Dogs and Ice: What Pet Parents Should Know

Ice shows up in our dogs’ lives in two main ways: chewing ice cubes and walking on icy surfaces. Both can be enjoyable, but both carry potential hazards.

🐶 Chewing Ice Cubes

Hydration & cooling: Ice cubes can help dogs cool down and stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.

Teething relief: Puppies may find ice soothing for sore gums.

Risks: Large or hard ice cubes can fracture teeth, especially in smaller dogs. Ice chewing may also be linked to pica (eating non-food items), which can signal boredom or underlying issues.

Safe practice: Offer small, crushed ice or frozen dog-safe treats instead of large cubes.

❄️ Walking on Ice Outdoors

Slipping hazards: Dogs can injure joints or muscles if they slip on icy sidewalks.

Paw damage: Ice and road salt can crack paw pads or cause burns. Salt is toxic if licked off.

Cold exposure: Prolonged contact with ice increases risk of frostbite, especially on paws, ears, and tails.

Safe practice: Use booties or paw balm, keep walks shorter, and wipe paws after outings.

🐾 Tips for Ice Safety

Offer dog-safe frozen treats instead of plain ice cubes.

Supervise snow and ice play—don’t let dogs eat large amounts of ice or snow.

Protect paws with gear and clean them after walks.

Watch for signs of discomfort: limping, cracked pads, or reluctance to walk.

💡 Key Takeaway

Ice can be both fun and functional for dogs, but it requires mindful supervision. Whether it’s a cube in the water bowl or a frozen sidewalk, keeping safety in mind ensures our pups enjoy winter without harm.