Is Providing Safe Water Ice for Your Dog?

 

Many dog ​​owners are always saying that you should never give the dog ice water. Then, what is the reason why dogs should not drink ice water? and is it true that ice water is not safe for dogs?

If you're trying to figure out over the Internet to obtain information about the ice water for the dog, then you will find a lot of conflicting information. Many of the common view that says that you should never give a bowl of ice water to your dog, even though they are already running under the scorching heat of the sun. But, if there really is the real reason that makes us have to avoid it?

myth
Based on the myths circulating during this time, give your dog ice water can cause bloating which can lead to gastric dilation volvulus conditions (GDV) or bloating. GDV is a condition where the intestines to twist itself thereby potentially reducing the blood supply of your dog.

GDV is indeed a very serious condition, but is it true that this condition can also be caused due to water ice? According to the vet who was interviewed by the site Sheknows.com. The fact is that the condition is more likely due to GDV dogs drinking too much water, too fast, and pretty much swallowed air.

 

It is sometimes a need to give your dog ice water when finished playing a grueling session / weight, especially if they tend to be hot when they're not active. However, although it is not related to the dangers of GDV, we do not recommend it.

First, because it gives too much to drink to your dog really can be dangerous. Typically, dogs that drink too much water, too quickly will vomit it back, but if not vomit, mean bloat / GDV is the problem. But you try to think: if you are hot and immediately drank a glass of ice water quickly, what will happen? The cold water the ice can cause pain and discomfort. It is probably not harmful, but why should make you (or your dog) miserable.

Other side effects of ice water
- Tooth cracked - Dr Kathryn Primm of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Tennessee, said he often saw a number of cases a broken tooth in practice. Although he admits that it is not always related to the ice, he was warned not to allow the dog to chew ice (as well as your dentist will probably tell you the same thing). "Very painful and broken teeth need removed so not worth it if you see a risk in this case," he said.

- Vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) - Dr. Jeffrey Levy said that a cold can cause some vasoconstriction. In addition to being counterproductive when the dog is trying to cool down, the cold can also inhibit the exchange of heat and nutrients to tissue perfusion. And, also can slow the metabolic activity in cells and inhibit muscle contraction component in certain organs (and nerve activity associated with organ). He also said a bad cold and a narrowing of the activity of lymphocytes, the cells that act as a protective immune.

- Covering the underlying problem - if your dog is always hot (despite sleeping on the floor, panting tongue out though during the winter, etc.), it could be a sign of other problems. Dr Cathy Alinovi said that most of these problems can be solved with diet. He said that "food ingredients can make your dog more heat (such as chicken) or cooler (such as fish)." Consult your vet if your dog has a problem in regulating their body temperature.

So give ice water or not? Although water ice is not the cause of what people assume during this (bloating or GDV myth discussed earlier), still not recommended to give your dog ice water, unless your vet instructed to give it to your dog.