If you have an automatic ice dispenser in your freezer , you might have a pup that comes running every time he hears you filling up a field glass . In his mind , he ’s plausibly wondering what yummy wintry treat you ’re not share . But are ice regular hexahedron safe for dogs ?

" The best answer is just not to use ice cube , " says Pam Nichols , a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and former president of the American Animal Hospital Association . " I remember it ’s entertaining to find out a heel dock for ice cube , but it really swear out no purpose . "

Is Ice Bad for Dogs to Eat?

In a once - viral blog post , a preferred owner claimed that give her pup ice water led to the dog-iron quicklydeveloping bloat . This is a lifetime - threatening circumstance where the stomach expands and twists , and it ’s most common inlarge , deep - chested weenie breeds .

The stake conk out viral , worrying pet parents everywhere . However , there has been no grounds to put up the claim . Nobody knows what , on the dot , have bloat , but some believe drinking a pot of water ( with or without ice ) too quickly could be a risk factor .

The shortsighted answer is that eating ice will not pop your detent . More realistic ice - relate dangers for dogs who wish to bite crank cubes are n’t nearly as striking . For example , Nichols says ice regular hexahedron can damage the enamel in a cad ’s teeth .

Adult jack russell terrier licks ice cube on pavement

K_Thalhofer / Getty

So Are Ice Cubes Good for Dogs?

Not so fast . As humans , we savour ice in our drinks , so you may be thinking your dog would bask a slight ice in their water supply too , right ? It ’s a tough admonisher , but we have to keep in mind thatdogs and mankind are n’t the same(even though we may feel like family sometimes ! ) .

After a long walk or vigorous secret plan of tug - of - war , your dog will be just fine with water directly from the hosepipe or faucet . give him ice water , or just a handful of ice cubes , has no beneficial economic value , Nichols enunciate . 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 .

Crushed vs. Cubed Ice: Does It Make a Difference to Dogs?

If you ’re bombarded with puppy dog eye every sentence you help yourself to a stale drink , you could give your bounder ice cube . 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 dentition to break — especially if your pup likes to crunch his nutrient . To nullify a adult veterinary bill ( and to keep your four - legged friend from hurting himself ! ) , it ’s good to debar quick-frozen snack altogether in favour ofa full pee dish . But in general , crushed ice pellets are a good option than bombastic , self-coloured cubes .

Can I Give My Puppy Ice Cubes for Teething?

Puppies get their first set of teeth when they ’re around 2 week old . After youadopt your puppyand impart him home , he’ll begin teething(losing his baby teeth to make room forfull - sized chompers ) when he ’s between 4 to 6 calendar month old .

Do n’t give your pup methamphetamine hydrochloride cubes for teething . If anything , Nichols says she has recommended freeze a flannel and letting the teethe puppy cud on it . But doing that could encourage him to chew on cloth — and your pillows and clothes might not be dependable subsequently .

To help with teething , it ’s best to give your puppy soft and flexiblechew toy .

Will Giving My Dog Ice Help Him Keep Cool?

dog do n’t sweatas we do , and if they ’re a Nordic breed ( meaning they ’re covered ina duncical , fluffy coating ) or brachycephalic ( have a smooshed human face ) , quick weather can be a serious problem . Both fluffy dogs such as theSamoyedand level - faced breeds includingBoston terriersare susceptible to heat stroke .

All dogs should have access to shade , tax shelter , and water during hot summertime days . If your dog lead off register signs of heatstroke ( excessive panting , buddy-buddy spit , and abnormal ruddy gums ) , the best way to chill down your whelp is n’t by giving him Methedrine , but by wetting his groundwork and stomach with cool water and study him to the vet immediately .

Stomach Bloat is Life - Threatening to Dogs . Pet Healthzone .