Chattahoochee animal clinic monthly specials

Pic Courtesy of National Weather Station

We have been getting a lot of questions concerning the dangers of giving our dogs ice this summer. There is a rumor circulating on the web right now that it can be lethal. Well, this rumor is FALSE! Basically, the rumor goes something like...dog is hot, owner adds ice cubes to bowl of water, dog drinks ice water, and then dog bloats.

Fact: Dogs can bloat and have a life threatening twisting of stomach after eating or drinking to fast, REGARDLESS of the temperature of the water or if there are ice cubes in the water. When a dog is hot and drinks fast, he/she can swallow large volumes of air, which can predispose them to bloat. When the stomach bloats, then twists, gas and water are stuck in the stomach and blood supply is compromised to the stomach. This will become lethal unless surgical intervention is pursued. 

So, to summarize my thoughts about ice. It is safe WITH supervision. The dangers of ice may be potentially tooth damage if a dog breaks a tooth while chewing or if a piece of ice became lodged in their throat, not life-threatening bloat. So, supervision and moderation are recommended. 

-Dr. Smith