A UK dog owner has sparked a wave of online advice after turning to Reddit to solve a messy and distressing problem: their pet gulps water down so rapidly it immediately vomits clear puddles around the house.
The Icy Problem: A Disgusting Habit
The concerned owner explained in a post on 29 December 2025 that their dog has a peculiar preference for ice-cold water with ice cubes and will refuse to drink anything lukewarm. However, this habit has a revolting consequence. "He gulps it and then immediately walks around the house throwing up viscous clear puddles," they wrote.
The owner noted that the vomiting doesn't seem to bother the dog, who then treats the ensuing clean-up attempt as a game, running away when they try to usher him outside. Faced with this daily, unpleasant routine, they asked the Reddit community for help in curbing the behaviour, questioning whether the cold water itself was to blame.
Community Wisdom: Practical Solutions Emerge
Fellow Reddit users, as reported by the Daily Record, were quick to offer a range of potential fixes. While some pointed the finger directly at the ice, others shared similar experiences. "I have that with my beagle. It doesn't seem related to the temperature of the water," one commenter admitted.
The most popular and repeatedly suggested solution was a simple change in equipment: using a slow feeder bowl for water. These specially designed dishes feature ridges, sections, and obstacles that force a pet to drink more slowly, preventing them from taking in large, sickening gulps.
"Maybe use a slow feeder dish as his water dish? That should slow down his water intake," one user recommended. Another confirmed this approach works: "This is what I do. After he finishes his food, I use my dog's slow feeder as his water bowl. He slows down significantly."
Why Slow Feeding Works for Drinking Too
According to pet retailer Lords and Labradors, slow feeder bowls are engineered to prevent issues like bloating and digestive discomfort by moderating pace. They also provide valuable mental stimulation for dogs.
Alternative strategies from the thread included offering smaller quantities of water at a time, refilling the bowl immediately after it's empty, and mixing water with kibble to create natural breaks. One user stated bluntly: "Quit giving him ice water. My ridgeback mix used to puke every time I put ice in his water."
The collective advice highlights a common issue for many dog owners and underscores that a quick, inexpensive switch to a slow feeder bowl could be the key to solving a very messy household problem.
