It can be safe to give cold water to your dog in moderation when supervised and when drank slowly. Since some dog breeds with deep chests are prone to Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), the act of gulping ice or cold water down can result in the accumulation of air being consumed by your dog resulting in extreme bloating that can only be resolved with surgery.
Continue reading to learn more about giving cold water to your dog, how to do it safely, the breeds that need extra supervision and more.
Table of Contents
Is it Safe to Give Dogs Cold Water?
The short and sweet of it is that ice cubes and cold water are not harmful to dogs. On the other hand, drinking water too rapidly can be problematic for a dog since it causes them to ingest a lot of air.
When a dog swallows too much air when eating or drinking, it causes bloating in the stomach, which can develop into a more severe disease known as Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GVD).
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can help cool down your dog on a hot day | May cause your dog to experience brain freeze or discomfort if the water is too cold |
| Provides hydration for your dog | May cause your dog to drink too much water too quickly, leading to bloating or vomiting |
| Can be a refreshing treat for your dog | May not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions, such as arthritis or dental issues |
| Can help prevent heatstroke in dogs | May not be as effective at hydrating your dog as room temperature water |
| Can encourage your dog to drink more water, which is important for overall health | May not be readily available in certain situations, such as when traveling or hiking |
Ultimately, it’s important to consider your dog’s individual needs and preferences when deciding whether or not to give them cold water. While it can be a refreshing treat on a hot day, it’s important to monitor your dog’s intake and ensure that they are not drinking too much too quickly. Additionally, if your dog has any health conditions or concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet or hydration routine.
Concerns with Giving Your Dog Cold Water
Gulping Down Cold Water Can Cause Your Dog to Bloat
Bloat in dogs is not only unpleasant for them but also frightening for you. If your dog has bloat, it will become extremely sluggish very rapidly. They may not appear to be in much pain, but they don’t want to move when they have a stomach-ache.
Your dog may inhale too much air if it drinks cold water too rapidly. Their internal organs, particularly those surrounding the stomach, diaphragm, and massive veins in their belly, are put under a lot of strain by the extra air.
Your Dog Can Suffer from Blood Flow and Respiration Problems When They Bloat
As a result of this bloat, your dog may experience blood flow and respiration problems. As all dog owners know, respiratory problems are a big deal, especially if we’ve given our dogs cold water to cool down.
Excess Air Consumed by Your Dog Can Cause Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)
A more severe disease known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) can arise from too much air being taken in with gulps of water. If you don’t treat it fast enough, GDV can be deadly.
This is because, unlike typical bloat that can happen when your dog drinks too much water, GDV causes your dog’s stomach to fill with air and gas and rotate like a balloon. It can twist and twirl in your dog’s belly anywhere from 180° to 360°, and when this happens, your dog’s stomach can seal off at both ends, leaving no route for oxygen to escape.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has GDV or is Bloated
Bloat, also known as GDV, is a genuine emergency that can strike at any time. Clinical indications that continue longer than 6 hours prior to therapy raise the likelihood of GDV fatality. So, if you suspect bloat, don’t be afraid to seek medical help. You must immediately take your dog to the veterinarian.
If you’re unsure, call your veterinarian on the way. Do it from the car, though. If the vet determines it’s not bloat, you can always turn around. However, if this is the case, you must immediately take your dog to the veterinarian.
How to Safely Give Cold Water to Your Dog
Since the issue with giving cold water to your dog is the manner in which they consume it rather than the water itself, cold water can be safely given to your dog in a bowl, just like any other temperature of water, as long as you provide adequate supervision and ensure your dog is not gulping it down.
Try Getting your Dog Wet or Spraying Them with Water Mist
Obviously, wetting down your dog with a garden hose can help, but it wastes a lot of water, and some dogs are terrified of the hose or may be damaged by the pressure. Instead, use a mist-creating attachment to connect to the water supply and spray a cooling mist in an area as small as a few square feet or as wide as a patio.
These misters are inexpensive and may be found at home improvement stores. Many stores also sell a tiny quart-sized sprayer, some of which come with a little fan. They’re fantastic for keeping your dog and yourself.
FAQ
What Dog Breeds Need to Be Careful When Drinking Cold Water?
Due to their broad chests, canines like German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are all prone to Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. In addition to the breeds described above, large or giant-breed dogs have the highest risk of contracting GDV. This includes Weimaraner’s, St. Bernard’s, Irish Setters, Standard Poodles, Gordon Setters and Doberman Pinschers.
It is generally advised to use an elevated feeding dish for these breeds to minimize bloat. Keep an eye on your dog as they eat and drink to make sure they don’t become overly enthusiastic and consume a lot of air. It’s also a good idea to keep your dog from exercising within thirty to sixty minutes of meals.
How To Cool Your Dog Down Without Giving Them Cold Water?
While giving your dog ice water to chill off is not hazardous, you should never cool your dog down too soon. Instead of immersing your dog in cold water, wrap them in a damp towel and place them on a cold surface.
If a dog is cooled too rapidly, the capillaries in their skin may shut, obstructing the cooling of their interior organs. Heatstroke is no longer a threat if your dog’s body temperature dips back below 103°.
Is It Safe to Cool Your Dog’s Water Down by Putting Ice Cubes in It?
If you’re at home or in the garden on a hot day, adding ice cubes to your dog’s water, freezing his water dish before filling it with water, or freezing one of their favourite chew toys are all terrific ways to help your dog cool off.
You will prevent any choking or gulping problems if you keep an eye on your dog as they ingest any type of water or ice. If you’re freezing your own ice for your dog, check sure the water quality is safe for you to drink before proceeding; otherwise, it’ll be fine for your dog.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
