National Grilling Month kicks off on July 1, and odds are you’re making plans to host some cookouts. But before your next party, make sure you are giving extra consideration to your four-legged friend.

“It’s easy for dogs to quickly access food and other items that could be dangerous to them,” says Kiko Bracker, D.V.M., director of emergency and critical care at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. For instance, Bracker recalls a dog who needed emergency surgery after he ingested enough gravel to fill his stomach. Gravel alone may not be appealing, but drippings from the grill had splashed onto the rocks, tempting the dog. The hospital also receives numerous cases every summer of dogs who consume corncob holders and barbecue skewers.

7 ways to ensure everyone has a great time at your next cookout!

1. Consider your Menu.

Because skewers pose a threat, Bracker recommends not using them. Be aware, too, that bones and corncobs can be life-threatening. “If they’re not digested, they can pass through to the small intestines, resulting in small bowel obstruction, which can become fatal without emergency veterinary care,” he says. If you do serve these items, place corncobs and bones in a garbage can that’s out of a dog’s reach. Peach pits, foil, plastic wrap, and cotton string used to bind roasts can also cause issues, so keep them away from your dog. If you want to treat your dog to a piece of meat, make sure it doesn’t contain bones and isn’t so hot that it burns your dog’s mouth.

2. Dog-Friendly Foods.

There are plenty of dog-friendly fruits and vegetables your dog can enjoy right along with you. Make sure you prepare them in a manner that is safe for your dog and make sure to feed in moderation.

3. Hot Off the Grill.

Although most dogs are smart enough to avoid an open fire, they can still get into issues with the grill, especially if it falls over and injures them, Bracker says. Their leashes, for example, may get tangled in a grill’s legs, knocking it over. Be aware that this could happen and take steps to prevent it, by securing the grill, limiting your dog’s access to it, and removing leashes or other items that might become entangled in the grill.

4. Scan the Perimeter.

In your own home, you have probably already done this, but if you are going somewhere new or heading to a park for a BBQ, check that poisonous or harmful plants and gardening supplies are out of your dog’s reach, including fertilizer, rat poison, and plant food.

5. Heat Check.

Because dogs can’t cool down as quickly as people, heat can be problematic. The rule of thumb? “When it’s too hot for us, it’s too hot for our dogs,” Bracker says. If it’s safe for your dog to be outside, provide fresh water and shelter in the shade. Otherwise, keep your dog inside and allow access to an air-conditioned room.

6. Set Some Ground Rules.

Finally, if you’re at home ask your guests to help keep your dog safe. If your dog is inside your home, remind guests to close doors behind them or watch that your dog doesn’t escape when opening yard gates.

7. Have fun!

Break out the ball or throw a Frisbee and have a doggone great time!

Winter can be a tough time for a dog’s paws. Prevent weather-related paw pad injuries by following some basic tips and the use of products designed for paw protection.

Preventing Paw Pad Injuries

ThinkstockOne of the biggest threats to healthy paw pads is the salt used to melt ice on driveways, roads and sidewalks. Prolonged contact can lead to chemical burns on dog paws. If your dog is limping by end of a walk, deicing products may be hurting his feet. Try to keep your dog off the salty sidewalk (think grass or snow) whenever possible.

Another threat from deicers is ingestion. Dogs may lick their paws or your boots and ingest deicing salts. To prevent your dog from ingesting deicing salts, keep a shallow bowl of warm water and a cloth near the entryway to your home so that you can wipe your boots and your dog’s paws when coming back inside.

Another common cause of sore paws during the cold winter months are the ice balls which form between the pads and toes of hairy-footed dog. To reduce the risk of ice balls, keep inter-pad hair trimmed neatly and short during the winter months. Not only can hairy feet contribute to the development of ice balls on the feet, paw hair can retain a lot of those nasty deicing salts. If your dog has hairy feet, trim them throughout the winter.

Dogs left in the cold for long periods of times are also at risk for frostbite on paws and hypothermia. It is not advised that dogs spend hours in the cold. In winter, frequent short walks are better for your dog than a single long walk

Bag Balm, a product available at nearly every pharmacy, applied in a thin layer daily or every other day should help keep your dog’s paws from cracking and bleeding. Keeping a humidifier in the house should also prevent dry, itchy skin for both you and your pet.

Products For Protecting Dog Paws

There are many products designed to protect dog paw pads during the winter month, from pet safe deicing products to protective waxes and dog booties. Safe Paw is a common pet-friendly deicer, but sand, small stones, and kitty litter (non-clumping) are also options for deicing while protecting your dog’s pads from injury and chemical burns. Musher’s Secret is one of the most popular paw waxes. Paw wax is applied to the pads of the feet before a walk, forming a protective barrier between the paw and the salty sidewalk or pavement. Paw wax will wear away after extended exercise, and should be reapplied before each walk.

The best protection for your dog’s paws and pads are dog booties. Just as wearing boots in the winter protects your pads, dog booties will prevent injury to your dog’s feet. Dog boots can protect your dog’s paws from salt, ice balls, and cutting his pads on sharp items that may be hidden under the snow or sharp ice. Proper sizing of dog booties is especially important in ensuring that the booties are comfortable for your dog to wear and maximize paw protection.

Dog booties may look silly, but really are the ultimate protection for your dog. Human snowsuits look silly also, but are they not the best for keeping sledding kids warm? Just as your kid may not want to wear a snowsuit, your dog may not initially like wearing booties. With a little time and patience, you can train your dog to love wearing his dog boots!

If you notice a cloudy film covering the lens of your dog’s eyes, what you’re likely seeing is lenticular sclerosis, a common eye problem in dogs and cats. While many dogs develop lenticular sclerosis, some breeds are more prone. Have a question?

Eye Problems

Two common canine eye problems are lenticular sclerosis and senile cataracts, both of which create a haze over the lens. Lenticular (nuclear) sclerosis, a type of cataract, is a bluish film that usually develops in both lenses of middle-age or senior dogs; it does not affect vision dramatically. Senile cataracts, however, are a whitish, opaque film directly affecting a dog’s retinas and vision. Most elderly dogs eventually develop one or both types of problems.

Breeds Susceptible

According to vet and behaviorist Dr. Ron Hines, some dogs get cataracts sooner than others. Among the larger breeds are cocker spaniels, German shepherds, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Afghans, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Old Eglish sheepdogs, huskies, and springer spaniels. Smaller dogs, such as Westies, poodles and schnauzers, get cataracts more frequently than other breeds. However, most dogs eventually get cataracts, especially the lenticular sclerosis type, as they age, starting at about age 6.

Other Causes

Although the cause is unknown, some dog breeds have inherited predisposition to cataract development, including lenticular sclerosis, at birth. According to Dr. Hines, typical breeds include fox terriers, bichon frises, cocker spaniels, Afghans, Boston terriers, standard poodles, miniature schnauzers, Westies and malamutes. Other contributing factors are eye injuries, eye inflammation, bad nutrition due to deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, and diabetes due to uncontrolled high blood sugar.

Treatment

Although you may think a dog with lenticular sclerosis is suffering, he’s not. No treatment is necessary. Most dogs adapt well to the condition and lead normal lives, with fairly good vision. However, you should have a veterinarian examine your dog and then have the vet periodically monitor for development of senile cataracts, which can, but may not, develop later. If your dog does develop full-fledged cataracts, they can be surgically corrected.

Dogs who are content with apartment living need less exercise, are quieter and get along with people and other dogs. These dogs become more popular as urban populations increase. People who are more conscientious about reducing their carbon footprint are moving to cities to live in apartments near work and take advantage of transportation alternatives to the car. Apartment dwellers with allergies seek out dogs who do not shed, and while no dogs have proven to be 100 percent non-shedding or hypoallergenic, numerous breeds shed only minimally, release small amounts of saliva and spread very little dander, the primary causes of dog allergies.

Choosing Your Dog

Finding the right dog is complicated if you have limited living space and even more difficult if you have allergies. Before looking for a dog, it is important to do research and learn about types of dogs who adjust well to apartment life and who are considered low- to non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Because each dog breed is unique, you cannot know for certain which breed or mix of breeds will cause an allergic reaction, so everyone in your household should try to spend time with the kinds of dogs you are considering before making a decision. This will prevent your choosing a dog who is not suited for apartment living or who triggers allergic responses.

Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature schnauzer is a family dog and loving companion, a lapdog who is playful and tolerant with children. This small schnauzer is one of the most adaptable terriers and can be a well-mannered apartment dog. She sheds very little, although she has has a short coat that needs regular maintenance because the hair is prone to matting. Miniature schnauzers are curious and alert and enjoy being right in the middle of any activity.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The soft-coated wheaten terrier is one of the most gentle terriers. When provided with enough outdoor exercise, these can be calm, sweet apartment dogs. Wheatens are very affectionate and prefer to be lapdogs even though they weigh about 35 pounds. They are playful and friendly with children and dogs. Soft-coated wheaten terriers want to be close to their people and adapt well to life in the city. Well-balanced wheatens can remain calm even when the doorbell rings or people come to visit.

Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington terriers are companion dogs who enjoy moderate play and exercise, crave affection and get along fairly well with people and other pets. They are gentle dogs who are comfortable in apartments and can be good watchdogs. The Bedlington weighs under 25 pounds, has a curly woolen coat that does not shed and resembles a lamb.

Chinese Crested

Chinese crested dogs are playful, affectionate lapdogs who get along with cats, other dogs, adults and children. They do not need much exercise and are happy playing games in the house and going for short walks outside, as long as the weather is not cold. The hairless variety of this breed is non-shedding, but has special skin care needs, such as a need to be protected from sunshine. Your hairless Chinese crested should also wear a sweater for cold or cool weather outings.

Havanese

The Havanese is considered a hypoallergenic, non-shedding dog breed. These dogs originated in Cuba, where they were kept as companion dogs. They are excellent family dogs, friendly with everyone—other dogs, pets, adults, children and strangers. These little dogs are attentive, intelligent and trainable, as well as silly and clownish, and they enjoy being the center of attention. They can be calm, quiet apartment dogs whose exercise requirements will be satisfied by a short walk and a vigorous indoor play session.

Italian Greyhound

Italian greyhounds are ideal apartment dogs who need little exercise, except for an occasional outdoor run. They are very friendly, easy to train and loyal. They shed very little, so are good for allergy sufferers. These slight dogs are sensitive to cold, so you will have to provide your Italian greyhound with a warm home and a sweater when the weather is chilly. Italian greyhounds prefer a quiet, calm atmosphere, and they are excellent dogs for people who lead quiet lives and who enjoy a calm companion by their side.

Weighing up to 120 pounds and measuring 35 inches high at the shoulders, Irish wolfhounds are most recognized for their impressive size. First appearing on record in A.D. 391 these gentle giants were used for a variety of tasks ranging from guarding castles to playing with royal children. Despite their commanding size, Irish wolfhounds are prone to serious health conditions and live only, on average, between six and eight years.

Considerations Before Buying

Compared to other breeds, Irish wolfhounds live significantly shorter lives — a factor the Irish Wolfhound Club of America asks all perspective owners to consider before acquiring the dog. If you own an Irish wolfhound, be prepared for your dog to encounter serious health conditions. Irish wolfhounds suffer from genetic disorders associated with the breed including high rates of bone cancer and dangerously enlarged hearts. Because of their large size, these dog are at higher risk for painful hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Irish wolfhounds are also the breed most likely to suffer from bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off the blood flow through the body. Despite these health concerns, proper veterinary care can help owners and their Irish wolfhounds spend many healthy years together.

Greyhounds are cherished by pet owners for their quiet, even-tempered demeanor and elegant appearance. Luckily for those who love greyhounds, these dogs have a very long life span, considering their size, and they tend to enjoy good health for much of their lives.

Greyhound Life Span

Greyhounds, even retired racing greyhounds, are generally long-lived. The average life span of a greyhound is between 10 and 13 years, but some individuals of the breed can live up to 15 years. Part of the reason for greyhounds’ longevity is the lack of major genetic health problems that sometimes plague other breeds.

Health Issues

Though greyhounds are typically very healthy dogs, a few health problems are commonly seen in the breed. Greyhounds can be susceptible to bone cancer, particularly in the legs, and are prone to cuts and lacerations in their delicate skin. Retired racing greyhounds may have injuries from their racing days that can impact their longevity, including muscle, hock and foot issues.

If you intend to show your purebred dog in conformation classes, it’s not enough for him to simply look beautiful. While dogs at conformation shows are judged on how closely they adhere to a breed ideal, they also must be well-behaved and well-presented. Because the finest dogs are the future of a breed, spayed or neutered animals can’t compete in conformation shows.

Conformation Shows

Start by familiarizing yourself with the breed and grooming standard for your particular dog, then the rules and regulations regarding conformation classes. Visit shows or watch them on television to get a feel for the competition. Speak with breeders about purchasing a show-quality puppy. Pet-quality puppies make wonderful companions, but they won’t make it in the show ring. Before starting conformation-specific training, make sure your puppy or dog has what it takes to succeed. If he’s got the potential, your local parent breed or an all-breed club can help you navigate the next steps.

Basic Obedience

Training for the show ring should go hand-in-hand with basic obedience training. Your dog should know the commands “sit,” “stand,” “stay,” “down” and “heel.” Work particularly on “stand and stay,” as this is the position in which the dog is judged. Taking your puppy to obedience classes also exposes him to other dogs, a must for the potential show canine.

Stacking

To best display his assets, your dog must learn to “stack” correctly. Some dogs do this naturally, while others need considerable training. Although the correct stack varies by breeds, in most cases the animal’s forelegs stack in alignment with the withers, with rear pasterns aligned at a 90 degree angle from the ground. You are permitted to manually stack your dog, moving each foot into the correct position, but free-stacking is preferred. That involves not touching your dog, but having him stack himself via voice or gestural commands.

Baiting

Training your dog to look at you on command is imperative if you plan to compete. So-called “bait training” uses a food incentive, but a few other incentives work as well with canines. Start by repeating a word, such as “treat” while your dog consumes his food. That ensures the word has a pleasurable connotation. During obedience training, keep treats — or kibble — in your pocket and use the term when your dog is performing a stand-stay. Your dog looks at you while extending his neck, which, if done correctly, puts him in the correct pose for showing off the breed silhouette. While you can use the word whenever you want the dog’s attention, do not use it when your dog sits, as conformation classes do not involve sitting and you don’t want him to react improperly.