If you’re a friend of man’s best friend, you likely saw the blog that went viral on Facebook and other social media outlets just in time for summer and carried the warning/plea “No Ice Water for Dogs … Please Read ASAP.”
A growing number of veterinarians, however, have since responded that ice cubes and ice water are fine for your furry friend when administered in moderation and with common sense. In Colorado, where many of us enjoy outdoor activities with our dogs during the summer, it’s especially important to remember to keep your pet cool and hydrated during the season’s dog days.
The blog about the alleged dangers of providing ice to your dog was originally posted in 2010 and details the story of a dog owner who gave ice water to her pet while the dog was potentially overheated. The dog soon seemed to be choking, and his owner noticed he was also bloating. Bloat, in which the stomach becomes enlarged and may rotate, can be fatal for dogs.
The dog received emergency veterinary care and survived, and his human companion wrote that the ice water “caused violent muscle spasms in his stomach” and led to a life-threatening instance of bloat. According to veterinarians, ice cubes and ice water are generally safe for dogs, as long as the dogs are not dehydrated, overheating or suffering from heatstroke, as may have been the case with the dog mentioned in the blog.
In an ABC News feature that explored the truth about ice water and dogs, Dr. Tina Wismer, the medical director for the Animal Poison Control Center at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), said “dogs do not bloat from drinking water on hot days.” In fact, Wismer added that ice cubes may be given as periodic treats or put in water bowls to help keep dogs’ drinking water cool on hot summer days.
Ice cubes are not without risks to your dog, and they should be provided with consideration.
As noted in the Web MD article “People Foods Your Dog can Eat,” jagged ice cubes or ice chips can harm your dog’s teeth or the interior of its mouth, particularly if your dog is a hard chewer. Ice cubes should never be used as a replacement for clean water.
Ice cubes and ice water should be avoided if you believe your dog may be suffering from overexertion and dehydration or heatstroke. If your dog has been active for an extended period without water, especially in hot conditions, it’s best to provide small amounts of clean, cool water to help your dog progressively rehydrate and lower its body temperature.
Possible heatstroke should be treated as a medical emergency. “If you think your dog has heatstroke, you should get it to the veterinarian immediately,” said Dr. Wismer in the ABC News piece. “Do not waste time trying to get the dog to drink.”
Pet and pest may just be one letter apart, but there is a world of difference between them, and having a pet such as a dog or cat can help prevent some pests such as mice, squirrels or rabbits from settling in your home or yard. That’s just one more reason to keep your pet safe and cool this summer.
If you need help coping with a pest problem in the greater Denver or Fort Collins areas, or anywhere along the Front Range, please contact Animal & Pest Control Specialist, Inc. online or call us at 303-987-0842.
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