Dogs Should Not Drink Ice Water
We all want to keep our dogs cool and hydrated during the hot summer months. However, letting your dog gulp down ice water may do more harm than good. While ice cubes in water can be refreshing for humans, they can potentially cause dangerous digestive issues in dogs if consumed too quickly. In this article, we’ll explore why ice water can be problematic for dogs, signs of trouble to watch for, and safer ways to help your pup beat the heat.
When a dog drinks ice water, the extremely cold temperature can cause the blood vessels in their mouth and esophagus to constrict rapidly. This restricts blood flow and oxygen to their stomach and intestines, potentially leading to a condition called gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). GDV, also known as bloat, causes the stomach to expand with gas and fluid, twisting around itself. Bloat is extremely painful and life-threatening, requiring emergency veterinary care.
While an occasional ice cube likely won’t harm your dog, allowing them to gulp down large amounts of ice water is not recommended. Read on to learn how to keep your dog cool and safe this summer.
Body Temperature Regulation in Dogs
Dogs regulate their body temperature differently than humans. Humans primarily cool themselves by sweating through pores in their skin. Dogs, on the other hand, cool themselves mainly through panting. As a dog breathes rapidly, air moves through the nasal passages, which helps lower the dog’s core body temperature (How Do Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature?).
While dogs do have some sweat glands located in their paw pads, the amount of heat lost through sweating is minor compared to panting. Panting circulates air through a dog’s body, removing heat in the process. The moisture from a dog’s breath and tongue also helps cool the blood flow to the brain (How Dogs Cool Down).
In addition to panting and sweating through their paws, other ways dogs regulate temperature include:
- Seeking shade or cooler ground to lay on
- Drinking water to cool internal body temperature
- Flattening ears against their head to avoid heat absorption
So while humans rely heavily on sweating, a dog’s primary temperature regulation system is panting. Understanding this difference in biology is key to properly caring for dogs in hot weather.
Dangers of Ice Water for Dogs
Drinking ice water can be dangerous for dogs due to the drastic temperature change it causes within their body. Consuming very cold water or ice can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and acute pancreatitis according to veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein (https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2018/07/31/can-put-ice-in-my-dogs-water-bowl/). The sudden cold temperature shocks the dog’s digestive system, which can trigger inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening and requires emergency veterinary treatment.
Ice water can also lower a dog’s core body temperature too quickly and induce hypothermia. Just like humans, dogs need time to acclimate to significant temperature changes. Providing ice water to an overheated dog may seem logical, but it can send their body into shock. According to veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, signs of hypothermia in dogs include lethargy, muscle stiffness, low heart rate, and uncontrollable shivering (https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2018/07/31/can-put-ice-in-my-dogs-water-bowl/). Hypothermia requires urgent veterinary treatment to gradually warm the dog’s core temperature.
Signs of Trouble After Drinking Ice Water
Drinking ice water can lead to some concerning signs in dogs as their body struggles to warm back up. Some of the most common symptoms to watch for include:
Shivering – One of the first and most obvious signs of trouble is shivering as the dog’s body tries to raise its core temperature. Shivering may start mildly but can become more pronounced and violent if hypothermia sets in.
Lethargy – A dog who rapidly ingests ice water may become very tired and lethargic. They may move slowly, seem weak, or want to lie down. This often accompanies shivering as the dog conserves energy to warm up.
Vomiting – Ingesting extremely cold water can sometimes cause vomiting. The stomach may react to the sudden temperature change by forcefully expelling its contents. Vomiting is not a good sign and means the dog’s core body temperature has likely dropped to dangerous levels.
Diarrhea – Like vomiting, sudden cold water intake can also trigger diarrhea as the body tries to warm up. Watery, runny stool results from the digestive system’s exaggerated response. Diarrhea will lead to further dehydration and should be addressed.
If a dog displays any of these warning signs after drinking ice water, get them indoors and wrapped in blankets right away. Avoid any further cold exposure until their body temperature and symptoms return to normal.
Safer Ways to Cool Down Dogs
While ice water may seem tempting on a hot day, it can be dangerous for dogs. Here are some safer ways to help your dog cool down on summer days:
Provide access to cool, not icy cold, water. Refresh water frequently to keep it cool without chilling it to freezing temperatures. According to the American Kennel Club, cool water will aid evaporative cooling as dogs pant without shocking their system
(https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-keep-dogs-cool-in-the-summer-heat/).
Use cool, damp towels. Wrapping your dog in a wet towel can help lower body temperature. Focus on high heat areas like the neck, feet, and armpits. Re-wet the towel as needed to maintain the cooling effect. According to Pawlicy, wet towels provide evaporative cooling for dogs (https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/how-to-cool-down-dogs/).
Provide access to shaded areas outdoors and indoors. Shade protects dogs from direct sun exposure which raises their body temperature. Encourage rest in shady spots to allow the body to cool down naturally.
Transitioning From Hot To Cold
When transitioning your dog from a hot outdoor environment to an air conditioned indoor space, it’s important to allow time for their body to gradually adjust to the temperature change. Abruptly going from heat to cold can shock a dog’s system and cause shivering, lethargy, and other issues.
According to Texas A&M University, after exercising on a hot day, allow your dog to cool down before bringing them inside. Start by having them rest in a shady spot outside for 10-15 minutes. Then, bring them indoors to a moderately cool area, not directly into an extremely cold place. Give their body at least 20 minutes to adapt before cranking up the AC.
The key is to avoid sudden spikes or drops in temperature. Help your dog incrementally transition by providing access to cool flooring, a fan blowing lightly on them, and ambient temperatures that steadily decrease. With gradual acclimation, your dog can safely adjust from hot to cold conditions.
Breeds Prone to Overheating
Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to overheating and heat stroke, especially brachycephalic breeds.
Brachycephalic dogs, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, have short muzzles and narrowed airways that make breathing more difficult. Their inability to pant effectively hampers their ability to cool themselves down (Source). As a result, brachycephalic breeds are at much higher risk of overheating on hot days.
In addition to brachycephalic breeds, dogs with dense coats like Chow Chows and Huskies have difficulty releasing heat. Breeds with long snouts like Greyhounds also struggle to pant effectively (Source).
Owners of these breeds need to take extra precautions in warm weather to prevent their dogs from overheating. Providing shade, avoiding strenuous exercise, and keeping the dog hydrated are key.
When to Call the Vet
If your dog shows signs of illness after drinking ice water, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. Signs to watch for include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea that persists more than a few hours
- Lethargy or weakness
- Shivering or muscle tremors
- Pale gums
These can all be signs of hypothermia from drinking ice water too quickly. Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature drops dangerously low. Left untreated, hypothermia can lead to organ failure and death.
Drinking very cold water can also trigger pancreatitis in some dogs. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that leads to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain. It requires veterinary treatment with IV fluids and medications. If your dog shows any signs of pancreatitis after drinking ice water, take them to the vet right away.
In most cases, side effects from ice water will be mild and temporary. But if they persist more than several hours or seem severe, it’s always best to have your dog examined. Call your vet and mention your dog drank ice water. They can advise you on whether your dog needs to be seen based on their symptoms.
With prompt veterinary treatment, dogs generally recover fully from hypothermia or pancreatitis brought on by ingesting ice. But waiting too long can allow these conditions to become serious. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if your dog seems unwell after drinking ice water.
Prevention Tips for Dog Owners
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent their dogs from overheating on hot days:
Monitor water temperature – Always provide access to cool, fresh water, not ice water. The ideal water temperature for dogs is around room temperature or slightly cool. Avoid giving dogs very cold water right after activity or on a hot day, as the sudden temperature change can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Provide access to shade – Dogs should have shaded areas available where they can get out of direct sunlight. Trees, awnings, or shelters are good options. Pay attention to sun exposure when walking dogs or letting them spend time outdoors.
Limit exercise on hot days – Take walks during cooler times of day like morning and evening. Opt for shorter walks to prevent overexertion. Play fetch or run around in grass rather than asphalt, which absorbs heat.
Groom regularly – Dogs with thick coats may benefit from regular brushing and trimming to prevent matting and allow for better air circulation. Never shave dogs down to the skin.
Check for signs of overheating – Know the symptoms like heavy panting, lethargy, or bright red gums. Take action quickly if you suspect overheating.
Consider protective gear – Booties, doggie sunscreen, and cooling vests can provide added protection in vulnerable dogs.
Conclusion
In summary, while ice water may seem refreshing on a hot day, it can be very dangerous for dogs. Consuming icy cold water can cause a dog’s body temperature to drop rapidly, leading to hypothermia, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cardiac arrest. The drastic change in temperature places great strain on a dog’s system.
Some tips to keep in mind are to cool down your dog gradually, provide access to cool but not icy water, never leave them unattended around pools, and watch for signs of overheating. Certain breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are more prone to heatstroke. But all dog owners should take precautions in summer and high temperatures.
The takeaway is that while we love to treat our dogs, ice water can do more harm than good. There are safer ways to help dogs beat the heat that don’t jeopardize their health. Avoiding ice water and being aware of overheating risks is key to keeping your pup happy and healthy all summer long.