Is it OK to give teething puppies ice cubes?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

When it comes to teething puppies, it’s important to be cautious about what you give them to chew on. While ice cubes may seem like a tempting option to soothe their sore gums, they can actually pose a danger to their teeth and overall health. Ice cubes are too hard and can potentially damage their teeth or even break them.

One of the main concerns with ice cubes is that they can be too rough on a puppy’s teeth, especially during the teething stage when their gums are already sensitive and inflamed. Chewing on hard objects like ice cubes can cause further irritation and discomfort, which defeats the purpose of trying to ease their teething pain.

Moreover, there is a risk that a puppy could swallow an ice cube whole, leading to a potential choking hazard. Puppies have small throats, and if an ice cube gets lodged in their airway, it can be a life-threatening situation. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid giving them anything that could pose a choking risk.

Instead of ice cubes, a safer alternative for teething puppies is frozen carrots. Carrots are firm enough to provide relief for their sore gums, but not so hard that they pose a risk to their teeth. You can simply wash and peel a carrot, cut it into appropriate-sized pieces, and then freeze them. The cold temperature of the frozen carrot will help numb their gums and provide some relief.

However, it’s important to note that frozen carrots can leave stains on carpets or other surfaces, so it’s best to give them to your puppy in a designated area or on a washable surface. Supervision is also crucial to ensure your puppy doesn’t try to swallow a large piece of frozen carrot.

While ice cubes may seem like a quick and easy solution for teething puppies, they can be too rough on their teeth and pose a choking hazard. Instead, opt for frozen carrots as a safer alternative. Always supervise your puppy while they are chewing on anything frozen, and be mindful of potential staining from the carrots. Your puppy’s safety and comfort should always be the top priority during their teething stage.