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Grandma in an olive quilted vest holds a glass of lemonade on her porch as a black Labrador leans in to sniff it. 16 / 22

Dot Poured Herself Some Lemonade. A Big Black Nose Appeared Instantly.

AI imagelabrador retrieverlemonadesummer porch

A tall glass of lemonade with a lemon wedge on the rim is exactly what a warm afternoon calls for, and Dot is savoring hers from her favorite cushioned porch chair. She's wearing a grey T-shirt under her olive quilted vest, her white hair twisted up in a messy bun, and a gentle smile on her face as she looks down. The reason for that smile has his chin practically on her lap. Moose, her black Lab, has pushed his broad nose right up beside the glass, nostrils flared, eyes rolled up toward her in the most hopeful expression a dog can make. Potted plants line the porch and a quiet street stretches beyond the lawn.

Lemonade isn't a good drink to share with a dog. Citrus fruits contain oils and compounds that can upset a dog's stomach, and the sugar in sweetened drinks isn't good for them either. Some lemonades and sugar-free drinks also contain xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts. On hot days, the best refreshment for a dog is cool, fresh water, offered often. Some dogs also enjoy ice cubes or a frozen lick mat made with dog-safe ingredients. Labs can overheat during exercise in warm weather, so plenty of shade and rest breaks are important.

Moose won't be getting a sip, but he'll probably get an ice cube and a scratch behind the ears. On a lazy summer porch, that's a pretty fine consolation prize.

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