Dogs and the 4th of July - Keep Your Dog Safe During the Celebration

 

The 4th of July is a time of celebration. It's all about food, family, fun and fireworks. However, it could be a dangerous and frightening time for your dog. Learn how to keep your dog safe during the Fourth of July holiday festivities.
                                                                                               

FIREWORKS: Fireworks and dogs simply do not mix. Many owners underestimate their dogs when it comes to fireworks. The truth is, even the bravest dogs can become terrified by their sound. The most important thing you can do for your dog is to keep her away from fireworks displays. If you plan to go see fireworks, do your dog a favor and leave her at home. If fireworks can be heard near your home, keep her indoors for the evening, and give her a safe place to curl up, like a crate or plush dog bed with blankets.

HEAT STROKE: July 4th in the U.S. is one of the hottest times of the year. While many celebrations are held outdoors, we humans have the benefit of going in and out of the house as needed. We can also cool ourselves with sweat. Sometimes we can even take a dip in the pool. Unfortunately, our dogs do not have it so easy. Because they can only cool themselves through their mouths and feet, they are more prone to heat stroke. If your dog is outside for the party all day, and you get caught up in the festivities, you may easily forget that your dog might be too hot. Always keep plenty of fresh, cool water available and be sure there are shady spots for your dog. When in doubt, let her go back in the house.

DANGEROUS FOODS: Picnic food and party dishes can be tempting for your dog, especially if the food is laid out buffet-style. At a gathering of people, some food is bound to drop on the ground. The problem is that many everyday people foods are unhealthy or even poisonous to your dog. Onions, grapes, and alcohol can actually be deadly! Fatty foods can cause your dog to become very ill, possibly even leading to pancreatitis. If swallowed by your dog, bones, corn cobs and wooden barbecue skewers can traumatize the GI tract or even cause an obstruction. In these cases, surgery is often necessary. If your dog is a "food-monger," it is probably best that she is kept away from the party when people are eating. For a special treat, people foods like carrots, apples, peas and lean meats can be healthy in moderate amounts

GETTING LOST: Many dogs go missing during holidays and celebrations. Don't let your dog become one of the statistics. It can be easy for your dog to slip through an open gate or door because one guest left it unlatched. Strange people and noises can frighten some dogs into running away to hide. Be sure to keep a close watch on your dog to make sure she does not wander off or run away. Always keep a collar on your dog that has identification with current contact information. If you feel that there is any chance she could become lost, then it might be best to keep her confined.

Basic Fireworks Safety Measures

There are some basic safety measures you should take when using fireworks:

1. Buy fireworks from reliable dealers; buying fireworks from a guy who is selling them from his trunk is not a good idea!
2. Make sure you read all the directions and follow them as well. You are using explosives so it is important you know what you should do.
3. I know this sounds silly but I have to say it; use fireworks outdoors only. People have tried on several occasions to create 'light shows' indoors.
4. Make sure you have water near by, and not just a bucket of water. A garden hose that is hooked up and working well is important as well.
5. Do not allow children to play with fireworks and always have a responsible adult present.
6. Do not try and make your own fireworks, they are very complicated and should be left up to the professionals to make.
7. Do not light multiple fireworks at once; this can be very dangerous because if something goes wrong with more then one, you will be out numbered.
8. Do not point fireworks at people or throw them at people.
9. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket, backpack or purse!
10. When you dispose of fireworks make sure you soak them in a bucket of water first.
11. When you light fireworks eye protection is very important, and make sure all body parts are out of the way.

As a spectator watching fireworks make sure you are far enough away that debris from the firework won't hit you. Also exposed to loud sounds can very be damaging to your hearing, it is best to wear ear protection!

Firework Safety Month (June - July 4th)

June to July 4th is National Firework safety month. Some of you are probably laughing and saying are you kidding me? No kidding; firework safety (or lack thereof) is a big problem. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states there are about 9,000 to 10,000 people treated a year for firework related injuries. These are the injuries that were reported to hospitals, but this number does not take into account the injuries that are not reported.

A majority of these injuries could have been prevented by using safety measures when handling fireworks. As technology advances so does the ability of fireworks. Today you can have fireworks that display shapes, different colors, words and even designs. In a lot of states consumers can buy fireworks. Out of all the 50 states only 5 do not allow consumers to purchase fireworks for personal use. That is a very small percentage and all of those states that do not allow consumers to purchase fireworks are on the East Coast. Not only does the ability to purchase fireworks vary from state to state, what is actually considered a firework varies as well. Before you do anything or purchase anything make sure you are following your state laws. Just because someone may sell certain fireworks does not guarantee they are allowed.

With the July 4th holiday right around the corner, read on this week for tips to a safe celebration and  fun weather facts to share at your BBQ!

Enjoy the Summer - Yard Work Safety Tips

Every year the changing of the seasons brings millions of Americans outside to do seasonal yard work. The hot summer months in between spring and fall are a time of outdoor fun and relaxation but they are also is a time of more outdoor yard work. Gardens need to be planted and cared for, lawns need mowing and weeds need to be wacked.  For many people yard work is a form of fun and enjoyment. Sadly, it is also a time of aches, pains and injuries. The following safety precautions and tips will help keep you safe and injury free while you are working in your yard;

Take 5 to 10 minutes to warm up your muscles by doing light exercises or stretching before starting your yard work.

Dress properly for working outside in the yard by wearing long pants, a long sleeved shirt and sturdy comfortable shoes.

Keep children and pets away from the area when you are doing yard work.

Have the right tools for the job you are doing.

Rakes should be comfortable and the right size for your height and strength.

Wear gloves while you are doing any type of yard work to help prevent your hands from blistering.

Yard work such as raking involves repetitive motions. Changing your position often helps to prevent muscle pains and cramps from occurring.

Always watch for low branches, large rocks and tree stumps.

Be aware of uneven ground surfaces and slopes.

When you pick up leaves, do not bend over from the waist. Bend from the knees.

Do not overfill leaf bags.

Do not carry full bags of leaves over your shoulder.

When you are weeding, a half kneeling position is safer than bending forward.

Wet leaves are very slippery. Make sure to wear boots or shoes with soles that are slip resistant

When you are using a ladder make certain it is firmly on the ground. Never climb to the top of a ladder.

When you are pruning hedges, hold the pruning shears close to your body.