SHIH TZU 4U

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Can A Shih Tzu Eat Ice Cream?

The simple answer is yes, but there are potential risks associated with feeding your Shih Tzu this treat. While ice cream isn’t inherently toxic to dogs, most of the time it would not be a recommended snack.

 

Dogs are lactose-intolerant and consuming dairy products can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea in some dogs.

 

There are also dental issues due to an unhealthy overload of sugars that comes with giving dogs too much ice cream on regular basis.

 

Even if your dog seems completely healthy after eating ice cream, it’s best to avoid feeding them too much as it could lead to long-term health problems later on down the line.

Article Contents

Potential Problems With Feeding Your Shih Tzu Ice Cream?

Feeding your dog ice cream might be a popular teat among some pet owners it can lead to various health-related issues if abused.

 

Although ice cream is not toxic for dogs if eaten in small amounts potential side effects should be considered.

 

Dogs are unable to digest dairy well due to an enzyme called lactase which helps break down the lactose found in dairy products.

 

Consequently, feeding your Shih Tzu ice cream can cause distress in their digestive system which may manifest as vomiting or even seizures.

 

In addition, many commercially prepared ice creams are filled with unhealthy sweeteners and artificial flavors that may further upset a dog’s stomach.

 

Although it may seem like an innocent treat, humans should always exercise caution when giving their pets any form of human food.

For more information about what foods in general are healthy for your Shih Tzu, you might like to read our article: Shih Tzu Food List

What To Do If Your Shih Tzu Eats Ice Cream

If your Shih Tzu has eaten a small amount of ice cream it probably want be a problem.

 

Smaller amounts may cause stomach upset and digestive discomfort; in this case offering plain water and monitoring closely should do the trick. Just keep an eye on them and see if they are showing any signs of illness.

If your dog has eaten a large amount of ice cream it could be more serious. You should call a vet right away as ice cream can be dangerous depending on the ingredients.

 

Most importantly, make sure any tempting temptations are kept out of reach next time so that this doesn’t happen again!

Summary

Consuming large amounts of ice cream can be detrimental to your Shih Tzu’s health.

 

Ice cream often contains high levels of sugar that can lead to canine diabetes and other ailments.

 

Additionally, the lactose in ice cream can cause digestive problems for dogs with sensitive stomachs, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

If you suspect your dog has ingested a large amount of ice cream, it is best to take them to the vet immediately.

 

The vet can evaluate the severity of the ingestion and offer advice on how to best help your pet recover.

 

In addition to seeking professional help, consider making dietary changes for your dog in order to prevent future episodes of overindulging.

Further Reading

If you would like to dig deeper into all areas of caring for your Shih Tzu we recommend you check out the book bellow.

shih tzu complete guide book cover

Using interviews with 17 top Shih Tzu breeders, author and experienced Shih Tzu owner Molly Weinfurter has created an in-depth look at what it takes to successfully live with, raise, and train a Shih Tzu.

 

This book has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Amazon with over 220 reviews.

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