18/07/2021
☀️ Dogs and Ice Cubes ☀️
The hot weather has returned and we find yet again the usual messages shared across social media.
DO NOT walk dogs in this heat - true ✔
DO NOT leave dogs in hot cars - true ✔
DO NOT give your dog ice cubes - false ❌
Will ice cubes, frozen treats or frozen KONGs cause your dog harm?
No. ❌
There are lots of posts in circulation that suggest from an unknown and unnamed vet's advice that giveng ice or frozen treats will cause serious harm or even death. This is not true.
Please when you see anything shared on social media question the source. An unnamed vet and veterinarian practice, a post copied and pasted, or simply posted from a cropped screen shot is an instantly questionable source.
If your dog is fit and healthy with no signs of heat stroke they are more than safe to:
- eat and ice cube
- play with ice cubes
- have ice in their water bowl
- have frozen food/doggy ice cream
- have a frozen KONG
- enjoy frozen treats inside ice
These can only be dangerous when a dog is already suffering from heatstroke and have been given iced water in an attempt to cool them down. This cools them down too quickly and can potentially send their body in to shock.
If your dog is overheating or suffering from heatstroke, then please get your dog to a vet as possible!
To avoid heatstroke DO NOT walk your dog in hot weather.
You can very easily miss walking your dog for a number of days. Scent work, enrichment activities or mental stimulation are great ways to entertain your dog on hot days.
Missing a walk will not harm your dog.
Giving a frozen treat or KONG will not harm your dog.
Heatstroke will......
