Summer has well and truly arrived in Britain with temperatures hitting the high 20Cs and many areas basking in the sunshine.
While many people are making the msot of the sunshine they also know to take precautions during a heatwave including staying hydrated and wearing loose clothing.
And it’s not just human beings that need to take precautions in the heat.
The dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars are well-documented, and man’s best friend also needs fresh drinking available as the animals can suffer heatstrike in just minutes.
However there is more debate about whether or not dogs benefit from being given ice cubes to stop them suffering in hot weather.
Read More: Motorists urged to turn car heating up this summer to help engine
Some pet owners have been sharing advice about giving dogd ice cubes during summer to help keep them cool.
However others – including some vets – have suggested giving them ice on hot days can actually make them bloated, which is a big risk for larger dogs.
But what does the RSPCA have to say on the matter?
Speaking to the Mirror, an RSPCA spokesperson said: “The RSPCA advises freezing a dog’s water bowl or kong before putting water or fresh treats inside (to help keep them cool for longer).
“We also advise putting ice cubes into your pet’s water or making frozen treats to help cool them down.”
Some vets however believe ice could possibly cause tooth damage for dogs, meaning it may be a good idea to keep an eye on the animals while they dig in.
Dr Susan C Nelson, a clinical professor at the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University said to PetMD: “The larger and harder the cube, the higher the chance of this occurring”, so it could be worth giving smaller cubes or even ice shavings.
