Sunday, April 21, 2024

Canine teeth brushing ritual

Vets always say you should brush your dog's teeth.  Before Moana, I never managed to get a process in place.  

Toothbrushes were awkward.  I hated those finger brushes.  Trying to get the dog to hold still was a nightmare.  

I did try with Moana.  I found a nice soft human toothbrush.  I put it and her toothpaste in a glass on the kitchen counter near where I prep her food.  But most days I would forget.  

UNTIL - 

I decided to put the glass in the bathroom near my toothbrush.  I started brushing her teeth when I finished with mine.  

And it became a routine!

A routine that Moana herself has adopted. 

I brush my teeth with an electric toothbrush.  Turn the brush off.  Take her brush out of the glass, usually accidently clinking it against the side of the glass. 

I put toothpaste on the brush.  

Moana appears by my side ready for her teeth brushing. 

Now - the rule is that I MUST pet her first.  No reaching for her mouth without petting.  Oh, and no doing her teeth before I do mine.  If she shows up early, I'm supposed to ignore her. 

Left back teeth. Right back teeth.  Upper front teeth.  Lower front teeth.  Kiss on the forehead.  And we're done. 

I haven't missed a day in 4 months. At her last vet visit, the vet said her teeth look really good.  



Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Six years old today!

 I got Moana at Thanksgiving, 2020.  It was the best thing that happened that year.  Happily her rescue paperwork included her birthdate.  So today she turns 6.  

Like people, some dogs gray early, some late, some never.  My beautiful girl is graying quite a lot.  

This is her when I got her compared to today.  She is now a "dignified" older lady.  And still a goof ball.