Monday, April 19, 2010

Brush, Brush, Brush...

Everyone gets their teeth brushed here in the holler. When new arrivals join the pack they just learn to love it. I think it is because with Daisy we made it "play" so she is all for it. And when one is having fun, naturally, everyone else wants in on it. When it is time for this activity I walk in the kitchen saying (in a sing, songy voice) brush, brush, brush! And they all gather around the drawer where they know the brush is kept. I use a regular toothbrush and minty dog toothpaste. Why not fight plaque and dog breath at the same time!

Yesterday, Speedbump was the first one.

Daisy was next. She's usually the first one to be front and center. Why do some dogs look like they have demon eyes? Maybe it's the camera angle.


Of course, Charlie is still learning. To get them started, I let them lick the mint taste a bit and then they let me go in for the cleaning part while trying to lick the paste.


Violet get's her minty fresh teeth and breath.


Scrappy has horrible breath. Part of the reason for this is her food smells like dead fish and she likes to eat anything that smells bad. JP started giving her Mentos in the truck for treats so she's a natural for getting her teeth cleaned.



Getting a picture of Corrie getting her teeth brushed is like trying to photograph Big Foot but JP got this shot.

I really don't do this as regularly as I should. It should be done once a week. But, I do try to keep up with their tooth and gum care because we had one dog who died about 6 months after having to have her teeth cleaned at the vet's office. I'm not saying it was something they did but when that tooth got infected later on it went to her brain and we lost her. So I vowed that I would do all in my power to prevent this from happening again. If you've never tried it, it's easy and those "finger brushes" are the way I started. Make it play!! You'll be glad you did.

Bright smiles and minty breath blessings from the holler to you all.

6 comments:

Deborah said...

That is so nice that you brush all your pets teeth. I do not do this as often as I should but thanks for the reminder!
xxoo
Deborah

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Minty fresh!
June doesn't really care and Samantha is a pain.

Sierra Rose said...

Will try!! Great photos!! We have the brush and paste, and wiggly puppy....so, we'll see how it goes! :)

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

Lena said...

What great pictures! I'm so glad you take care of them and their teeth properly. I hate it that most dogs have to be put under to have their teeth cleaned...that's scary! Kane is on a raw food diet which cleans his teeth (the bone) every time he eats and he also has no bad breath (unless you consider fresh chicken meat smell bad?!) :-)

Cindy said...

What a good doggie "mom" you are! It's so cute how they know when it's brushing time. The sweet breath is good for you and the healthy gums and teeth are good for them. They are a lot of work, but definitely worth it! Thanks for the great pictures.

Paula said...

Goodness- that's the cutest thing ever! You can tell they are used to that... they act like it's no big deal.
I would like to see what would happen if I tried to brush our Smokey's teeth.. *shiver* That could get downright ugly.