Can dogs eat ice cream?

Ice cream is made from milk and cream, so it carries lactose. Many adult dogs produce less of the enzyme needed to digest it and respond with gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Half a cup of vanilla ice cream holds about 140 calories and around 7 g of fat, which is a lot for a small dog in one sitting.

Dogs that have had pancreatitis should avoid it completely.

Chocolate ice cream contains cocoa, which is toxic to dogs. Coffee and mocha flavors bring caffeine. Rum and raisin combines alcohol with raisins, which can cause kidney damage. Cookie dough, brownie, and nut flavors may include chocolate chunks or macadamia nuts.

No-sugar-added or low-sugar ice creams use sweeteners, and some products contain xylitol, which causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs. If you are not sure what your dog ate, keep the tub so you can read the label to your vet.

Pet shops sell frozen desserts made for dogs, usually from lactose-free yogurt or plant bases. At home, you can freeze plain unsweetened yogurt in an ice cube tray, or stuff a rubber toy with a little of your dog's wet food and freeze it overnight. These give a cold, licky treat with a fraction of the sugar.

Frozen treats are best given in shade after exercise, not as a replacement for water.

Wafer cones are mostly sugar and flour; a small piece is not harmful, but chocolate-dipped cones are. Wooden lolly sticks and plastic spoons are swallowed surprisingly often, so collect them straight away at picnics and on the beach.