Winnie, Meet Toothbrush...

A few weeks ago at Winnie's Annual Vet Check-Up our vet found that Winnie had chipped a pretty big chuck off of a back molar.  Ouch, right?  Apparently not.  Other than a little pawing at her face Winnie seem pretty unaffected.  Nevertheless, our vet suggested that I get a dogie toothbrush and try cleaning the tooth each week because it will be more prone to collecting plaque and thus causing future trouble.  Sounds like a plan to me so this is what I got...



Chicken flavored toothpaste... yum, right?  :-)

Via my favorite online pet supply supplier - the Drs. Foster & Smith - I purchased the EZ Finger Toothbrush and some Drs. Foster & Smith brand Tartar Control Toothpaste. 

I've tried a regular tooth brush first but Winnie just wanted to chew on it.  I had hoped that a finger style brush would give me more control and when she started to "chew" I would (for obvious reasons) be more immediate in my response to tell her "gentle"... so far I've been right.  I liked the idea of this finger brush extending down to your palm for a better grip and more control. 

I picked the Drs. Foster & Smith toothpaste because unlike the other toothpastes I found that just "polish" the tarter off the tooth this one includes an special enzyme that helps actually "break it down."  Maybe that's total crap but it seems like a sound concept. 

The packaging included some good advice about how to introduce your pup to the idea of brushing her teeth so I won't belabor the point anymore.  I took a short clip "Winnie Meets Toothbrush" just so you could see how it all looks.  Winnie seemed to like it... I guess time will tell!  Enjoy. 

Oh!  Did I mention that the toothbrush is dishwasher safe?  Bonus!  Okay... bring on the slobber. 

Ruffel Your Feathers...

...down feathers to be specific. 

"Down Feathers"

It suddenly occurred to me this week that maybe Winnie was struggling with the heat because she hasn't had a proper brushing in a few weeks.  Boy did she need it! 

"Shedding Blade"

I use this great brush called a Shedding Blade that totally does the trick.  The photos here were actually taken the day after I really brushed her out (because I forgot to grab the camera the first time).  And still, look that that fuzz! 

"Yard-O-Fuzz"

I'd like to think it's helping this pup beat the heat a little now that she's free of some undercoat.  And look how happy she is!  Not only is she cooler but I'm less hairy, too.  And her coat is dust free and shiny even without a bath!  Everyone wins today.  :-)

"All Smiles"