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Elderly couple on a couch holding a small vanilla ice cream cone just above the nose of an eager tricolor Basset Hound. 33 / 40

Grandma and Grandpa Shared One Vanilla Cone. Rufus Was About an Inch Away.

AI imagebasset houndice creamsummer

A single vanilla cone, swirled high and slightly melting, is held up between two delighted faces. Grandpa in a denim shirt grins with his eyes crinkled nearly shut, and Grandma in a soft pink cardigan beams through her glasses. They are sitting on the couch on a hot afternoon, kitchen cabinets and a few potted plants visible behind them. Rufus has pushed his head up into the middle of the scene, mouth open, eyes rolled toward the cone and nose about an inch from victory. The look on his face is pure hope.

Ice cream is a classic summer treat for people, but it is not ideal for dogs. Many adult dogs have trouble digesting lactose, and the sugar and fat in regular ice cream can upset their stomachs. Some flavors are risky too, especially chocolate and anything with xylitol, raisins or certain nuts. A better option is a frozen treat made for dogs, or a homemade version using plain yogurt or a bit of mashed banana, frozen in small portions. As always, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or health condition, talk to your vet before introducing new foods.

Whether Rufus gets a lick of this cone or a dog-friendly frozen snack instead, he has already won the afternoon. Sitting between his two favorite people on a hot day is a treat all its own.

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