The Hidden Risk Of Giving Your Dog Ice

Your pup may love chomping on ice on a hot day; however, giving them this treat might not actually be the safest decision. Along with being a potential choking hazard, many pet parents aren't aware that ice can harm and possibly break their canines' teeth. Even if your dog doesn't lose a tooth from chewing on ice, it can still cause damage to their enamel.

"Ice is a common culprit in broken dog teeth, especially the larger teeth towards the back of their mouth," veterinarian Jason Nicholas told Business Insider. "These broken teeth are painful and can easily become infected, requiring either a root canal or tooth removal." Older dogs and those with poor oral health are more likely to break a tooth than pup's who have stronger, healthier teeth. The bigger and harder the ice cube, the more likely it is to cause problems. Even if your ice-chewing pooch hasn't had teeth issues in the past, it may be best to consider other options to prevent painful and pricey injuries.

While ice cubes have some dangers, you don't have to say goodbye to the treat permanently. If ice is your dog's preferred way of beating the heat, using smaller cubes may minimize the chances of tooth breakage. Offering ice only every once in awhile can also help prevent major damage from occurring. If your pup doesn't chew ice cubes, you can still use them in their water dish, though you should monitor your canine if you go this route. "Ice cubes in a dog's water can encourage some dogs to drink the water too fast," Judy Korman, DMV, advised Newsweek. "Drinking water too fast can cause the dog to gulp in too much air, which can lead to bloat." Bloat can be fatal for your pup.

If your dog isn't picky about the shape, you can offer them crushed or shaved ice instead of cubes, as they likely won't cause the same damage. These options can be especially good for smaller canines whose jaws may not be strong enough to chew regular ice cubes, along with those with existing oral issues. Though this approach can help keep your dog cool, you should not give ice or cold water to an overheated dog. "Too much, too soon can cause a potentially dangerous cascading chain of events. It is better to use cool water-soaked cloths or towels, along with fans or air conditioning," shared Dr. Jerry Klein, the American Kennel Club's Chief Veterinarian.

If your pup still wants a cold snack but you don't want to worry about potential tooth issues, try one of the many easy-to-make and hydrating dog treats instead. Some of these approaches may require more preparation on your end, but they can also be as easy as giving your pup a frozen carrot. Frozen carrots can actually benefit your pup's oral health, and could be a safer way to keep them cool. However, there is some debate about whether you can safely give them to your dog. Both the AKC and Chewy recommend whole frozen carrots as chew toys; meanwhile, PetMD states that you should avoid them due to the possibility of tooth damage and the risk of choking. Chewy further advises against offering frozen baby carrots.

You can also try freezing a toy and stuffing it with dog treats, such as a classic Kong. This will not only keep your pup cool in a way that's safer for their teeth than ice cubes, but it'll also keep them entertained. No matter the frozen treat your pup decides to snack on, always make sure to supervise them while they are enjoying it.