Dogs can quickly overheat in hot weather, and it's essential to provide them with relief. According to research, dogs can start to show signs of heatstroke within 15 minutes of exposure to temperatures above 80°F.
In extreme heat, dogs can lose up to 20% of their body weight in water, which is crucial for regulating their body temperature. This is especially true for dogs with thick coats, as they can retain heat more easily.
Providing cold water is a straightforward way to help dogs cool down. A study found that dogs that drank cold water showed a significant decrease in body temperature within 10 minutes.
Risks of Cold Water for Dogs
Giving ice cubes to your dog can be a myth-busting experience, but it's not entirely risk-free. Ice cubes won't directly cause a dog to bloat, but if your dog is prone to bloating, it's best to avoid them.
The real concern is that ice cubes can encourage your dog to drink water too fast, which can lead to bloat. Bloat is a serious condition where the stomach swells and may even turn on itself, trapping its contents and leading to a buildup of toxic gas.
Suggestion: Is It Ok to Give Dogs Cold Water
If you suspect your dog is experiencing bloat, see your veterinarian immediately. It's not the coldness of the water or the ice that causes the bloat, but the speed at which the dog drinks the water.
Another potential hazard is broken teeth. Ice cubes are hard and many dogs like to chew them, which can chip a tooth. This can be especially problematic if the ice cube is too hard and large for the dog's size.
If you're unsure about giving your dog ice cubes, consult a vet or try some alternative tips for keeping your dog cool in summer.
Here are some safer alternatives:
- Bring the pet into an air-conditioned room.
- Make drinking water at or slightly lower than room temperature available as much as possible throughout the day.
- Use fans to help increase the evaporation from panting, which naturally cools down the dog.
- When you take your dog outside to walk or play, take frequent breaks and get into the shade.
Providing Relief
As long as your dog is healthy and isn't currently suffering from heatstroke, ice cubes are safe for dogs to enjoy.
Smaller pieces of ice are best to avoid choking hazards, especially for smaller dogs.
You can crush the ice cubes if you think they're too big for your pooch.
Larger and harder pieces of ice can cause damage to teeth, so keep an eye on your dog if they're a keen cube muncher.
Sources
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/pets/a37087639/can-you-give-dogs-ice-cubes/
- https://www.newsweek.com/ice-cubes-dog-bowl-summer-1810974
- https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/dog/dog-blog/the-truth-about-cooling-dogs-down-with-ice-cubes/
- https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/dogs-and-ice-water/
- https://brownsburganimalclinic.com/keeping-your-pet-safe-in-hot-weather/
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