Can Dogs Eat Ice?

Ice may seem like the perfect quick and cooling summer treat for your pooch to chew on, but is it safe? Well, yes, ice is relatively safe for dogs to consume, but it’s important to be careful about how much and how often they are.

Your dog may lunge for that stray piece of ice that falls out of the fridge or gets slung from the cooler, but it’s not the best idea to willingly give them ice. Ice can, unfortunately, become a choking hazard if you are not careful. Too much or too large of chunks can be difficult for a dog to chew on and they can begin choking. Yes, the ice will eventually melt, but choking is not fun or safe for a dog.

Dogs with teeth sensitivity, breakage, or who have had dental work done should absolutely not be fed ice. The harshness of the ice can lead to tooth chipping and further dental damage.

Can Ice Be Good?

Ice can be perfectly safe if the chips are small and easily meltable. It is best to use them in your dog’s water as a way to cool them down quickly in the heat, but only if the ice is broken up!

Small ice chips can even be used instead of water when dehydrated to ensure your dog doesn’t take in too much water all at once and help prevent the sometimes fatal bloating.

How To Handle Ice With Dogs

Always remember to consult your vet before introducing something new to your dog to ensure their safety. If they give you the green light, be sure that the ice pieces are small enough to chew safely and not be choked on. Sticking to pre-crushed ice will help this and ensure the ice isn’t too hard, especially for smaller dogs. While bigger dogs can have slightly larger ice chips, don’t let them chew on something too big to melt in a timely manner or a piece harsh enough to chip their teeth when biting down.

Avoid letting your dog have any ice that you don’t know is clean or not, like icicles that form in the winter. Dirty ice can contain unknown bacteria, or even chemicals, that will make your pooch sick.