Should Dogs Drink Cold Water? Vet-Verified Facts & Precautions

Few things are as refreshing as a tall glass of ice water on a hot summer’s day. It cools your internal organs and makes its way to your circulatory system to lower the temperature in the rest of your body. You may wonder if it’ll have the same effect on your pup.

Can your dog drink cold water? The short answer is yes!

The story that giving your dog cold water will make them sick is a myth. The legend goes that ice water will cause your pup’s stomach to go into life-threatening spasms and could die if left untreated. With accounts like this one, you have to peel back the layers to get to the truth. Like many anecdotes of this nature, it begins with a kernel of truth that takes on a life of its own.

What Is GDV or Bloat?

Let’s begin with the condition at the center of this myth. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is an acute, life-threatening disorder. It occurs when a dog’s stomach rapidly fills with food, water, or air and then twists on itself. This twisting restricts normal blood flow and further increases the stomach’s distention, leading to cardiac, respiratory, and circulatory complications that can quickly become fatal without urgent veterinary care.

When the stomach gets out of position and folds upon itself. It is not unlike what happens if there is a twist in your garden hose. The pressure builds up even further while restricting the flow of water. In this case, it’s the blood that is going to the stomach and other organs.

Without proper blood flow, certain parts of the stomach tissue can die. Needless to say, it’s life-threatening. The only remedy is emergency surgery. That means you must recognize the symptoms early to take the appropriate action. A pet with this condition will show apparent signs of distress, retching, drooling, panting, a bloated and painful abdomen, and eventually collapse.

There’s no mistaking the fact that something is seriously wrong with your pup.

Cold Water & Bloat: Is There a Connection?

The idea that cold or icy water can trigger bloat comes from a misunderstanding of what this condition actually is. The temperature of the water is not what causes bloat. Instead, the real risk comes from how quickly and how much a dog drinks, especially if they are overheated or have just exercised. When a very thirsty dog gulps large amounts of water—cold or not—they also swallow a lot of air, which contributes to dangerous stomach distention.

Some breeds are more susceptible than others, especially if you have a dog with a deep chest like a Great Dane. Their body shape leaves little room for expansion for their stomach and, thus, increases their risk of GDV occurring.

The best thing you can do is to discourage your pet from gorging. That means keeping them hydrated, so they don't gulp down a lot of water after play. You will also have to plan his meals to space them through the day so that your pup isn’t ravenous at feed time and ensure they don’t eat a large amount too fast. They’ll be less likely to inhale a lot of air as they eat, which can prevent their stomachs from distending.

The takeaway message regarding cold water is that it isn’t the temperature that is encouraging your pooch to drink a lot. That is probably the origin of the myth that ice water causes bloat and serious health consequences.

Some breeds are more susceptible than others, especially if you have a dog with a broad chest like a Great Dane. Their body shape leaves little room for expansion for their stomach and, thus, increases their risk of GDV occurring.

The best thing you can do is to discourage your pet from gorging. That means keeping them hydrated, so they don't gulp down a lot of water after play. You will also have to plan his meals to space them through the day so that your pup isn’t ravenous at feed time. They’ll be less likely to inhale a lot of air as they eat, which can prevent his stomach from distending.

The takeaway message regarding cold water is that it isn’t the temperature that is encouraging your pooch to drink a lot. It’s the lack of a reliable supply while they are active. That is probably the origin of the myth that ice water causes bloat and serious health consequences.

Concerns About Ice and Your Pup

However, there are a few other points we need to discuss to close the case on cold water and your dog’s safety. You may draw it from the tap, or you might cool it down with ice. That fact moves the goalposts and brings up some other issues we need to address. It’s all about the frozen liquid.

You probably know that chewing ice isn’t a smart idea, at least if you listen to your dentist. It isn’t as much the action of breaking the cubes with your teeth as it is the temperature extremes. That’s one reason there is Pyrex cookware. Your chompers aren’t unlike dishes that crack when going from the stove to the freezer.

If you have a Collie or Dachshund, you’re asking for trouble with a breed that comes out of the gate with a propensity for dental health issues. Ice can make the problem worse.

Compulsive Ice Chewing

Compulsive ice chewing or pagophagia is something seen in people, but it bears mentioning with pets, too. In humans, it can indicate a psychological issue. However, it can also be a sign of anemia. Eating ice may cause blood vessels to constrict, or perhaps, the effects lie with the nervous system. With dogs, it can merely be a habit, especially if you give your pup ice as a treat.

We suggest that you discuss any behavioral issue with your dog that becomes obsessive with your vet. Often, there is an underlying cause for unusual behavior in a pet.

Final Thoughts About Giving Your Dog Cold Water

Giving your dog cold water isn’t a bad thing, especially on a hot day. The rumors that you should only give your pet tepid liquids are unfounded. However, a potential problem does exist if your pup is dehydrated and attacks his water bowl because he’s so thirsty. Then, the risk for bloat and its consequences exists.

The best advice we can offer is to make fresh water available to your pooch all the time to discourage this behavior. Monitor his diet, too, and you can prevent many of the unfortunate risks of bloat or GDV.

Featured Image Credit: Pxhere