Grandma Poured an Ice-Cold Lemonade. Pip Couldn't Stop Staring at It.
The porch is shady, the afternoon is warm and the lemonade is ice cold. Grandma June takes a slow, satisfied sip from a tall glass with a bright lemon wedge perched on the rim, eyes half closed in appreciation. Her silver braid falls over her denim shirt, and the screen door and potted plants behind her hint at a lazy summer day. Tucked against her side, Pip has turned his whole attention to that glass. His nose is lifted, his ears are up and his gaze is fixed on the cool drink with a look of pure longing, as if waiting for her to remember that he would like some too.
On hot days, dogs need plenty of fresh water, shade and rest, and small dogs can overheat more quickly than people realize. Lemonade, however, is not a good share. Citrus can upset a dog's stomach, and the sugar is not something they need. Some sugar-free drinks contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. A cool bowl of water, a few ice cubes to lick or a frozen dog-safe treat are better ways to help a pup beat the heat. Watch for heavy panting, drooling or lethargy, which can signal overheating, and move your dog to a cooler spot and call your vet if needed.
June will keep the lemonade, and Pip will get a fresh bowl of water. He may grumble a little, but he will probably settle for a scratch behind the ears.






