Dogs Eating Ice?

[thornliegirl]

Chester just discovered ice. Knocked over my frozen water bottle while I was on the treadmill, thought it was great so I gave him a little bit and he had a ball! Now he keeps running to the freezer...

[princesszelda]

What about dogs that originally come from a cold climate? Surely they would eat snow without it killing them....?

[Jed]

With regard to a handful of dogs having adverse reactions to ice..... I have heard many stories of dogs choking to death on chicken wings/frames/chunks of meat/various raw bones and so on and so forth... for every thing we enjoy givng our dogs, people will always bring up a negative however it is good for people to know the risks so they can make an informed decision.

I agree with Gretel- overheated dogs should not be given ice (Just like an overheated human), but I see nothing wrong with an otherwise healthy dog enjoying an ice cube or licking a frozen block.

Each to their own of course and it should be done with thought and care.

I always thaw their food out throughly though, and sit it out of the fridge for 10-15 minutes before feeding it to them, I don't like serving them an icy meal.

I heartily agree, I think sometimes we get a bit too precious about everything, but keeping informed is good!

Marlin was given ice cubes when she was teething and absolutely loved them she would hold them against her gums before crunching into little bits, she still gets one or two before bed, thinks it is the greatest treat but never after a run or when really hot. I do make larger blocks in old butter containers with a few treats frozen in water flavoured with a little stock. Keeps her occupied for ages licking and licking, especially on these hot days. She is especially fond of having her belly rubbed with an ice cube

Exactly.

I'd rather be precious than have a dead dog.

Yep, me too. Dead is pretty final.

Avoid all the problematical things.

[Dame Aussie]

Our two LOVE ice. We give it to them all the time. They act the same when we have ice as they do with their treats

[poochmad]

We give ice when it's a bit warm, just to cool the dogs down, but certainly not if they were overheated. They like it, but don't love it.

[RL1]

Although many people do it, there are veterinary warnings out there about the danger. The cold ice can send the stomach muscles into spasms, resulting in a very sick, or dead dog. Obviously this doesn't happen all the time. I wouldn't risk it.

Does that happen with frozen bones too? I sometimes give my dogs frozen bones on hot days. Should I thaw it first?

Mine have been given frozen bones daily, for nearly 10 years without a problem.

Edited January 31, 2010 by RottyLover01

[poochmad]

Should also add that they are given chicken wings that are frozen in kongs - winter or summer. They love it and it keeps them busy for hours.