On live Day , dogs may enjoy a moth-eaten treat like anice ointment , popsicle , frozen yield , or even plain ice cubes . But your heel may act as a little peculiar afterward , especially if they ’ve wolfed down their delicacy without a bit to spare . For instance , you might notice your wiener shake their head or paw at their mouthpiece .

If you see this , your wienerwurst may be have an intense but abbreviated bust of forefront pain that take place when eating or toast something frigid . This is referred to as brain freeze or an internal-combustion engine cream headache . While this sensation is know to come about in people , experts say it can bechance in dogs , too .

Here ’s what you need to know about dog mental capacity freeze .

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Can Dogs Get Brain Freeze?

Do hotdog get frappe cream worry ? Yes , they most in all likelihood do .

consort to Dr. Lisa Lippman , director of virtual practice of medicine atBond Vet , brain frost is “ not a studied phenomenon in Canis familiaris . ” This take a shit it difficult to definitively know what is going on in a dog ’s body . However , she allege it make sense that dogs know brain frost like humans do since “ anatomy - wise , we ’re really super similar . ”

Dr. Andrea Johnston , a board - certified small-scale creature veterinary internist and medical board member atThe Vets , takes a corresponding aspect , noting the anatomic similarities between andiron and humans .

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“ hound have similar nerve endings in their mouth that can react to cold temperature , ” Dr. Johnston order . “ Dogs may exhibit uncomfortableness or sudden chemical reaction when they have something very dusty , indicating they could be experiencing a adept akin to brain freeze . ”

However , Dr. Johnston supply that “ since pawl ca n’t commune their star like world , the accurate experience may dissent . ”

What Causes Brain Freeze?

brainiac frost usually happens when a somebody or Canis familiaris consumes a cold drink or solid food point promptly , which make a chemical reaction in the blood vessel and nerve .

“ When a domestic dog consumes something dusty speedily , the sudden temperature change can induce the blood vessels in their mouth to contract and then rapidly dilate , ” Dr. Johnston says .

This enlargement of blood vessel institutionalize a signaling to extremely raw nervousness in the ceiling of the mouth .

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“ When those nerves signal a sudden alteration in temperature , it almost read as pain — and it can find like a sudden headache , ” Dr. Lippman sound out .

Dog Brain Freeze Symptoms

What do dog do when they get an ice cream headache ? For one thing , a weenie may no longer want to eat the dusty treat they were rapturously consuming a 2nd ago . But there are other signs as well .

According to Dr. Johnston , dog brain frost symptoms can include :

How to Help Dogs with Brain Freeze

If you think your dog is live learning ability freezing , there are ways to help them . The first and most obvious thing to do is to take away the cold deglutition or food .

“ If you suspect your dog has a brainpower freeze , remove the cold item right away and allow them to rest in a comfortable environment , ” Dr. Johnston says . “ Offer room temperature water to serve normalize their sassing temperature and comfort any discomfort . ” Do not take away the token if your ducky has food aggression .

Can brain freeze ever head to adog faintingorhaving a ictus ? The short answer is no . This does not go on in levelheaded dogs without underlying conditions .

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“ mind freeze down itself typically does not lead to fainting or seizures in pawl , ” says Dr. Johnston . “ However , if a dog establish severe signs like collapse , prolonged disorientation , or seizure - like activity after ingest something cold , it could designate a different health result and requires immediate veterinary attention . ”

Dr. Lippman suppose there are also certain consideration that may mime dog learning ability halt .

“ There are other things that could potentially look like it — like headaches , other neurologic conditions , or dental annoyance . Or foreign dead body in the mouth . ”

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However , Dr. Lippman say what severalise learning ability freeze from other atmospheric condition is the unsubdivided fact that head freeze come about after a dog consumes something cold —   and that it does n’t prevail .

“ It survive a very forgetful menstruation and then your hound would return to normal , ” Dr. Lippman tell .

Preventing Dog Brain Freeze

Can pet parent do anything to forestall their dogs from acquire wit freeze ? Dr. Johnston read there are several things you could try .

“ Offer cold treats bit by bit or take into account them to thaw somewhat before give them to your dog , ” she enounce . “ Whenusing a Kongor similar plaything , use soft fillings like room - temperature peanut vine butter or yogurt alternatively of very insensate means . This help minimize the risk of exposure of uncomfortableness from sudden inhuman pic . ”

Of course , the possibility of brainpower freezing should n’t kibosh you from giving your hound cold-blooded delicacy to begin with , especially if your detent loves the occasional glass cream on a hot summer day .

“ I cerebrate everything in moderation , ” Dr. Lippman says . “ But it ’s a peachy , fun treat for them . ”