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An older man in a cap and fishing vest picks apples from a tree at dusk while a yellow Labrador sniffs apples on the grass. 17 / 40

Grandpa Was Picking Apples Off the Tree. The Lab Had a Different Strategy.

AI imagelabrador retrieverapple pickingautumn

Evening is settling over the yard, the porch light has come on, and Grandpa Gus is still out under the apple tree. Kneeling in the grass, he stretches one arm high to pluck a shiny red apple from the lowest branch, squinting up through his glasses with determination. Sunny has her own job. Head down, she is moving from one fallen apple to the next, giving each a thorough sniff as if she is grading the harvest. Bright fruit is scattered across the lawn, and the warm windows of the house glow softly in the background.

Apples can be a fine occasional snack for many dogs. Plain slices without the core or seeds are crunchy and low in fat, and plenty of Labs think they are a wonderful treat. The seeds, though, contain compounds that can release cyanide when chewed, and the core is a choking risk, so it is best to remove both. Fallen fruit brings its own problems. Apples left on the ground can start to ferment and rot, and dogs who eat a lot of them may end up with an upset stomach, or worse. If you have fruit trees, try to collect windfall regularly, especially if your dog is a determined scavenger like many Labradors are. If your dog eats a large amount, call your vet.

Grandpa will be heading inside with a basket full of apples. Sunny will be heading inside with a very satisfied nose, and maybe a slice saved just for her.

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