Guides for life with dogs, from snacks to routines.
An English Springer Spaniel is an active, people-oriented sporting dog. The breed can suit an owner who enjoys training and outdoor activity and can provide consistent company and care. A friendly reputation does not make a Springer a low-maintenance choice for every household. [1]
A trace of cinnamon in food is different from swallowing a large amount of powder, inhaling it or contacting concentrated cinnamon oil. Cinnamon is not a necessary dog supplement. Keep loose powder, sticks and essential oil away from pets. [1]
Most healthy dogs can have a small amount of plain, fully cooked shrimp with the head, shell, legs and tail removed. Cut the flesh into pieces suited to the dog. Raw shrimp, breaded shrimp and shrimp cooked in garlic butter need a different assessment. [1]
Dogs can eat a small amount of plain corn kernels removed from the cob. Do not give a dog corn on the cob. A swallowed cob or fragment can cause choking or an intestinal obstruction that may require emergency treatment. If your dog swallowed part of one, call your veterinarian promptly, even if the dog seems normal. [1]
Yes, most healthy dogs can eat a little peeled banana as an occasional treat. Offer a small, manageable piece or a little mash. Keep the peel away, and do not assume banana bread, chips or pudding have the same safety profile as plain fruit. [1]
Avocado is best left off your dog’s treat menu. A small accidental taste of plain flesh is different from swallowing a pit, eating skin or consuming guacamole, but none should be judged from a simple yes-or-no food list. The pit can cause choking or an intestinal blockage; call your veterinarian promptly if it was swallowed or is missing. [1]
A dog ear infection can cause head shaking, scratching, redness, odor, discharge or pain. These signs are a reason to arrange a veterinary examination, not a way to identify the organism or choose ear drops at home. Ear mites, allergies, foreign material and other problems can look similar. [1]
Yes, dogs can eat a small amount of plain watermelon flesh. Remove the rind and hard seeds, and cut the fruit into manageable pieces. Offer it as an occasional snack rather than a meal or a replacement for drinking water. [1]
Yes, most healthy dogs can eat a small amount of plain strawberry. Wash the fruit, remove the leafy top and stem, and cut or mash it to a texture the dog can manage. Offer a little first and watch for digestive upset before giving more. [1]
Many dogs can eat a tiny amount of plain cheese, but some cannot tolerate dairy or rich foods. Cheese can be high in fat and salt, so it is best treated as an occasional reward rather than a regular addition to meals. [1]