Ice cubes as a treat?

[Bentley]

I am concerned about keeping Ben hydrated, he's always seemed to drink less tham he should. We used to counter this by giving him ice cubes regularly and putting them in his water bowl seemed to encourage him to drink but then I read a web article that suggested ice cubes can lead to potentially dangerous stomach cramps in dogs. The problem is that so many people seem to give their dogs ice regularly without any problems I am unsure about giving Ben ice or not. I was wondering if anyone knows anything more about this issue?

 

[Caleb]

I don't know much about the "issue", but I used to give my dog ice cubes all the time when he was younger and never had a single problem. A dog's body runs pretty warm so I imagine they melt quickly, once ingested. The issue of cramps could come from the fact that the cubes are so cold, and just like humans, water that is closest to our own body temp is best for hydration.

 

[CowboyBebop]

Everything in moderation. A few would be highly unlikely to cause any problem. I give Castle about 4 to 5 at any one time, he loves them! he chews and licks until they are tiny little slivers and then eats them. So i doubt that he is ingesting enough cold ice/water to trigger cramps. Also its a great treat since he seems to have issues with some food ingredients.

 

[chris410]

Mine LOVES...and I mean LOVES ice cubes. I give her one every once in a while and usually put a few in her water to cool it down which helps her cool down. Mine also loves carrots...health conscience dog I guess!

 

[Moose's keeper]

when your done with a drink at my house moose is there waiting, its one of his fav treats. when he hears them clank at the bottom of a glass he is all over it. and when we camp you have to bat him away any time you open a cooler!

 

[Marrowshard]

Like the others here, we've never had a problem giving ice cubes as a treat. Both Ebony and Oscar took their time deciding whether they were really "treats" but eventually they loved them! We put a few in Oscar's water bucket when we get ourselves a drink and he'll take them from our hands and crunch them up like nothing.

~Marrow

 

[PuppyPaws]

It get pretty hot here in MS. I have known people to fill bundt cake pans with water and freeze it and then throw it out in a kiddie pool for the dogs. It's a great fun time for the dogs and it's pretty entertaining too

 

[Abby&Fiona]

Fiona LOVES ice cubes! I get her an ice water from espresso stands around here on our way back from our hikes or warm long walks. :-D She loves it! But she doesn't eat like 100 of them.... just a few at a time.
When she was really teething and it was warm out I would dilute chicken broth and freeze it in ice cubes. She would go bonkers over those things!