Is Ice Water Deadly For Dogs?

by
posted on July 24, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg (8)

undefinedThe Myth
Drinking ice water will kill your bird dog (or any dog).

The Background
You may have seen the email chain that went viral recently, warning dog owners that ice water—or even very cold water—is deadly to dogs when ingested. The long-winded email states that ice water administered to a dog on a hot day can cause the dog’s stomach to bloat and can kill your furry friend.

My BullShooter detection apparatus went into high alert. After all, I’ve given my bird dogs ice water on many occasions in the Texas heat, yet they’ve never croaked. In fact, they seemed to relish a cool swig of aqua on a hot day, just like I do. Nonetheless, I consulted an expert.

The Expert Deferral
Ashley Tharp is a veterinarian at Four Paws Animal Hospital in Johns Creek, near Atlanta, Ga.

“It sounds like the email is suggesting that cold water can cause Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) in dogs, or twisting of the stomach. But I’ve never seen a dog suffer GDV after consuming ice water, nor have I seen any evidence supporting that theory,” Tharp said. “So, no, this warning isn’t true.”

The Test
This one was easy enough to test. All we needed was a dog (check); some ice water (check), and a hot day (check.) Because I didn't want to risk my new squirrel dog puppy, I convinced AmericanHunter.org's "Dogs, Shotguns and Other Vices" blogger and bird dog trainer Kyle Wintersteen to administer the test on his beloved springer spaniels.

He reported that they did not die, and in fact seemed quite happy afterward.

"If this myth were true, then every teething puppy I owned would be dead," Wintersteen said.

You can watch the test in the video embedded below:

The Answer
The theory that ice water will kill your dog is hot air. So drink away, little doggie, and pay no mind to crazy Internet talk.

Latest

Gear Lede Image
Gear Lede Image

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

#SundayGunday: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I.

On this week's #SundayGunday, Digital Associate Editor David Herman talks with Benelli Vice President Tim Joseph about Benelli's new Super Black Eagle 3 with A.I. barrel technology.

NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the Grand Scholarship winners from the 2024 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.)—a group of exceptional students selected for their leadership, initiative, and dedication to advancing NRA programs within their communities.

Recipe: Bacon-Rolled Elk Burgers

Brad Fenson whips up his classic Bacon Rolled Elk Burgers in this week's recipe.

First Look: Chiappa Firearms Rhino Revolver

Chiappa Firearms is expanding its Rhino series by introducing two new revolvers chambered in the powerful, versatile 10mm Auto.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.