Should Dogs Have Ice Cream?

On a hot summer day, most families look forward to having ice cream. Why not? Ice cream, regardless of the flavor is the perfect treat. My favorite flavor is rocky road. When I go to the ice cream store like Baskin Robbins, I usually get 2 quarts to be shared with the entire family. However, although my bulldog loves sweet things, should I give him some of my rocky road ice cream?

Medical experts say No. Here are 3 main reasons why giving ice cream to your dog may not be good:

1. Milk and Milk– based products can cause digestive problems for your dog. Your dog may end up having diarrhea or vomiting. If the vomiting or diarrhea persist , the dog may then become lethargic, and you may end taking your dog to an emergency animal hospital.

2. Chocolate contains theobromine which causes dogs to become sick. So any ice cream flavor containing chocolate can cause your dog to vomit and have diarrhea, and in more severe cases, it may lead to tremors, seizures, and even death. Finally,

3. Ice cream is loaded with sugar, and too much sugar can cause weight gain for your dog. With weight gain, your dog may develop other health problems such as obesity and even hips dysplasia.

So what can I give my dog for dessert?

Although it may be a boring treat, a small plate of cold unsweetened plain yogurt is a better alternative. Because yogurt is easier to digest and contains less lactose, yogurt will be a healthier version. Another healthy alternative is half a banana sliced up.

Ice cream in small amounts may be alright but why take the chance. What is your stance on giving your dog ice cream?