Comments on: Ice Causes Bloat?

By: Bubba's Mom

Bubba's Mom — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:43:00 +0000

After reading the “elevated feeding bowls” to prevent GVT above, I had to weigh in with facts…according to a recent study conducted by Perdue University, elevated food and water dishes actually INCREASE the risk of bloat by more than DOUBLE. Not saying it is necessarily an issue of causation, merely that it is a risk factor and hearing it advised as a preventative measure worries me. I also want to mention a possible genetic component to bloat, namely that dogs with a first degree (sire, dam, sibling or offspring) with either Bloat or GDV are known to be at higher risk of having an incident of GDV/Bloat themselves. These factors, as well as age (middle aged or older) and Breed need to be considered when making an informed decision on giving ice/ice water. For the record, I have a senior Rottweiler (8ish) who is allowed canine ice cream and ice cubes but kept under close supervision for an hour afterward, and is also given Gas-X at the same time as a prophalactic measure.
I would also advise that Stress frequently, if not always is a precursor to an episode of Bloat, and think that in the incident above (which I have read previously with the dog who developed Bloat being 3 different breeds in different tellings) the stress of the dog show may have been a contributing factor.

By: Informed

Informed — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:07:03 +0000

This information is valid, however, some of you are not understanding the problem.

It is not bad to give a dog ice or ice water, in general. The problem with bloat may occur when giving a cold substance to a warm or over-heated animal OF ANY SPECIES. It’s a problem of physics and physiology. When a 20-30 lbs animal is running a body temp of over 100 degrees due to excercise, play, what-have-you, it is not a good idea to suddenly flood its stomach with liquid (or solid) which is 40, 50 or even 60 degrees cooler. THIS is what causes the muscle spasms and bloating.

When your dog eats snow, it’s not after he’s been playing in your yard during the hot days of summer…

By: Christopher Robert Scheniet

Christopher Robert Scheniet — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:57:53 +0000

Because we love our pet, I was thankful to have my search lead me here! After owning our dog for 8 months. The last couple weeks my dog had been going potty in the house. At first i that it was a behavoral problem. During this time, I had been giving the dog ICE WATER. (Think it as a reward) After reviewing all information. It may be my fault our dog was going potty in the house because she probally felt so sick. I DONT know if that is a fact. But may solve my problem. ty pet loves

By: Dee Simon

Dee Simon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:09:47 +0000

I have always given my dogs ice and never had a problem. Actually I originally started with ice cubes on the advice of a very well respected breeder. She recommended ice cubes as opposed to water to avoid bloat. I have a Weimaraner and they are prone to this problem. I agree with Lreoy Blue that there seems to be no scientific evidence behind this one claim. I did check with my Vet and he says that he has never heard this either.

By: Leroy Blue

Leroy Blue — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:52:23 +0000

I haven’t seen the abbreviation, DVN after anyone’s name who has bought the “Ice is bad for dogs” line. Until I do I’ll trust first hand experience over hearsay.

By: Jacqui

Jacqui — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 03:02:39 +0000

I work for Nutro and this sounds similar to the claims made for bloat with Greenies for Dogs. I’ve given my dogs doggy ice cream sold at Harris Teeter for years without problems, one dog was deep chested, one was not. I’ve also given them Greenies for years, same situation with breeds, again without problems. Several dogs had died allegedly from the Greenies because they hadn’t chewed them properly and they got bloat or intestinal blockages. However, millions of other dogs have eaten the same product without problems. I think the best case scenario is if you give your dog ANY treat or ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY tlike ice or ice cream is to monitor the dog, stay with him/her for 30 minutes afterwards and just watch it’s behavior. All the variables like weather conditions, if dogs have been exercising, stress, etc. will affect the dogs behavior with treats. They may even be fine eating them one day and develop a dangerous condition like bloat the next just because the variables have changed. I’d suggest having a “bloat kit” on hand “just in case.” Better to be safe than sorry, it only takes one incident to kill even if the dog has had numerous other incidents without anything serious happening.

By: july

july — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 10:18:04 +0000

Do you have any Black German shorthaired pointer dog for adoption (puppies)

By: jared

jared — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:19:22 +0000

I dont think this is accurate, i have had dogs since i was just a little boy and i have always given them ice cubes, they never had any problems, i dont think this article is very accurate, chances are it was something else. Also, why is it only one instance of a dog having this problem? everyone else has been fine.

By: Gail Black, Colorado Springs, CO

Gail Black, Colorado Springs, CO — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:32:17 +0000

Thank you, thank you. This is such valuable information. I’d like very much to include a link to your story in my ‘The Way of Animals’ blog.

Thank you for sharing. So glad there was a happy ending for Baran!

Gail

By: Helen Fazler

Helen Fazler — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:12:28 +0000

Thanks for the info. My dogs love ice. I guess they will be a little hurt when we don’t share anymore. In the long run they will thank us for not putting them through any un-necessary pain and discomfort by having to go to the vet.