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A smiling white-haired woman in glasses holds out a vanilla ice cream cone as a black and white dog licks the top of it. 10 / 33

Grandma Nell Bought Herself One Ice Cream Cone on a Hot Day. That Was the Plan.

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A single scoop of vanilla ice cream sits atop a crisp waffle cone, and Pepper has wasted no time. His pink tongue is already out, sneaking a lick off the top while Grandma Nell holds the cone steady with a warm, crinkly smile behind her glasses. She is wearing her sage quilted vest over a soft tee, and her white hair is tousled from the summer heat. Pepper's black and white face is pure concentration, eyes half closed in bliss. Behind them, a plaid dish towel hangs on a chair, a tote bag rests on the counter, and a houseplant soaks up the window light.

As tempting as it is to share a treat on a hot day, regular ice cream is not an ideal snack for dogs. Many adult dogs do not digest lactose well, and the sugar and fat can lead to an upset stomach. Some flavors are more serious: chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts, and any product sweetened with xylitol can be dangerous. A safer option is a homemade frozen treat, such as plain unsweetened yogurt or a bit of mashed banana frozen in an ice cube tray, or a store-bought frozen treat made specifically for dogs. As always, talk to your vet if you have questions about your dog's diet.

Still, it is impossible not to smile at Pepper's face here. That one small taste looks like the highlight of his entire week.

Summer is best enjoyed together, and these two have clearly mastered the art of sharing.

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