The mercury is rising, and you’re outside enjoying the sunshine.
You got a tray of drinks complete with a bucket of ice cubes to keep them cold.
Your dog is happily playing in the yard until he notices the ice cubes and starts begging for one.
Now, do you throw an ice cube at your pup or not?
So, can ice cubes kill dogs?
Ice cubes, by themselves, will not kill your pet.
However, if your dog swallows a large ice cube too quickly, it can cause choking and damage to the esophagus.
This article will discuss whether ice cubes can kill dogs, the dangers of giving your dog ice cubes, and what to do if your pet chokes on one.
Is Ice Cube Toxic for Dogs?
When it’s hot outside, naturally, you want to cool down, and what better way to do that than with a refreshing beverage complete with ice cubes?
However, you may be wondering if ice cubes are safe for your furry friend.
Ice cubes aren’t toxic to dogs because they contain water and no poisonous chemicals.
However, that doesn’t mean you should start feeding them to your pet.
Ice cubes can cause health problems for dogs if they’re ingested too quickly or in large quantities.
What are the Dangers of Giving Your Dog Ice Cubes?
While ice cubes aren’t toxic to dogs, some dangers are associated with giving them to your pet.
These include:
Risk of Choking
The shape of ice cubes poses a risk of choking for dogs.
If your pet swallows a large ice cube too quickly, it gets lodged in their throat and causes them to choke.
This is especially dangerous if your dog doesn’t have a lot of water in their system.
When dogs are dehydrated, their throats are more likely to close up when they swallow something like an ice cube.
Moreover, if your dog is a small breed, they’re at an increased risk of choking on ice cubes because of their small size.
To avoid this, only give your dog small pieces of ice or let them lick the ice cube from your hand.
Risk of Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Gastrointestinal obstruction occurs when your dog ingests a large object that gets stuck in its intestines or stomach.
Ice cubes expand in your dog’s stomach and cause an obstruction.
If not treated quickly, this is fatal.
The symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or bloating
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, immediately take them to the vet.
Gastrointestinal obstruction is a medical emergency that requires surgery to remove the obstruction.
Risk of Bloating
Bloating is a severe condition that occurs when your dog eats or drinks too quickly.
When they do so, the air gets trapped in their stomach and causes it to twist.
This cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and causes tissue death.
Bloat is a medical emergency and is fatal if not treated quickly.
The symptoms of bloat include:
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Abdominal pain or distention
- Excessive drooling
- Pale gums
- Weak pulse
- Collapse
Damage to the Oesophagus
Ice cubes can damage the esophagus, especially when your dog swallows an ice cube too quickly.
This may lead to frostbite and damage the esophagus and eventially, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, drooling, and vomiting.
Consult your vet if your dog is showing any of these symptoms.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Chokes on an Ice Cube?
If your dog starts choking on an ice cube, don’t panic.
Remove the ice cube from their mouth and see if they can swallow it.
Give them a few sips of water to help melt the ice cube.
Call your vet or take them to the emergency animal hospital if your dog is still choking.
Are Ice Cubes Good for Puppies’ Teething Problem?
While teething, puppies go through a lot of discomforts.
Their gums are sore, and they feel the urge to chew on everything, and you may be wondering if ice cubes can help soothe your puppy’s gums.
Well, ice cubes aren’t suitable for teething puppies because they can damage their teeth and cause gum inflammation.
It’s best to avoid giving your puppy ice cubes and opt for other chew toys instead.
Why Does My Dog Like Ice Cubes?
Dogs like chewing on ice cubes during hot weather because it’s a cold treat that helps them cool down.
Besides, dogs enjoy the taste of water, so they may like licking the ice cube from your hand.
If you give your dog ice cubes often, they’ll start associating it with a positive experience and beg for more.
Dogs with itching gums and teeth may also chew on ice cubes to soothe their discomfort.
If your dog is chewing on ice cubes excessively, it’s best to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.
Some dogs enjoy playing with ice cubes and will chase them around the house.
If your dog is one of those, supervise them, so they don’t choke on the ice cube.
For instance, sliding an ice cube across the floor is a fun game for you and your dog.
However, play with ice outside to avoid puddly messes in your home.
Why does my Dog Vomit After Eating Ice Cubes?
Perhaps you dropped a few ice cubes on the floor, and your dog licked them up.
A few hours later, they started vomiting. Why does this happen?
Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Your dog is likely to vomit because they have an upset stomach from eating the ice cubes.
Ice cubes can cause stomach pain and inflammation.
If your dog doesn’t usually vomit, this may signify that they have a sensitive stomach and can’t tolerate ice cubes.
Moreover, some dogs’ stomachs have difficulty processing the coldness of the ice cubes.
This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
If your dog has eaten a lot of ice cubes, it’s best to call the vet.
They may recommend giving your dog warm water to drink or putting them on a bland diet for a few days.
Harmful Contaminants
If the ice cube was contaminated with something harmful, it could also make your dog vomit.
For instance, if the ice was made with dirty water, it could contain bacteria that will make your dog sick.
If you suspect that the ice cube was contaminated, immediately take your dog to the vet.
Dogs that Eat Too Fast
When dogs eat too fast, they can get brain freeze, just like humans.
Brain freeze is caused by the cold temperature of the food or drinks irritating the nerve endings in your throat; this leads to vomiting and nausea.
If your dog has eaten an ice cube too quickly, give them a few sips of warm water to help thaw the ice.
Conclusion
Giving your dog ice cubes is generally safe.
However, there are a few risks you should consider.
For instance, dogs with sensitive stomachs may vomit after eating ice cubes.
Call the vet immediately if your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or seems to be in pain.
Avoid giving your puppy ice cubes as they can damage their teeth and gums.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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