When you’re feeling hot outside, it can be really tempting to share a scoop of ice cream with your furry friend. But can dogs have ice cream? Not exactly. While the occasional lick isn’t likely to bring on any real harm, it pays to know what kind of ice cream risks there are and to show a safer alternative your dog might enjoy.
Why Ice Cream Might Be Problematic for Dogs
1. Lactose intolerance in canines
Many dogs are lactose intolerant. While puppies have the enzyme lactase to digest their mother’s milk, it mostly disappears as they grow older. This means that with dairy products, including ice cream, the usual symptoms are bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It is, therefore, possible that dogs will have gastrointestinal upsets resulting from the consumption of ice cream rather than being a treat.
2. High Sugar and Fatty Content
Most commercially available ice creams have a high content of sugar and fats, which can cause obesity in dogs, diabetes, and even pancreatitis when consumed. The intake of sugar, just like in humans, is greatly detrimental and results in overweight and perhaps metabolic problems. Routine consumption of ice cream is damaging to your pet.
Safe Alternatives to Ice Cream for Dogs
1. Frozen Yogurt
Wondering can dogs have ice cream ? In contrast to regular ice cream, there are some frozen yogurt brands that are prepared for dogs, with less sugar and dairy products. When choosing a product, make sure that it is actually prepared for dogs and does not contain any artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is extremely poisonous for the animal.
2. Homemade Frozen Desserts
You can make dog-friendly frozen treats at home. Blend plain, unsweetened yogurt with triple blueberries, dog-safe fruits, such as bananas or pumpkin puree, and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays for a tasty and healthy snack. That way, you wouldn’t be putting ingredients in there that are not necessarily needed.
3. Vegan “Ice Cream”
There are “ice cream” options for dogs, dairy-free, which are usually made from ingredients such as coconut milk or non-dairy bases. Most of them contain less sugar and are safer for lactose intolerant dogs.
Ingredients to Avoid in Ice Cream for Dogs
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is a compound toxic to dogs. Since their body is not able to metabolize it, chocolate is hence highly toxic, even in small amounts. If you are still thinking about can dogs have ice cream ? Then It may lead to vomiting, convulsions, and can cause death in extreme cases. Make sure it is not chocolate flavored or has chocolate chips before you give the dog a lick.
2. Artificial Sweeteners
Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can be found in many sugar-free ice creams. Ingestion of xylitol is linked to an abrupt drop in blood sugar, and seizures and liver failure. For this reason, when considering a dog-friendly ice cream, all sugar-free products must be avoided.
3. Nuts
They contain nuts, and some of them, like macadamia nuts, are toxic to dogs. Be utterly cautious with nut-based ice creams, for they may contain that sort of ingredient within them that will harm your pet.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Having a Bad Reaction
If your dog has accidentally eaten some ice cream or has been given some in a small amount, then look ahead for these symptoms:
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Bloating or excess gas
- Restlessness or evidence of discomfort
- Drooling or smacking/lip licking
If you notice any suspicious symptoms, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat
In doubt of can dogs have ice cream ? below are some tips to let you know!
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Frozen Kongs
Stuff a Kong toy with peanut butter, making sure it doesn’t contain xylitol. Freeze it overnight, and it will keep your pet cool and busy for hours, cooling and mentally stimulating.
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Ice-cubes
Of course, some dogs might actually enjoy chewing on ice, thereby cooling themselves down and hydrating with no potentially toxic ingredients involved.
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Pup-Pops
Puree fruits like watermelon-seedless or cantaloupe, freeze the mixture in popsicle molds, and serve them to your dog on a hot day. These are super hydrating, refreshing, and dog-safe.
Conclusion
So, can dogs have ice cream? The general answer is that a few licks from time to time are unlikely to give most dogs anything worse than a bit of an upset stomach, but really, it’s better to err on the side of caution. More dogs should simply just avoid traditional ice cream due to the risk of lactose intolerance, sugar content, and harmful ingredients. Instead, try these dog-friendly treats that are much safer, like doggy frozen treats, to keep your cool cat happy and healthy.
That says it all: with safer options, you both will have no problem making the most of those warm summer days together.
