As temperatures continue to rise, it is important to keep your pet cool to reduce the risk of heat stroke, as symptoms of heat stroke can progress quickly and can be fatal if left untreated.
As pet owners look for new ways to keep their dogs cool, trusty ice is a simple, cheap and quick solution. But there’s a lot of mixed advice on the internet when it comes to ice and pets, with veterinary charities saying: PDSA Let us shed some light on this cold topic.
PDSA veterinary nurse Nina Downing said: “Every summer advice circulates on social media that the cold of ice will stimulate your pet’s thermoregulatory system and help them warm up, but this is not true. As long as your pet is healthy, giving them a few pieces of ice to play with or put in their water bowl is a great way to help them cool down.”
How to use:
“If you do give ice to your pet, first make sure the ice is the right size – it shouldn’t be so large that it becomes a choking hazard for your dog.”
“If your dog tends to gobble down their food, ice shavings may be a better option, as they are small and melt quicker, reducing the risk of choking and minimizing damage to your dog’s teeth.”
“Another option is to fill a bowl with water and freeze it. It’s too big for your pet to get a hold of with their teeth, but they can lick it off, which helps keep it cooler longer. We’ve also seen the weird trend of putting ice under your pet’s bottom or tail to cool them down, but this is definitely not necessary and is not recommended.”
“Alternatively, consider freezing your pet’s water bowl before refilling it or cooling your pet’s favorite toys. These everyday measures can help your pet stay cool throughout the day.”
Frozen fruits and vegetables also make a refreshing and healthy treat, but be sure to remove any seeds or apple cores before giving them to your dog.”
For more information on the signs of heatstroke in pets and how to prevent it, www.pdsa.org.uk/Heatstroke
