Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Dental Hygiene and a Walk In the Woods


This evening was Dental Hygiene time for Chase and Izzy.   I use a normal SOFT bristle toothbrush and special toothpaste safe for dogs.
Add some water and brush!  

Chase LOVES his teeth cleaned!
I have a grooming table, but don't use it very often.  Sometimes it's easier for me to just sit on the ground with these guys.  They trust me so much.

Izzy getting those molars scrubbed.
 Izzy's teeth were pretty bad.   I had to actually scale them with a special tooth scaler.   Scaling dog teeth is not an easy thing.  These guys have had their teeth cleaned regularly since they were small pups.   They may not like it but they tolerate it without moving around.

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Over the weekend Jim and I took Chase and Izzy for a hike at a local county park.  We choose the highest difficult rating trails they had, level 4.  Was approximately 2.5 mile loop of steep hills and natural terrain.

Big Hills !

It was warm and sunny and by the time we made it to the top of the first hill we were in our short sleeves.


Jim and Chase taking a break

It was fun to get out and be amongst the late winter trees.   If this tree could talk!  Wait.. I think those are LIPS!

Knots
While it was warm out, there was still a good amount of ice on the ponds.

February Shadows

Izzy the Squirrel Hunter!
  The squirrels were everywhere playing their games in the sunshine.

10 comments:

  1. I'm so jealous! We literally have snow over our knees everywhere, and in drifted areas much deeper. Oh to be riding outside...
    Very cute doggy pictures.

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  2. Ha, funny on the tree! Beautiful place for a hike, must feel sooo good after being cooped over the winter.

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  3. Loved those tree lips, funny. Very nice park and with short sleeves. A Nice taste of good things, yet to come.
    We got another bit of stormy winter this week. Burr!

    Ya know, starting animals young to things like teeth brushing, makes it so easy. My beloved cat Mike Madison took baths. Started him at 7 wks.

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  4. Have just discovered your blog and love it. Rosie is gorgeous!!!! Enjoyed today's post. It sounded like you had a really nice day. Thank you for sharing.

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  5. Question...are you able to get the way back teeth clean? Can anyone get the scaling tool?

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  6. Hi Lori, yes you can brush way in the back with the tooth brush. The "dental care packages" you can get at pet stores as the standard SOFT bristle brush, a finger brush, and the tooth paste. Don't use human tooth paste as it's poisonous.

    As for the scaling tool. Yes anyone can buy it. I use a single end scaler. You can buy them from just about anywhere. Here's one at Dr. Fosters and Smith: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+59+764&pcatid=764

    I caution you though. Be very careful as these tools are sharp and will cut their gums and lips. Always start at the gum line and pull down the tooth. If dogs are not accustomed to dental care they will struggle with you when you attempt to scale their teeth.

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  7. I bought a dental care kit for Tucker, but keep forgetting to use it. Thanks for 'shaming' me into it, er, I mean, thanks for reminding me!
    It looks like the dogs had a great time.

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  8. really cool pictures of the walking trail...
    you are so lucky to be able to brush and clean your dogs' teeth -- our cats won't let me, and i am a former dental assistant with 18 years experience!

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  9. I so enjoyed the pictures of the hiking trail and the dogs outside enjoying the nature. I am yearning to be outside among nature again soon, too.
    lol! Those really did look like lips on the tree. hehe!

    ~Lisa

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Happy Trails!

~Jeni