Can My Dog Eat Ice Cubes?

Giving your dog an ice cube (or two) in Singapore’s hot weather may seem fun. However, many still believe that ice cubes can potentially cause harm to and be unhealthy for our pampered pooches.  

Canines come in many different breeds and sizes, so there’s no way to tell how well your pooch is able to tolerate ice cubes until he actually tries it for himself. Start small by giving one ice cube and observe how your pooch reacts to it.

Sometimes, your pup may try to chomp on the ice cube instead of licking it, and if he’s not careful, it could lead to broken teeth if the frozen “treat” is too hard or if too many ice cubes have been given.

Full-sized ice cubes can also pose as a choking hazard, especially if your pooch tends to gulp down his treats instead of chewing them. In this case, it’s best to crush the ice on your own to prevent him from biting too hard or from choking.

When it gets too hot, you could try placing a few ice cubes in your pup’s water bowl to keep his water supply cool. This would also indirectly cause him to drink more water and stay hydrated!

Ice cubes are safe for canines but they, just like any other treat, have to be given in moderation. As long as you take the necessary precautions to ensure that your pup doesn’t choke, you’re good to go!  

*This article was updated on 11 Sept 2020. It first appeared in PetsMagazine.com.sg on 22 Aug 2016.