeth, it’s always a good idea to use caution. Hard objects, such as ice cubes, can potentially cause damage to a dog’s teeth if they are chewed or bitten excessively.
To minimize the risk of harm to your dog’s teeth, it’s best to avoid giving them ice cubes to chew on. If your dog enjoys playing with ice cubes, it’s a good idea to supervise them and take the ice away if they start to chew on it.
Ice Is Solid Water
To start off, scientifically, ice is just a solid form of water. They are made from exactly the same two elements that are required to sustain all life on Earth. The main difference is that the ice cubes are usually much colder than the regular water supply that your dog will drink from. So, in terms of chemical structure, ice cubes are definitely safe for dogs.
Cold Water Vs Regular Water
Are ice cubes bad for dogs? To answer this question, at least for this section, the real question that you might want to ask is that is cold water bad for dogs. The straight answer here is no. Both ice cubes and hence ice water is not harmful to dogs. Indeed, some vets do let dogs lick the cubes after an anaesthetic procedure. While the exact benefits of this are unclear, what we know is that since vets do allow the dogs to lick the ice cubes, then cold water or icy water is indeed safe for dogs!
Common Myths
Now that we established that there is no difference between Ice Cubes and water, then why are still people asking are ice cubes bad for dogs? When I probed further, I realized that many people are asking are ice cubes bad for dogs due to an isolated incident involving ice cubes. In light of this, let me debunk the myth that ice cubes are bad for dogs.
Myth 1: Ice Causes Bloat
If you read the article Dangers of Bloat in Large Dogs, you would have read that there is no link between ice, or drinking cold water, and having bloat. In fact, the most common known factor of causing bloat is actually rapid eating. None of the factors mentioned that ice cubes will cause bloat. However, if your dog is overly excited about drinking ice cold water, they might gulp down the water, together with large quantities of air. This itself will cause bloat and is pretty dangerous. So, it is not the ice that causes bloat, but the speed of consumption is the main cause of it.
Myth 2: Treat Heatstroke In Your Dog By Giving Them Tons Of Ice
This is again a huge misconception. Many owners think that the best way to treat heatstroke in the dog is to administer tons of ice to the dog itself. This is dangerous. For the untrained, if you load your dog with too much ice when they are suffering from a heat stroke, you may be damaging their organs. This is because the ice water will close the capillaries of your dog’s skin. When this happens, the body cannot lose heat naturally, and hence the internal organs cannot cool down the natural way.
The only way for the untrained owner, when the dog suffers from heatstroke, is to send the dog to the vet immediately. Any cause of delay may bring damages to your dog.
Conclusion
You should by now know the answer to the question is ice cubes bad for dogs. When given in moderation, it can actually be good for your dog. Just note that you should never attempt to treat heatstroke by yourself.
