There has been a rumor going around on the Internet for years and years that dogs, especially hot dogs, drinking cold water is dangerous because it can cause a life-threatening condition known as bloat. But is this actually true? Or is this just another piece of online misinformation? To find out the truth, Parade Pets spoke with Dr. Karen Halligan, DVM, a practicing veterinarian with more than 35 years of experience, to get her expert opinion.

"One of the most dangerous myths I see online is that hot dogs shouldn't drink cold water," says Dr. Halligan. "The truth is a hot dog needs hydration. The real concern isn't the temperature of the water — it's allowing a predisposed dog to gulp a large amount too quickly, and I'd rather see a hot dog drinking cool water than have an owner delay hydration because of misinformation they read online."

Read on to learn more about this common piece of misinformation, including why it isn't true, what actually causes bloat in dogs, the signs and symptoms and more. Armed with this information, you and your doggie can have a happy, healthy and hydrated summer.

Why Does the Internet Say Ice Water Kills Dogs?

There has been a rumor circulating across social media for years that drinking cold water is bad for dogs when they're hot because of something called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), more commonly referred to as bloat. According to the rumor spreading online, a dog drinking cold water can cause it.

"Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is one of the most serious emergencies in veterinary medicine. It occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, trapping the contents inside and cutting off blood flow to the stomach and other vital organs," Dr. Halligan explains. "Without immediate emergency surgery, GDV can quickly become fatal."

Understandably, loving dog parents want to prevent this serious medical emergency from occurring. But does cold water actually cause this?

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Does Ice Water Actually Cause Bloat (GDV) in Dogs?

Luckily, a pup lapping up some cold water on a hot day isn't known to cause GDV.

"No. There is no scientific evidence that drinking cold water causes GDV. This is a persistent myth that has circulated for years on social media," Dr. Halligan shares. "In fact, offering cool, fresh water to a dog after exercise or heat exposure is appropriate and helps replace fluids lost through panting."

Is It Safe to Give Dogs Ice Cubes to Chew On?

Another concern dog parents might have is letting their dog chomp on some ice cubes. For most pups, this is totally safe.

"For most healthy dogs, yes. Ice cubes are generally safe and can be a refreshing treat on a hot day," Dr. Halligan says. "However, owners should supervise their dog because some enthusiastic chewers can crack a tooth on very hard ice. For dogs that gulp rather than chew, it's often better to offer cool water or allow the ice cubes to melt slightly first."

Why Gulping Speed Matters More Than Temperature

When it comes down to bloat, the problem isn't about the temperature of the water but rather the speed and volume consumed.

"The concern isn't the temperature of the water — it's how quickly a dog drinks it," Dr. Halligan explains. "A dog that gulps a large amount of water rapidly may swallow excess air, which can contribute to stomach distention in susceptible dogs, but cold water itself has not been shown to cause the stomach to twist."

Why You Should Never Put Ice on an Overheating Dog's Body

While ice cubes are safe to add to your dog's water bowl or give as a little icy treat during the summer, you should never place ice cubes directly on your dog if they're overheating.

"It may seem logical, but placing ice or ice packs directly on an overheated dog can actually work against you," Dr. Halligan warns. "Extreme cold causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict, reducing the body's ability to release heat. Ice can also be uncomfortable and may even damage the skin."

How to Safely Pace Your Dog's Water Intake After a Run

The best way to help your dog pace their water intake is to take it slow. "Allow your dog to cool down gradually," Dr. Halligan says. "Offer several small drinks of cool water rather than allowing them to gulp an entire bowl all at once. After a minute or two, offer more if they're still thirsty."

Additionally, you can set your dog up for success by simply avoiding that daily walk during the hottest parts of the day. "Avoid intense exercise during the hottest parts of the day and always provide access to fresh water before, during and after activity," Dr. Halligan stresses.

Vet-Approved Ways to Cool Down a Hot Dog

In addition to keeping your doggie hydrated, there are some other vet-approved strategies for helping them stay cool during hot weather.

"Use cool (not ice-cold) water and focus on areas where blood vessels are close to the surface, including the belly, groin, paw pads and neck. Pair this with a fan to improve evaporative cooling while transporting your dog to a veterinarian," Dr. Halligan recommends.

What Are the Actual Signs of Heatstroke and Bloat?

Knowing the symptoms of bloat and heatstroke is important, as it can help you identify them quickly. These conditions are true medical emergencies and require quick treatment to resolve.

The signs of heatstroke in a dog include:

• Excessive, frantic panting
• Bright red or very dark gums
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Weakness or unusual fatigue
• Restlessness or anxiety
• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Reluctance to continue walking or exercising

The signs of bloat include:

• A swollen or distended abdomen
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to vomit or retch
• Excessive drooling
• Restlessness or pacing
• Signs of abdominal pain
• Rapid breathing or panting
• Weakness or collapse
• Pale gums
• Rapid heart rate

It's absolutely vital to act if your dog is experiencing any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms; timing is everything when it comes to saving a dog suffering from bloat or heatstroke. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Source

Dr. Karen "Doc" Halligan, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian with more than 35 years of experience, bestselling author, television medical correspondent, and host of the Doc Halligan's Collars & Cents podcast.