Maybe. Typically, ice is fine to give to your dog, and if they find some and munch on it during a winter walk, no big deal. However, with smaller dogs in particular, the hardness of ice can chip or fracture teeth. Give ice with supervision.
So, why do dogs like ice? Well, dogs don’t sweat like we do. They cool down by panting, or through their paw pads. Thus, they often need to find external ways to get cool. Dogs enjoy ice because it’s a cold treat—a pupsicle, if you will. Eating ice or drinking ice water helps bring their body temperature down quickly to avoid overheating.
Debunking a Myth
You may have heard that ice is dangerous for dogs and may cause a serious condition called bloat. However, this isn’t true.
The real problem is if your dog drinks water or ingests ice too quickly, which is a risk factor for bloat.
“Dogs are given ice or iced water to drink when they are hot and thirsty, for example after heavy exercise,” veterinarian Dr. Audrey Harvey writes. “Under these circumstances, they are very likely to drink a lot of water very quickly, and this is a known risk factor for bloat.”
So by all means, give your dog some ice. Just don’t let him go overboard and take it in too fast.
For more about dogs and ice, see this article: Why Do Dogs Like Ice Cubes?
For More Information
We offer numerous articles on what foods are safe and unsafe for dogs to eat, including various vegetables, fruits and snacks. You might also be interested in “Can My Dog Drink Gatorade?”
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
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