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Grandmother in a blue cardigan and floral apron stands among orange pumpkins as a Jack Russell sniffs her hand. 8 / 40

Abuela Went Out to Check Her Pumpkins. Chispa Was More Interested in Her Hand.

AI imagejack russell terrierpumpkin patchautumn

October has arrived in the backyard garden. Orange pumpkins of every size sit nestled among sprawling vines and crunchy leaves, along with a few green ones that still have some growing to do. Abuela Rosa stands in the middle of her little patch wearing a soft blue cardigan over her floral apron, gray hair clipped up and small earrings catching the light. She is smiling down at Chispa, who has trotted over to give her fingers a thorough sniff, perhaps checking for the scent of pumpkin or, more likely, a hidden treat. A weathered wooden fence and a few potted plants frame the cozy, slightly wild scene.

Pumpkin season is a fun time to share with a dog, and plain pumpkin can even be a dog-friendly snack. Many owners offer a spoonful of plain cooked or canned pumpkin, which contains fiber. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced, and skip the stems, rinds and raw seeds, which are hard to digest. Carved jack-o-lanterns that have started to rot should be kept out of reach, since moldy food can make dogs sick. And when the candles come out on the porch, battery-powered lights are a safer choice for homes with curious pets. If your dog has digestive issues, talk to your vet before adding new foods.

Rosa may already be picturing pies and decorations. Chispa is mostly hoping that whatever happens next involves her, and possibly a snack.

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