The low-fat ice cream Gelato has sold well amid the country's economic crisis in Italy. Especially, because of the hot weather, ice cream for dogs is very popular among many Italians. It's called Dogs’ Ice Cream or IceBau, and was released at a gelato festival in Ancona on June 1, Italy's ANSA news agency reported.

The Italian Institute of Ice Cream, or IGI, reported sales for pre-packaged ice cream increased 2.2 percent in 2011, pulling in about $2.4 billion. Similarly, the IGI found gelato sales were up all year long, not just in the hotter months, with retail sales up 3.9 percent.

The ice cream has three flavors _ vanilla, rice and yogurt. They contain no milk, eggs or sugar, which are harmful to dogs, the news agency said.

This product sells at grocery store freezers across Italy this summer. And a serving cost is $2.50. Although it is not a cheap price, they are selling like a hot cake with temperatures in Rome topping 36 degrees Celsius.

"Elsa is my dog hooked on the ice cream's flavors," said dog-owner Anna Bordoni. "It must be fantastic."

"Water remains the best cool-down treat for dogs, but the dogs' ice cream does no harm to them," said veterinarian Marialivia Palmieri.