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Chronicle Live
National
Rachael Davies & Emily Martin

Can dogs eat ice cubes to keep cool? Expert advice as temperatures soar

The UK is facing its hottest ever day with the mercury set to climb to a possible 43C. The Met Office has been forced to issue its first-ever red warning for heat and after an uncomfortable night, more is on the way.

It's awful for humans, so imagine how the animals feel. Many pet owners have taken to social media to share tips and tricks on how to help our furry friends cope in the heat, but some misinformation has been shared regarding the safety of dogs around ice.

For definitive guidance on all things 'dog', we've checked the The Kennel Club website which says: "Generally speaking, giving your dog ice cubes or homemade frozen treats is ok, but there are some issues to be aware of and some precautions that we recommend you take."

Read more: When the heatwave is set to end and temperatures will drop in North East

The information continues: "Giving your dog anything hard to chew on can cause the enamel on their teeth to wear down or can even result in a broken tooth. So long as your dog has healthy teeth, it’s unlikely that occasionally giving them a frozen treat will damage their teeth, but to reduce the risk of damage you can make ice cubes and frozen treats slightly softer by taking them out of the freezer five minutes before you give them.

"Or avoid using large freezer moulds, and instead use smaller moulds that make it easier for your dog to break the ice down with their teeth. For dogs with dental issues, any homemade frozen treats can be put into a blender for a few seconds and served in a bowl as a slushie."

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