A Red Merle Aussie Sits Beside the Torn Bag of His Own Dog Food
One blue eye, one brown, and a worried look: a red merle Australian Shepherd sits beside a ripped-open paper bag of dog food, with kibble scattered across the floor. His coat is a lovely speckled mix of red, cream, and white, his ears tilt softly, and his gaze looks up in an unmistakable plea for mercy. A few torn scraps of paper lie among the pieces.
Behind him, a wicker basket full of blankets sits in the corner, a blue dish waits by the doorway, and a houseplant grows by the wall. Boxes and shoes crowd the edge of the room. We'll call him Kibble, which is the obvious choice. He has plainly found a shortcut to dinner.
Dog food is one treat that is meant for dogs, but eating too much at once can cause trouble. A dog that gets into the bag may overeat, and this can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or a bloated stomach. Bloat, which is a serious condition, is more common in deep-chested breeds, so call your vet right away if he seems restless, has a hard belly, or tries to vomit without success. Prevent it by storing food in a sealed container or a closed cabinet. Australian Shepherds are smart, energetic herding dogs, and they love a job. Puzzle feeders and slow bowls make mealtime more satisfying and keep a clever mind busy.
Kibble sits among the pieces, with his mismatched eyes and his best innocent look, waiting for the verdict.
