An old Internet rumor resurfaces and has dog owners wondering:

Is ice bad for dogs?

Have you been getting a lot of questions from clients and friends asking if ice water is lethal to dogs?  It's a rumor that's circulating the Internet and worrying dog owners.

The cautionary tale (titled "NO ICE WATER FOR DOGS...PLEASE READ ASAP") was written in 2010, but the rumor has been circulating since 2007. It centers on a dog named Baran, and his owner who unthinkingly added ice cubes to the dog's water bowl to help him cool off on a hot day. Shortly after, Baran appears to be in distress and is rushed to the animal hospital. The veterinarian tells the owner that the ice water caused the dog to experience violent muscle spasms in his stomach, which led to bloating. Bloat - also known as gastric dilation-volvulus-is a life-threatening condition in dogs.

Dogs can bloat after eating or drinking too fast in general, regardless of the temperature of the water or whether or not the water contains ice cubes. When a dog is hot and thirsty, he very likely might drink the water too fast -- and swallow lots of air in the process -- which can be a recipe for bloat. When a dog's stomach bloats, it twists and traps air, gas and food, cutting off the blood supply to the stomach and nearby organs. The dog's stomach then becomes distended, and without immediate help, the dog can suffer from shock or organ failure, or even die.

If worried clients come to you about this myth, take the time to educate them about the dangers of ice, heat stroke and bloating.

Although eating ice technically is safe for dogs, ensure owners are aware that eating ice can pose a few dangers. Dogs that munch on ice can potentially damage or break their teeth, or the ice could possibly become lodged in the dog's throat. Supervision is required whenever ice is given to a dog.

* Once the body temperature is gradually reduced to 103 F, further cooling efforts are not necessary. If a dog is cooled off too quickly, they can go into shock and organ failure.