Why does my dog…

Why does my dog sit on my feet?

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Dogs may beg for a piece of your brownie, but chocolate is one treat they can never safely share, and the reason comes down to chemistry. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that humans process easily, but dogs break down extremely slowly. Even a small amount can be hard for dogs to digest

Darker chocolates pose the biggest risk because they contain higher concentrations of theobromine. A few squares of baking chocolate can be far more dangerous than an entire milk chocolate bar. Signs of chocolate toxicity often show up within hours and can include restlessness, vomiting, rapid breathing, tremors, and an elevated heart rate.

If your dog ever gets into chocolate, call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately, and they’ll guide you based on your dog’s size, the type of chocolate, and how much they ate.

Chocolate might be a holiday staple for humans, but for dogs, it’s always off-limits. Luckily, there are plenty of pup-safe treats that bring all the joy without any of the danger.

If you’re shopping for a dog lover this holiday season, skip the novelty toys and give a gift that actually matters: peace of mind. Every pet parent knows the fear—dogs getting into chocolate, grapes, human medications, or even THC by mistake. It happens fast, and until recently, there wasn’t much you could do at home.

That’s why veterinarians created ReadyRESCUE™, the first-of-its-kind emergency tool for accidental pet poisonings. Using clean, easy-to-give activated carbon spheres, ReadyRESCUE™ works by rapidly binding toxins in the stomach and intestines to help limit absorption into the bloodstream. It’s simple to mix with food or yogurt and can be given immediately while heading to the vet. It’s also the first and only veterinary-hospital-grade charcoal made available to pet owners.

This holiday, give the gift every dog home should have on hand—a little lifesaving readiness.

Shop ReadyRESCUE™ now and get 10% OFF with code DAILYDIG — limited time only.

Thank you to ReadyRESCUE™ for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Etienne is a 7-year-old Shar Pei with a huge heart. Don’t let his stoic pose fool you; he’s as gentle and loving as they come.

Whether he's climbing rocky trails or stretching out in his plush dog bed, Etienne knows how to balance adventure and relaxation like a pro. Athletic, loyal, and always photo-ready, he’s the kind of pup who makes every day feel like a trek worth taking.

Thanks to Daily Dig reader, Denise, for sharing this majestic moment! Want your dog featured in Daily Dig? Send in a photo, their name, and a few fun facts. We’d love to show them off!

If you’ve ever suspected your dog might secretly be the smartest pup on the block, science now has a category for dogs like them: label learners. These rare dogs can recognize dozens, sometimes hundreds, of objects by name. A new study across the U.S. and Europe found that these pups share three standout traits: curiosity, focus, and impressive self-control.

Researchers worked with 11 label-learning dogs, from Border Collies to mixed breeds, and compared their behavior to typical dogs. The gifted group spent more time examining new objects and showed a clear interest in specific items, which signaled stronger curiosity and sharper attention. They were also better at resisting distractions, a skill researchers believe is key to understanding and remembering object names.

One participant, Harvey the Border Collie, can identify over 220 toys and treats, fetching them like it’s his full-time job. Scientists say label learners are incredibly rare, but studying them may help reveal how canine intelligence develops, and could even lead to a future Puppy IQ Test.

For now, the takeaway is simple: curiosity, concentration, and impulse control are the brainy trio behind canine genius.

• 🦴 How to help your dog when they eat something bad

• 🐶 Meet Cowboy, the dachshund living it up in a pumpkin patch

• 📱 These three dogs went viral

ReadyRESCUE™ is the first-of-its-kind emergency tool for accidental pet poisonings. Shop ReadyRESCUE™ now and get 10% OFF with code DAILYDIG — limited time only.

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. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

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