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šŸ• Protect your pup: 11 sneaky foods to avoid

Thursday, 9/12: Sponsored by Kenny Flowers and Trashie - toxic foods, snacks to share, 100 border collies

šŸ¾ Start your day on the right pawā€¦

dog eating GIF

ā€¦ and see the world through your dogā€™s eyes šŸ¾

  • šŸ¶ Over 100 Border Collies come together for a fundraiser

  • šŸ„° Keep your dogā€™s paws off of these toxic foods

  • šŸ¾ Coordinated sets for the whole family

  • šŸ¦“ 10 healthy snacks you can share with your pup

  • šŸ¾ Your newest closet clean out hack

  • ā¤ļø A special word from our pups

ā

The more boys I meet the more I love my dog.ā€

Carrie Underwood

True or False?

Dogs have more taste buds than humans.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Over 100 Border Collies Come Together to Make a Difference

Can you imagine being surrounded by over 100 dogs in one place? Honestly, it sounds like the best place to beā€”and it actually happened!

In Alnwick, England, at the Rocking Horse Cafe & Gallery, more than 100 border collies gathered on Monday, August 26th, for the annual ā€œBank Collie Event.ā€ The event also serves as a fundraiser for SHAK, a local nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to caring for abused, mistreated, and neglected dogs.

This yearā€™s event coincided with International Dog Day and was held in a large, grassy field near the coffee shop, giving the border collies all the space they could dream of to run, bark, and just be their energetic, social selves. The day was packed with activities, including an agility obstacle course (a border collieā€™s dream!), a group ā€œlie down,ā€ a photography session, raffle fun, and even a 3-mile walk.

Coffee shop owner Andrew Byne, a proud border collie enthusiast, holds this event close to his heart. Having owned collies for over 30 years, Byne knows how important it is for these intelligent, active dogs to have opportunities to socialize. ā€œThey are just such an amazing dog,ā€ he shared in an interview with the BBC. ā€œYou donā€™t get that connection with any other.ā€ Since its start in 2022, this annual event has become a much-anticipated tradition in the community, attracting border collies from all over the country!

Last yearā€™s event raised over $1,300 for SHAK, and this year, they exceeded that, raising $1,600ā€”all thanks to the amazing turnout of more than 100 border collies!

The incredible Bank Collie Day not only brought joy to the collies and their proud dog parents, but it also represents something even more meaningful: supporting SHAK so they can continue to care for dogs who need it most. SHAK, the nonprofit benefiting from the fundraiser, was founded by Stephen Wylie in 2006 after he lost his beloved dog, Shak, to lymphoma. The shelter now cares for over 60 dogs, giving them a safe haven and a chance to heal from their past. Hereā€™s to many more Bank Collie Days in the future!

Smiling border collie

11 Toxic Foods to Keep Away From Your Pup

As much as we love sharing food with our dogs sometimes, itā€™s important to remember that their bodies work differently from ours. Whatā€™s perfectly safe for us might not be so safe for them. Itā€™s always good to brush up on this info, especially if you have any littles at home (when my little one started solids, it felt like life or death trying to keep the dogs safe from the food that would be thrown across the room!). Letā€™s take a closer look at some common foods that should stay off your dogā€™s menu.

  1. Gum

Sugar-free gum might be one of the less thought-about dangers, but it can be more dangerous than you might think. These products often contain xylitol, a sweetener thatā€™s perfectly safe for humans but highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures or even liver failure. Honestly, a piece of gum containing xylitol would be more likely to land your pup in the ER than if they got into a chocolate bar without a high potency of cacao.

  1. Cherries

While the flesh of cherries isnā€™t harmful, the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Plus, swallowing the pits can lead to intestinal blockages. Itā€™s best to Save snacking on those sweet cherries when your pup is napping or away from you.

  1. Garlic and Onion

I love garlic and onion, and Iā€™m sure our dogs love the delicious smell when weā€™re sauteeing them together (is there a better smell!?), but they can cause serious problems for dogs. Garlic and onions can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even a small amount in powdered form can be harmful.

  1. Macadamia Nuts

These nuts are a tasty snack for us, but for dogs, they can cause weakness, vomiting, and even temporary paralysis. The exact reason why theyā€™re toxic to dogs isnā€™t entirely understood, but itā€™s best to keep them out of reach.

  1. Avocado

Avocados contain a substance called persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even serious heart issues in dogs. While dogs are more resistant to persin than some other animals, it's still a food youā€™ll want to keep away from your pup. Plus, the pit poses a choking hazard or could cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed.

When youā€™re storing your avocados, be sure to place them somewhere safe where they wonā€™t roll off the counterā€”even if itā€™s just for a second after grocery shopping. Trust me, Iā€™ve learned the hard way after chasing my dog to grab an avocado out of his mouth!

  1. Chocolate

This is the one we all rememberā€”drilled into our minds from a young age: Never feed your dog chocolate! Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are especially dangerous, and even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, heart issues, or, in severe cases, be fatal.

  1. Coffee and Caffeine

Just like chocolate, coffee contains caffeine, which can be dangerous for our pups. Ingesting caffeine can lead to hyperactivity, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and even tremors.

  1. Grapes and Raisins

These seemingly innocent fruits can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. The exact substance that causes this reaction is still unknown, but itā€™s clear that even a small amount can be very dangerous. Personally, I save eating grapes for picnics when Iā€™m not with my dogs, and even then, I pick up every piece that ends up in the grass to keep other pups safe!

  1. Seeds and Pits of Fruits

While most fruit itself is often safe, the seeds and pits of fruits like apples, peaches, plums, and apricots contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. These parts of the fruit can also cause blockages in the digestive tract.

  1. Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a common spice in our kitchens, especially for fall baking, but it contains myristicin, a compound that can cause hallucinations, increased heart rate, and seizures in dogs. Even a small amount can make your dog very sick. Nutmeg is often confused with cinnamon, which is safe for your pup in small amounts, so it's always good to double-check before sharing.

  1. Raw Yeast Dough

This might be a new one for some, but itā€™s important to know: if your dog gets into raw dough, it can expand in their stomach, leading to bloating and potentially serious complications. Plus, the fermentation process produces alcohol, which can cause alcohol poisoning. Keep those rising loaves well out of reach of curious paws!

Orbie Enjoying a Donut Treat

Coordinated Sets for Your Next Family Adventure

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Shop sets for the whole family. Use code FLOWERS10 and save 10% on your first order.

Thanks to Kenny Flowers for sponsoring Daily Dig.

10 Healthy Snacks You Can Share with Your Pup

We all know those puppy eyes are impossible to resist when you're snackingā€”but are there any safe foods to share with your dog? The short answer is yes! There are plenty of delicious, healthy options. Here are 10 snacks that both you and your pup can enjoy together.

  1. Carrots

Crunchy and low in calories, carrots are a great snack for your pup. Plus, theyā€™re good for their teeth! Itā€™s like a chew toy and a treat all in one.

  1. Bananas

A little potassium-packed banana is perfect for a sweet snack. Just remember, a few slices are plenty to keep your dogā€™s tummy happy.

  1. Watermelon

Watermelon is juicy and hydratingā€”just what you need for those hot days left this summer. Just be sure to remove the seeds and rind, and you've got a refreshing treat you and your pup can enjoy together.

  1. Blueberries

These little antioxidant bombs are a favorite for a reason. Toss a few blueberries to your dog during your next snack break, and watch them catch each one like a pro. You've just combined fetch and treat time in one go.

  1. Eggs

Scrambled, hard-boiled, or plain, eggs are a protein-packed snack your dog will love. Just skip the seasoningā€”your pup doesnā€™t need salt and pepper to enjoy them. And if youā€™re scrambling, be sure to avoid using avocado oil.

  1. Bell Peppers

Crisp, colorful, and full of vitamins, bell peppers are another crunchy snack that your dog can enjoy. Just steer clear of the spicy ones!

  1. Plain Popcorn

Movie night? Share some plain, unsalted popcorn with your pup! As long as itā€™s air-popped and butter-free, itā€™s a fun snack for both of you to munch on. This is my pupā€™s favorite.

  1. Unsweetened Plain Yogurt

A spoonful of plain yogurt can be a tasty and tummy-friendly snack. Itā€™s full of probiotics, which are great for your dogā€™s digestionā€”just make sure itā€™s unsweetened and free of artificial sweeteners.

  1. Mango (Fresh or Dried)

Mango is a sweet, fiber-rich treat. Just remove the pit and keep it in moderationā€”dried mango works too, as long as itā€™s unsweetened. This snack is especially awesome for hikes with your pup!

  1. Rice

Whether it's a spoonful of plain white or brown rice, this simple grain can be a nice treat for your dog. It's also gentle on their stomach, making it perfect for when they need a little digestive break.

Are there any snacks we didnā€™t list that you share with your pup? What are their favorites? Let us know!

Instagram: @soofsilverlab

Your Newest Closet Cleanout Hack

Did you know 85% of clothes end up in landfills (including donations)? The Trashie Take Back Bag is here to help keep all your giveaways out of the trash. They take everything - any brand, any category including menā€™s, kids, swimwear, undies, socks, shoes and sheets, and almost any condition. Buy a bag for $20, send it back for free, and youā€™ll get rewards in exchange for things like movie tickets, meal kits, clothing, beauty, wellness, travel and subscriptions. Plus, get free shipping on any order with code F6Y5PL.

Thank you to Trashie for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Poll: Whatā€™s your pupā€™s favorite healthy snack? šŸ•šŸ

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A Special Message From Our Best Buddies

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ā¤ļø

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan šŸ¾

šŸ¦“ A Little Treat

šŸ¤” True or False: False, dogs donā€™t have more taste buds than humans ā€” they have less. They have around 1,700 compared to 9,000 in us!

šŸ¶ DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs and their furry friends. Reply to this email with the best pics of your dog with a buddy, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

šŸ„° Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

šŸ’Œ Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your dogā€™s favorite healthy snack for a surprise in your inbox!

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