July is an amazing month! BBQ is in the air, the pool is cool and refreshing and celebrating the American Independence is on everyone’s mind! This year make your pet part of (some) of the festivities with American Grooming Academies tips and tricks!

Firework Safety

This is an amazing day for Americans and also a very bad day for pets. More pets are lost or killed during the 4th of July than any other single day of the year. The cause? Explosions from fireworks. Animals, especially your dog hears at an astoundingly louder frequency then you do.

Resulting in a pet hearing a firework explosion 10 times of what we hear. They are also more sensitive to the waves that accompany sounds resulting in a pet who can become disoriented. Fireworks and pets do not mix. Especially if your pet is already upset due to many people, change in routine or weather. Here are some steps to make sure your pet is safe this Independence Day!

1. Create a safe space. If your pet already has a create or special room use that space to make them more comfortable. Make sure the space has ample room and available water.
2. Use television or Music to help combat the explosions.
3. Make the space dark and claming.
4. Make sure your pet has identifiable tags encase of escape.
5. Make sure family, friends know where your pet is and make frequent checks on them.
6. If your pet shows any signs of life threatening distress take them to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
7. Above all resist the urge to take your pet to Independence Day festivities. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

What is a Pet Swaddle?

Some people know about pet swaddling or what people refer to as “Thunder Coats”, but how does it work and why? We decoded some of the truths and myths behind this growing trend. Fear and anxiety in pets is very common. From the mailman, to the door bell, to Independence day fireworks. Many times the triggers for pets are different but the fear response is the same. Trembling, panting, licking, hiding, making themselves into a small ball. Many believe this “Swaddling” effect can be used for pets. Many infants are swaddled to relieve fear. This gentle pressure cuses comfort. Pressure Vests have also been used in many human medical cases of anxiety and stress. Swaddling a pet can have great benefits over medication. Before the mainstream Thunder Shirt was introduced many pet trainers were wrapping anxious pets in bandages to give the calming effect. For some pet owners the idea of their pet being claimed by something as simple as a tight fitting shirt that applies certain points of pressure may sound ridiculous, but there are a large number of the populace who would rather use this method instead of medications. Try it next time your pet has anxiety! Here is a DIY !

Things you can use:

“Ace” or elastic bandages

Strips of cloth

1. Place the middle of an elastic bandage (wide for larger dogs, narrow for small dogs, medium-wide for mid-sized dogs) across the dog’s chest.
2. Bring both ends up and cross them over the shoulders. The wrap will touch and connect the front, back, right, left, top, and bottom parts of the dog’s body.
3. Cross the bandage over the top of the shoulder blades.
4. Cross the loose ends of the bandage under the abdomen.
5. Tie the loose ends over the top of the lower back.
6. Or wrap the middle of the bandage around the front of the chest.
7. Then cross over the back and then under the belly and back up around the chest and secure.
8. As the wrap presses down on the dog’s fur, re-tie the wrap to make sure it fits snugly. The wrap should remain snug, but not tight, so check it periodically to be sure it doesn’t obstruct movement or circulation.
9. When finished, the figure-8 wrap will surround the dog with uniform calming pressure. The wrap may only be needed for a short time or it can be left on as long as necessary to relieve fear, tension, or anxiety.

Independence Day Treats!

Red White & BlueBerries Frozen Treats!

Beat the heat this year with this great recipe!

INGREDIENTS

Red Strawberry Layer

2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
1 cup plain lowfat organic yogurt
1 tablespoon local honey

White Layer

2 cups plain lowfat organic yogurt

Blue Blueberry Layer

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup plain lowfat organic yogurt

DIRECTIONS

Puree strawberries in food processor or blender, add yogurt and mix to combine. Pour into squeeze bottle for layering.Fill ⅓ of a silicone paw or bone mold. Freeze for 45-60 minutes until layer is firm.

Pour plain yogurt into a squeeze bottle for layering. Fill next ⅓ of a silicone paw or bone mold. Freeze for 45-60 minutes until layer is firm.

Puree blueberries in food processor or blender, add yogurt and mix to combine. Pour into squeeze bottle for layering.Fill final ⅓ of a silicone paw or bone mold. Freeze for 45-60 minutes until layer is firm.