Q: Is it strange that my dog likes ice? It seems like every time I open the freezer he’s there waiting for a cube or two.
A: Oh, a lot of dogs enjoy ice cubes, especially when the weather is hot like it has been. It’s a great way to get your pup to cool off in a hurry.
I’ve talked to some people who have dogs that treat ice cubes like a toy – they’ll chase them around the kitchen floor, but never really eat them. Other dogs have no interest in them at all.
I imagine it’s a lot like people. I know some folks who love to chew ice, whereas for other people, like me, it gives them the willies. I can’t stand the shivers it produces.
I probably have sensitive teeth or something. I’m guessing some dogs are in the same boat.
I would be remiss in not mentioning that I’ve seen arguments over whether or not ice can chip a dog’s tooth. Some people share ice with their dogs with no problems, but other people are convinced it could break teeth. My instinct says frozen water can’t chip a tooth, but I wouldn’t have thought a popcorn kernel could, either, and I’ve chipped teeth on those.
I truly don’t think there’s a problem with giving your pup ice cubes from time to time, but be mindful of your pup’s teeth, especially if you have an older boy.
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Q: Why do cats’ feet smell like Fritos?
A: Oh my word, I love this question! I have to admit, I have a confession. I absolutely love the smell of dog and cat feet! I never thought before that they smell like Fritos, but now that you mention it, they really do.
My sister and I (I’m confessing for her now, too) are the kind of crazy animal-lovers who will deliberately sniff a cat or dog’s tootsies. The weirdness might be genetic. Heh. Now I’ve brought our mom and dad into the mix.
Believe it or not, there is an actual reason that an animal’s foot smells like Fritos. There is a bacteria that can get in between the toes and pads of an animal’s paw that science actually recognizes smells like corn chips. They actually call it Frito feet.
Bacteria abounds throughout the world and when you realize where our animals step throughout a day’s journey, it’s not tough to imagine that they come in contact with all kinds of different environmental factors. One such bacteria that seems to like an animal’s paws just happens to smell like Fritos. Bizarre, right?
I think it’s relatively natural, but I would begin to worry if your pet ever seems to have trouble walking or has any kind of sore on his or her paw or if the smell becomes really bad. Then it’s time to make a call to the vet. Otherwise, I think the scent is just another added bonus to life with a four-legged friend, at least for those of us crazy folks who go around sniffing tootsies.
Ask the Shelter is a weekly feature aimed at pet education. If you have a question, contact Jennifer Vanderau, publications and promotions consultant for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, at cvascomm@cvas-pets.org or 263-5791.
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