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Best Dog Tunnels

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
May 10th, 2022 10:27 AM
best dog tunnels

Dog tunnels are an indispensable part of an agility training routine but can also be a fun accessory for playtime. Read on to find out which dog tunnels are the best on the market!


Keeping an active, intelligent dog entertained and occupied is sometimes a challenge – that’s where dog sports come into play. Dog agility training is a great way to help your pooch burn off extra energy, keep his mind sharp, and deepen the bond you two have through shared activity and time spent together. And eleven if you don’t have plans to take your pet out to competitions, agility training can still be a fun activity for you two to do together – all you need is some spare time and agility equipment. Dog tunnels are the perfect starting point for beginners and an indispensable piece of equipment for pros – take a look at our selection of the best dog tunnels on the market.

Editor’s Choice: DEStar Dog Tunnel

Check Price $87.99

Pros

  • Suits most dog breeds
  • Durable and well-made
  • Comes with poles and a carrying case
  • Available in two colors

Cons

  • Not for professional agility training

Whether you’re looking to try out agility sports with your pet or just want a simple dog tunnel for them to play in, this versatile design will do the trick. Made from premium quality 190T tear-resistant polyester fabric, the tunnel can withstand your dog’s claws and it’s also easy to clean. The tunnel measures 55.12" (4.6 ft) in length and has a standard diameter of 24” that will suit most breeds and has 2 added additional straps at both sides to prevent slipping. In addition to the tunnel, you’ll also be getting ABS poles for agility training, 2 L-shaped metal stakes to stabilize the tunnel when it’s used outdoors, and 3 nifty carrying bags to store this collapsible dog tunnel and its accessories when you want to put it away or pack for a trip.

Runner Up: Houseables Dog Tunnel

Check Price $54.92

Pros

  • AKC and NADAC compliant
  • Waterproof material
  • Sturdy and stable
  • Portable – carrying case included

Cons

  • Could be more durable

AKC and NADAC compliant, this dog tunnel is modeled after tunnels that are used in obstacle courses at official dog sport events, so if you are looking to train your pooch to compete, this is a great choice. Measuring 18 ft in length and with a 24” diameter, it will suit the needs of most dog breeds as well as match the exact measurements of official agility course tunnels. The tunnel is made from lightweight but durable 600D woven Oxford Dacron material, which is both waterproof and tear-proof. You can use this tunnel indoors or outdoors – there are downward-angled, anti-rust zinc plated 7” stakes that insert through the metal grommet tabs around the tunnel base to make it stable when used outside. This tunnel is collapsible, comes with its own carrying case, and is available in two colors.

Customer’s Choice: HDP 18 Ft Dog Agility Training Open Tunnel

Check Price $42.98

Pros

  • AKC compliant
  • Durable scratch-resistant fabric
  • Stakes for stability
  • Carry case included

Cons

  • Doesn’t hold up well to continuous use

You can’t go wrong with the basics! This dog tunnel features standard measurements (18 ft in length and a 24” diameter) that will suit the needs of most dogs and puppies and will closely resemble the actual tunnel that will be used at agility competitions – if your goal is to train your pooch and not just play, this simple dog tunnel will be a good option as it is AKC compliant. Made from durable intertwined woven oxford Dacron, it will stand up well to your pet’s claws when they are running through it and will be easy to keep clean. There are 8 short stakes for extra stability, which go through steel grommets to ensure the tunnel doesn’t slide on the ground. To boot, it also has its carry case so you can take it on the go!

Best for Agility: CHEERING PET Premium Dog Agility Equipment Set

Check Price $124.99

Pros

  • Multiple options to choose from
  • Easy to customize
  • Provides fun playtime or training for agility
  • Easy to store away

Cons

  • Could be more durable

If you are looking to train your pooch to compete in agility sports, this beginner dog agility equipment set is a perfect place to start! To be precise, there are 5 sets to choose from to adapt to your needs: the most basic one includes a connectable classic dog tunnel and a “blind” tunnel (tunnel with a chute), while the 7-piece set is the most advanced and contains one standard tunnel, one blind tunnel, two dog jumps, dog hoop, pause box, and weave poles. The tunnels are circa 4 ft long (each) and have a diameter of 23”. Of course, each set comes with one (or more) carrying bag to keep everything neatly stored away when not in use.

Best for Play: Midlee Dog Agility Chute Tunnel

Check Price $44.99

Pros

  • Interesting chute design
  • Keeps dogs engaged and active
  • Perfect for playing or training
  • Suits most dogs

Cons

  • Might be cramped for large and extra-large breeds

Your pooch doesn’t have to be talented for sports to be able to enjoy everything dog tunnels have to offer! In fact, dog tunnels can be a great way to play with your pet and help them burn off extra energy in an easy and fun way. This design is called a chute tunnel or a blind tunnel, as it starts off as a regular tunnel but halfway turns to a chute – increasing the fun levels so much more. The tunnel is 24" in diameter, about 32" (2.6 ft) long, and the chute is about 152" (13 ft) in length, so overall it translates to standard dimensions that suit most dog breeds perfectly. It comes with stakes to keep it grounded and a carrying case.

Best for Small Dogs: Cossy Home Collapsible Dog Tunnel

Check Price $28.99

Pros

  • Different sizes to suit small breed dogs
  • Durable construction and materials
  • Great for playtime or training
  • Stakes included

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a carrying case

For most small breed and toy breed dogs, the standard, AKC-compliant dog tunnels are a bit too big, which can spoil their fun. Designed for the needs of puppies and small dogs, this collapsible dog tunnel has all the good qualities of its bigger counterparts, only scaled down to the size that fits petite pooches better. It comes in two sizes: 78” (6.5 ft) in length and 17” in diameter, or 118” (9.8 ft) long with a diameter of 19.6”. Made with durable polyester fabric and with steel springs, it comes with stakes to make it more stable when used on the ground.

Best for Medium Dogs: Cool Runners Agility Lightweight PVC Dog Training Tunnel

Check Price $148.19

Pros

  • High-quality, durable materials
  • Mildew-resistant and UV-resistant
  • Perfect size for medium breed dogs
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Not rip-proof

When you think of agility, the first breeds that come to mind are probably the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd, which are both medium-size dogs. If your pooch falls within the same weight category as medium breeds (24 to 57 pounds), this type of tunnel will be just right for their needs. Made from a PVC material that’s UV-resistant and mildew-resistant so it can handle frequent outdoor use, it has an 8-inch pitch and extends to 15 ft to suit your dog's needs and increase the challenge if needed and the 24” diameter of the tunnel makes it perfectly suited to medium breed dogs. Thanks to the sturdy build, it doesn’t need stakes or bags to keep it in place.

Best for Large Dogs: Pacific Play Tents Institutional Play Tunnel

Check Price $100.77

Pros

  • Extra-large for big breeds
  • Durable and tough materials
  • Hardened steel springs
  • Collapsible and easy to store

Cons

  • No sandbags or stakes included

Big dogs – especially those that are really big – can find the standard size dog tunnels a bit too cramped for their comfort. But with some out-of-the-box thinking, you can easily find the ideal dog tunnel for your large breed dog – like this one, which was originally meant to be used by kids! However, it still ticks all the boxes that quality dog tunnels should: it is sturdy, durable, and spacious enough. It is made from Polyester Dacron 600x300 weave fabric with extra heavy-duty construction so it can really take a beating, and measures 9 ft in length with a 28” diameter which is more than enough for even the largest dog breeds such as Great Danes to comfortably go through. Easy to clean and collapsible, it comes with its own carrying case for portability.

Best with Obstacles: XiaZ Obstacle Agility Training Starter Kit

Check Price $109.99

Pros

  • Various obstacles and agility equipment
  • Universal tunnel size
  • Easy to store
  • Great for energetic dogs

Cons

  • Not suitable for large dogs

For those dogs that need a little bit more of a challenge to stay entertained and engaged, this agility training kit is heaven-sent. In addition to a tunnel, you’ll be getting a pause box, jumping ring, adjustable high jump obstacle, and weave poles – more than enough to keep any energetic doggo occupied for hours on end. The additional equipment is made from lightweight but sturdy ABS and metal, and the tunnel is made from durable and low-maintenance polyester fabric. As the dimensions of the tunnel are 70” (5.8”) with a diameter of 24”, it will suit most dogs with ease. Even though there are plenty of pieces with this set, they are all quite easy to assemble and disassemble, and with added carrying cases, you’ll easily store everything away when not in use.

Best with Sandbags: Better Sporting Dogs 16 Foot Dog Agility Tunnel with Sandbags

Check Price $84.99

Pros

  • Sandbags ensure sturdiness
  • Suited for most breeds
  • Comes with a carry case
  • Durable polyester

Cons

  • Could be more durable

Dog tunnels are no good if they are flimsy – they need to be able to stay in place while your dog is running through them. Some use stakes that are pushed into the ground, but that’s not always doable, which is why many dog owners prefer using dog tunnels with saddlebags or sandbags instead. The saddlebags are located on both sides of the flap which goes over the tunnel and are filled with sand, thus keeping the tunnel firmly in place without distorting its shape. The tunnel itself measures 16 ft in length with a 24” in diameter and is made from 180T polyester which is durable and lightweight. The saddlebags can hold up to 15 lbs of sand each and have a wide mouth for easier filling.

What to Look for In Dog Tunnels


Dog tunnels are simple constructions, but still, there are a few things to consider before choosing one for your pet. In addition to the quality of the materials, you should pay attention to the following:


Dimensions


If you want to compete in agility, your best bet is to go for an AKC-compliant dog tunnel that will have the exact measurements of the ones used at competitions, which is between 10 and 20 feet in length, with a diameter of 24” (a margin of error is 1” or 2”). Otherwise, make sure that the dimensions suit your pet’s needs: adjust the diameter to their size (most do well with 24”, but extra small and extra big need tweaks) and pick the length that you think will work best for their energy levels.


Stability


Dog tunnels are usually made from lightweight polyester with steel or plastic springs, so they are not the sturdiest on their own. If you are using it outdoors, which the majority of people do, you can pick between stakes or sandbags. Stakes are inserted into the ground through grommets at the base of the tunnel to keep it stable, and sandbags are filled with sand and rest at the sides, connected with a strap that goes over the tunnel, ensuring it stays firmly in place.


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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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We all want to help our local shelters if we can, and sometimes, it can be as simple as ordering some much-needed products to be sent to them. Luckily, online retailers make it super easy to buy and deliver products right to the door, so here are the top 10 products to buy for your local shelter.

Let It Snow: Getting Ready To Make The Most Of Winter With Your Dog

When I wrote an article on Urban Mushing, I was contacted by Kev Roberts, a skijoring, kicksledding, and dog-scootering aficionado who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (affectionately referred to as “Winterpeg”) . He runs his own blog on the joys of the sport and even teaches workshops for those who want to learn how to do it the right way. I’m very excited to learn more about it from an expert in the coming weeks. Who knows – he may even inspire you to take up skijoring! I have to admit, I am a winter person. I love the snow, I love the crispness in the air. I also love to watch my dogs fly through the snow and dig for their toys. Winter time offers it share of challenges, as well as opportunities for you and your dog. In this series of blog posts, I will be covering some winter activities and safety tips for your dog. There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog has fun out in the snow. Let’s get started with their feet. Feet first! In the winter, dogs feet need special attention and care. First, check your dog’s foot pads for cracks or splits. Just like people’s hands, a dog’s pads can dry out in the winter time. The splits and cracks, if left on their own, can grow painful and infected. If you see cracks or tears in the pad, and they are superficial, as in no blood, then you can use a paw wax, to moisturise and treat the paw pad. Mushers Secret is one such product. Apply it a few times a day, and only enough to ensure that the foot pad becomes soft and can heal. Most of the wax products on the market are not going to cause any harm to your dog if it happens to be ingested. But read the label to be sure! Keep your dog off the furniture as well once you have applied the wax, as it can stain fabrics. If your dog has more serious or deeper cracks, you can use Derma Gel, which is available from your veterinarian. Derma Gel will give the crack a protective barrier, as well as promote quick healing. Trim the hair

More Than Half of Pet Owners in America Are Not Prepared for a Pet Eme

A little over 60 percent of pet owners in the United States wouldn’t be able to cover the costs of a $1,000 emergency pet surgery without going into debt, a new study shows. The cost of having a pet is not something to be overlooked. And I’m not talking about the usual expenses, such as food or routine vet checkups and vaccinations. Most people tend not to think about the worst case scenarios, but, in case your cat or dog get seriously sick or get into an accident, vet bills can rake up pretty fast, and it’s not an insignificant sum. Depending on the city you live in, emergency pet care bills can be between $800 and $1,500- and this is just an average estimate based on Petplan’s surveys. But, according to a Bankrate survey, only 39% of Americans have a $1,000 in their savings. Meaning, if need be, to be able to help their four-legged friend get better, most people would have to go into debt. It’s not always easy to put some money on the side for rainy days, especially if the budget is already tight. But, having an emergency medical fund for your pet is an absolute must- there’s nothing worse than not being able to pay for a procedure that could help save your furbaby’s life. If you don’t feel like setting up a budget for your pet is a doable option for you, you can always choose a pet insurance plan and hope they’ll cover the costs of vet care if your pet happens to need it. Either way, having a plan in place for a sticky situation shouldn’t be optional. I learned that the hard way. A few years back, my cat had a bladder stone lodged in his urinary tract. What we thought was a UTI ended up in perineal urethrostomy surger y; which is both expensive and difficult to recover from. Thankfully, my furry boy is now good as new, but the astronomical cost of the operation wasn’t something that I could comfortably cover without going into debt. Why? Because I hadn’t budgeted for the worst case scenario. Many banks now offer special savings accounts dedicated solely to pet care, and there are tons of resources on the internet that offer advice and instructions on how to budget for pet emergencies. If you don’t already, make sure to start putting away funds for unexpected pet parenting moments: your furry bestie will be thankful to you for getting them through a hairy situation!

Top 10 Best Psychiatric Service Dog Breeds

Have you heard of psychiatric service dog breeds? These canines are specially trained to maintain their handler’s emotional state.In the world of working dogs, there are some truly special pooches whose careers are devoted solely to helping those in need. Therapy dogs bring joy to infirmed or elderly, Service Dogs support the physically challenged, and Emotional Support dogs provide relief in settings such as funeral homes or crisis situations. But there is another hero in this mix known as Psychiatric Service dog breeds, trained to provide one-on-one support to individuals who have autism, schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, and other psychiatric challenges. In fact, these dogs are so in tune with their handlers moods that they can be trained to recognize the signs of a sudden deep depression and to operate a special K9 rescue phone to summon a 911 suicide hotline through a pre-programmed phone. These dogs are a new breed of hero who deserve far more recognition.The Psychiatric Service Dog’s primary function is to maintain their handler’s emotional state and to perform work or tasks the individual is unable to perform. For instance, a psychiatric service dog might be trained to interrupt the repetitive behavior of a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or to provide an environmental assessment, or even to remind their handler to take their meds. Having a highly trained dog by their side can help people who have mental health issues lead independent lives and quite often support them in keeping their illness under control. Naturally, as they do complex work, not all dogs can provide service to people with psychiatric disabilities. These tasks are not easy and most pups aren’t up to the task. This service requires a special type of dog that is well suited for a special type of training.So, what’s a prerequisite for any psychiatric service pooch? Well, the size of breed doesn’t really matter. However, temperament does. This means that the dog must be keen-to-please, must be able to work well with a partner, must be reliable, must not be easily distracted, and of course, they must be highly intelligent given the depth of training involved. Yes, these dogs go through a lot of training before they become service dog. After all, they need to know to perform specific tasks that help their owners lead better lives. This isn’t any easy role for any dog to play.While any dog can be a service dog if they have what it takes to live up to the title and go through the extensive training program, there are some dog breeds that are naturally more inclined and capable of doing the work of psychiatric service dogs. Which breeds are there? Keep scrolling to find out. Here’s our list of the best psychiatric service dog breeds:1. Standard Poodle

Shih-Poo

Shih-Poo BasicsAre you ready for some action, Shih-Poo style? If you are looking for a dog breed with a name that you will never stop laughing about, then you just found it. But, apart from a funny designer name, this crossbreed has so much more to offer. The Shih-Poo is a fun-loving and energetic little designer dog, whose zest for life is intoxicating. They are happy-go-lucky tiny doggos that thrive around people and will love to be included in your every adventure – heck, they’ll demand to be a part of everything you do and vice versa.A mix of Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle, he’ll have everyone in the family running around and chasing a ball alongside of him. Although he doesn’t need loads of exercise, he is spunky when he wants to play and will wear his family down long before he ever tuckers out. Shih-Poos will race around the house or run around the yard. It doesn’t matter much to them. They are little balls of energy always looking for the opportunity to explode. This crossbreed is a great companion for families who live in small apartments or have large backyards in the suburbs. He’s quite adaptable to a variety of living situations and will find ways to burn off that energy just about anywhere.This is a sponsored placementNot unlike most designer dog breeds, the Shih Poo is also susceptible to the diseases that are common for its parental dog breeds – or, in this case, the Shih Tzu and the Poodle. Add to that some of the problems with health that are common for small breed dogs and tend to come with age, such as dental issues, cataracts, or arthritis, and it’s clear that regular vet visits are a must if you want to make sure your crossbreed pet stays in top shape. This is why many owners opt for pet health insurance – without it, vet bills can be quite a strain on the budget. Lemonade Pet Insurance provides plans that cover anywhere from 70% to 90% medical expenses for diagnostics, procedures, and medications, so you don’t have to worry about astronomical bills in case your pet gets sick or hurt unexpectedly. And it’s affordable, too – as an example, you’ll pay $29.50 each month for a 3-year-old Labrador in Texas, with 80% co-insurance, an annual limit of $20,000, and an annual deductible of $250. If you want to add the Preventative package, which includes a wellness exam, vaccinations, and more, you’ll pay $45.50 each month.Always a clown, the Shih-Poo seems to have a way of cheering people up and making even the saddest person smile. These pups have a magnetic personality that will pull in people of all ages. Their loyal and sweet nature makes them ideal companions, especially for retirees looking for a four-legged friend to spend their golden years with. Nothing will make you smile in your autumn years quite like having a Shih-Poo bouncing around your home.While quite intelligent, this Shih Tzu and Poodle mix dog might not be a wise choice for beginner dog owners. They can be stubborn and difficult to housebreak, and unless you had previous experience with dog training, you might find them a handful. Training this fluff balls will tax even the most patience and experienced of professional dog trainers, so new dog owners don’t stand a chance. Also known as Shoodle, Shihpoo, Shih-Doodle, and Shi-Poo, this adorable little hybrid definitely has a lot to offer to his family. Read on to find out more about this popular designer dog breed!The Shih-Poo is a mix of Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle breeds.OriginIt’s always difficult to determine the origin of individual designer dog breeds. Breeders have been intentionally crossbreeding purebreds for decades now, but it doesn’t change the fact that the majority of mixed breed dogs came to be by the way of accidental mating. This is why it’s sometimes impossible to know when a breed came to be unless someone steps up to claim it as their own “creation”. There have probably been many Shih Tzu and Poodle mixes throughout history, but the moment of interest for the history of the Shih-Poo is the one when that crossbreeding became intentional. That’s the moment that can’t be nailed down. At some point these designer pooches became popular, yet it’s unclear precisely when. Sometimes you simply have to embrace the mystery and go with it.Even though there’s no clear information about the origin of the Shih-Poo, it’s safe to assume that these hybrids share their story with the majority of other designer dogs. This means that the breed probably had its start in the United States at some point in the last 30 years. Not exactly an enriching a detailed history to be sure, but it is the most accurate possible assessment. However, even though we might not know when the breed was created and who did it first, it’s easy to see the reason behind the creation of the Shih-Poo. These dogs were developed to make perfect compact companions with the added benefit of hypoallergenic coats. Simple as that!Pedigree

Is Ice Water Really Dangerous for Dogs?

Ice water for dogs? Is that even safe for them? Let’s separate fact from fiction and get to the cold, ice hard truth!You probably already know that there are certain “human” foods that are very dangerous for dogs – things like chocolate, grapes, caffeine and onions. But what about seemingly innocuous items like ice cubes and ice water? It’s just water, sure, so it’s completely normal that it would be safe for dogs, but it’s the temperature that raises concern – icy cold might not be the healthiest for your pooch, but does that also mean that it is harmful? There is a great deal of misinformation out there regarding this particular item for dogs so it is important that you take the time to read correct information on the subject.How the Controversy BeganRumors regarding the dangers of ice cubes and ice water for dogs have been circulating since 2007, but the main culprit of the myth was a cautionary tale written way back in 2010. This article titled “No Ice Water for Dogs… Please Read ASAP” tells the story of Baran, a show dog who was given ice water by his owner following a competition to help him cool down. Within 30 minutes of drinking the water, Baran reportedly began showing signs of distress and was rushed to a veterinary clinic where he was diagnosed with gastric dilation volvulus, or bloat. According to the vet, the ice water caused Baran’s stomach muscles to cramp and twist, leading to a life-threatening situation that could easily have been fatal if the dog hadn’t received prompt veterinary treatment.As the Interwebs are prone to do, the concern spread. Since its publication, this article has received a lot of attention and a great deal of flack regarding its accuracy. The author of the article has even published replies to comments in hopes of clearing up any confusion. Regardless, the question of whether ice water is safe for dogs continues to circulate, well over a decade later. So what is the real truth behind this story?The Truth of the Matter: Bloat Is The Bigger ConcernIf you’re not curious about the backstory of this urban myth or the real reason why the dog from the blog had dangerous bloat, you don’t need to read on – the long and short of the matter is that ice cubes and ice water are not dangerous for dogs. But, if you want to find out what could possibly still endanger your dog when they are drinking cold (or any temperature) water, you’ll want to stick around . It is dangerous for a dog to drink water (regardless the temperature) too quickly because they are likely to swallow a lot of air in the process – this is the more likely cause of Baran’s distress. When a dog swallows too much air during the consumption of food or water, it can lead to bloating in the stomach which contributes to the dangerous condition called gastric dilation volvulus.Bloat in dogs is not just painful for them, but terrifying for you. If your dog suffers from bloat (and we’re not talking that cute puppy belly), they’re likely to become pretty lethargic very quickly. They may not ‘look’ like they’re in a lot of pain, but just as we humans don’t want to be moving and grooving when we have a belly ache, neither do they. Their stomach distension when it’s simple bloat, or gastric dilation, can just look like that full belly feeling and it’s becasue in drinking the ice water too quickly, they took in too much air. That excess air puts a lot of pressure on their internal organs–especially those around the stomach, diaphragm and large veins in their abdomen. This can cause them to have issues with proper blood flow and breathing.And as we know, the breathing issues are a huge concern, particularly if we’ve given our dogs ice water to cool them off. They’ve probably been panting to cool themselves off and there’s little way to know if the panting they’re doing is now coming from their self-cooling or because it’s difficult to breathe because of bloating.Additionally, the more severe condition known as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) can be fatal if you don’t get to it and treat it quickly enough. This is because as opposed to simple bloat that may occur when your dog takes in too much air with water gulps, with GDV, your dog’s stomac will fill with that air and gas and rotate like a balloon. It can twist and turn anywhere from 180-360 degrees in your dog’s abdomen and when that happens? Your dog’s stomach can be closed off at both ends, leaving no way for air to get out. And without consistent blood supply? Your dog’s stomach and other organs go downhill and fast. This is likely the case in dogs like Baran, and more likley to happen when your dog is super thirsty (or even hungry) and gulps water to cool–regardless of the temperature of the water.IF your dog should take in water quickly, whether it’s ice water or room temp, look for the following signs after:Abdomen DistensionLethargyAbdominal PainRetching (attempted vomit with no success)PantingNoticing any of these signs should be a reason for concern. It’s better to be safe than sorry and reacting on time can be what saves your dog’s life – take your dog to the vet if they gobble down water too fast and start exhibiting any of the symptoms above.Preventing Bloat in DogsThough giving your dog ice water to cool down is not dangerous, you should always be careful about cooling your dog too quickly. Rather than soaking your dog in ice water, try draping him in a wet towel or having him lie down on a cool surface. It’s much safer to cool down your pet gradually – even if it seems that quick action would be more efficient, it’s actually not. If the dog is cooled too quickly, it could cause the capillaries in his skin to close off which could interfere with the cooling of internal organs. Once your dog’s body temperature drops below 103° there is no longer any danger of heat stroke.In terms of preventing bloat in dogs, it all comes down to keeping them from eating or drinking too quickly. Keep an eye on your dog as he eats and drinks to make sure that he doesn’t become overeager and take in lots of air as he drinks. It is also wise to avoid exercising your dog within thirty to sixty minutes of mealtime. Large breed dogs are particularly prone to gastric dilation volvulus because of their deep chests – it is often recommended that you use an elevated food bowl for these breeds.As long as you are responsible about the way you feed and water your dog, you shouldn’t have to worry about bloat. Remember, ice cubes and ice water are not inherently dangerous but you should still be careful about how you use them.Should You Give Ice Cubes to Your Dog?Now that we’ve determined that ice cubes and ice water alone are not responsible for bloat in dogs – it’s consuming water too quickly – the question remains, should you still give ice cubes to your dog and are there any other concerts besides bloat to think about. First, you shouldn’t let your dog chew on ice cubes as it can hurt their teeth or even cause them to chip or break, not to mention that it can be a choking hazard. However, you can put a few ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl to cool it down on hot summer days, both to make it more appetizing and more refreshing to your dog. A safe, healthy way to introduce frozen liquids to your dog in order to help them cool down without any of the potential risks that would come with giving ice cubes or worrying if they chug down their icy water too fast is offering freezable dog treats that can be filled with yogurt, pureed veggies or fruits, or even peanut butter and then left in the freezer for a few hours or overnight to create an ice cream-like treat for your four-legged bestie. The design of the toy will allow only partial access to the frozen goodies inside it, so you don’t have to worry about your pooch breaking off an icicle chunk that could hurt them or swallowing the whole thing in one go. Instead, they’ll be “forced” to slowly lick the frozen treat, which will cool them down and engage them for a good while.

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