Is Ice Cream Bad for Dogs?
On a warm summer night, there’s nothing better than enjoying an ice cream cone. However, chowing down on ice cream when you have a canine companion can get a little uncomfortable. After all, there's a good chance that your dog will stare you down until you offer them a bite or two.
Unfortunately for our furry friends, they shouldn’t have ice cream. While speaking to the American Kennel Club in April 2025, Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, explained that “many adult dogs are lactose intolerant to varying degrees,” meaning milk products, like ice cream, aren’t going to digest well.
“If you feed these dogs milk products, they can experience anything from severe to mild gastrointestinal discomfort—loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or gas. Dairy products with high fat content can also cause pancreatitis in dogs,” said Dr. Klein.
The excess sugar and different flavorings, like chocolate, can also lead to big issues for your pup.
Thankfully for your furry friend, they can have dog-friendly frozen treats similar to ice cream. Here’s a list of recipes your pup is sure to enjoy.