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A smiling older man in red flannel holds a vanilla ice cream cone as a small white Maltese leans in to sniff it. 17 / 35

Grandpa Got Himself a Vanilla Cone on a Hot Day. Pearl Had Questions.

AI imagemalteseice creamsummer

A soft vanilla swirl tops a crisp waffle cone, and Grandpa Gus holds it up with a fond, amused smile. He has company. Pearl has leaned in close, her black nose almost touching the ice cream and her dark eyes locked onto the treat with laser focus. Her silky white ears hang down on either side of her face, and her whole posture says she would very much like a taste. Gus wears his familiar red buffalo plaid, and behind them the sunny living room has a cozy knit throw on the sofa, potted plants on the shelf, and a soft cushion in the corner.

Ice cream is a classic summer treat for people, but it's not a great idea for dogs. Many adult dogs have trouble digesting lactose, so dairy can cause tummy trouble. Ice cream is also high in sugar and fat, and some flavors contain chocolate, nuts, or xylitol, which can be dangerous for dogs. Small breeds like the Maltese are especially sensitive to rich foods. If you want to share a cool treat on a hot day, look for frozen treats made specifically for dogs, or try a few frozen blueberries or a spoonful of plain, frozen pumpkin after checking with your vet.

Gus looks like he's trying very hard to say no, and Pearl looks like she's trying even harder to change his mind. It's a battle of wills, and the cone is melting fast.

On a warm day, the sweetest thing in the room isn't always the ice cream.

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