dogs and ice cubes

Do you think there are any possible of a dog hurting their teeth chewing on an ice cube? I have been giving them to my teething puppy and FH thinks it isn't a great idea. Thoughts?

Re: dogs and ice cubes

Its a very very bad idea ... Not for the teeth but for his tummy... I have been told ice water and ice cubs are very bad for there stomach it bloats them.

Message edited 7/10/2010 6:27:56 PM.

Re: dogs and ice cubes

whoa! a controversial topic on LIF??? say it isnt so!!

ok so this has been debated for some time... even vets disagree on the topic.

some vets will suggest giving ice to a teething puppies.... some say its the worst thing to do....

reality is that if you need to rapidly cool down an overheating dog the best thing to do is cool towels on the inner thighs...

providing ice as a treat seems to affect each dog differently.... just as it would differ from person to person. some people can not handle the cold some can....

there has been no scientific link between ice and vomiting, bloating or muscle spasms ...

ive had dogs my entire life and we have always given them ice either to play with or to keep their water bowls cool on hot days. whenever my neighbors dog would come over, we would have to remove the ice because it would make him sick..... we also used to freeze chicken stock in ice cube trays as treats for the summer....

long story short, ice would most likely be fine in moderation as long as you know how your dog reacts to it....


if you are concerned... they do make doggie Popsicles which do not get 100% frozen....

Re: dogs and ice cubes

i've never heard of this ever!! we've been giving both ice water and ice cubes to our dog since we got him & never had an issue

Re: dogs and ice cubes

I've never heard of this, my mom always gave our dogs ice cubes. Achilles hates them though I tried to give them to him twice on super hot days when he was outside and he refused to eat them. I guess it was just as well then

Re: dogs and ice cubes

So I guess that Frosty Paws "Ice Cream" for dogs that I see in the stores probably isn't good for their stomachs either?

Re: dogs and ice cubes

Re: dogs and ice cubes

Maggie eats an entire bowl of ice cubes... she loves them!

Re: dogs and ice cubes

Riker gets small cubes of ice every time we use the ice machine.

Re: dogs and ice cubes

ive always given my pups ice cubes...the only time i don't is if i know their stomachs hurt/soft stool
but they love love love them!! they wait by the frigde for them! :)

Re: dogs and ice cubes

Re: dogs and ice cubes

I give my pup ice cubes and so do the IL's

Re: dogs and ice cubes

I never had a problem with my dogs having ice cubes and ice water. Anything, however, can cause bloat if the dog eats / drinks too fast and swallows air along with the food or drink. Also, some dogs (especially XL breeds like the Great Dane) need to rest and not play / run after eating or after drinking a lot to prevent bloat. I don't think they would need to rest after an ice cube, though...

I wouldn't worry about a healthy dog's teeth with ice cubs, at least not the medium and large sized dogs. (I haven't had many smaller breeds.) They chew on bones and toys that are a lot harder than ice cubes.

Message edited 7/12/2010 9:39:17 AM.

Re: dogs and ice cubes

Posted by Maria31

Posted by MeeshMosh

i've never heard of this ever!! we've been giving both ice water and ice cubes to our dog since we got him & never had an issue

Same here. He loves ice cubes and whenever I go into the freezer, he sits there patiently waiting for one.

Re: dogs and ice cubes

Oh, My IL's dog loves ice. Usually put it in her bowl and once in a while to chew.