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A parti-color Cocker Spaniel sits on the grass beside a torn black garbage bag with trash scattered around it. 9 / 31

The Trash Bag Was Out Early and the Cocker Spaniel Was Up Earlier

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A black garbage bag lies split open on the grass, with banana peels, wrappers and papers scattered across the lawn. A parti-color Cocker Spaniel sits nearby, her long brown and white ears hanging down, her face wearing a serious frown. A watering can and a small fence give the backyard a peaceful setting. She appears to be waiting for the garden inspector to arrive.

Cocker Spaniels have a keen nose and a love of scavenging, which makes garbage an irresistible target. Trash can carry real hazards for dogs, from spoiled food to bones, wrappers and cooked fruit pits. Some items are dangerous in small amounts, such as chocolate, grapes, onions or sweeteners like xylitol. If your dog has gotten into the trash, check what is missing and call your vet or an animal poison line if anything worries you.

A lidded can with a latch, or a cabinet with a child lock, keeps most dogs out. Taking the bag out right away on pickup day, instead of leaving it on the lawn, also helps a lot.

She wears the look of a dog who knows she is in trouble and plans to look dignified about it. The yard will need a cleanup, but her ears are still beautiful. Her owner can pick up the pieces with gloves while she reflects on her choices from a safe distance.

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