I let ours lick ice cubes and always take some with us when we go out on these hot days, but found it was too hot for me to go during the day so just doing my shopping in the evenings now
I never let her have one to chew on for fear she might choke on it. I recently was told to help cool a dog on hot days to wet there feet and there chest and it will cool them down quicker. I notice you are in Calif. too, Patti and Baby Blessing