Archive for February, 2010
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Feb
11
Posted by Michelle Boman
Photo curtesy of ΒЯІΑN® on Flickr
Eager to start brushing your dogs teeth, but afraid you’ll loose a finger in the process? Most dogs adjust to brushing easily enough, as long as you take care and move slowly, allowing them to adjust to the new situation.
Let’s get your dog used to having her teeth brushed!
1. The process starts with no brushing in sight. Sit down with your dog and start petting her. Then, start massaging her lips in circular motions for about a minute. Do this a few times a day for several weeks.
2. After she is comfortable with you around her mouth, move onto massaging her teeth and gums with the same, light, circular motion.
3. Once your dog is more comfortable with tooth and gum contact, add toothpaste to the mix. You’ll want to choose a toothpaste designed for dogs that is enzyme based. Human toothpaste is not safe for animals, due to the use of fluoride, which is extremely harmful. Also, toothpaste designed for dogs is flavored for their satisfaction.
4. Ok, so now your dog is comfortable with the massaging motions and comfortable with the toothpaste flavor. It is now time to introduce the canine toothbrush. I recommend using a canine toothbrush over a human style, because the bristles will be much softer on the canine brush. Spend some time brushing around your dogs mouth to allow some adjustment time to the toothbrush.
5. After your dog is comfortable with the brush, it is time to combine the brush and paste and get down to business. Brush teeth in small, circular motions. Work on one side of the mouth (lifting up the lip) before moving onto the other. Tartar builds up heavier on the side of the tooth that touches the lip, so focus your brushing there. (Little tartar builds up on the inside of the tooth, so if your dog resists brushing there, don’t force the issue) In areas where the tartar is especially heavy, downward strokes can help break it down.
6. Congratulations! You just brushed your dogs teeth! Repeat once or twice a week and your dog will have sparkling, healthy teeth!
*Author’s Note: You can follow the same method to brush your cat’s teeth. But as a cat owner and lover myself… it’s always a bit more difficult with cats! =)
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Feb
08
Posted by Michelle Boman
Saturday, February 13th, 2010 ( 9 am to noon )
It may be winter but it’s never too early to start planning your springtime pasture management routine. In this workshop learn how pasture management and horse health weave into managing horse pastures. Alayne Blickle from Horses for Clean Water will cover pasture management and how it relates to horse health. Learn basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, managing small grazing areas, weed control, fencing options and small farm equipment. We will also discuss what constitutes a “lush” pasture & how to manage horses and grazing so a horse doesn’t become fat. Harris Statema, a feeds expert from LMF Feeds, will speak on the horse’s digestive system and understanding forage and nutrition. Learn about carbohydrate intolerance in horses and how sugar levels in your hay or pasture affect your horse’s health. Find out about hay probes and how to use them. Learn how you can borrow (for free!) the KCD hay probe to take samples of your hay. Meet resource staff from the King Conservation District who can suggest options for pasture management problems, soil testing, liming and other recommendations. Start the grazing season out right by learning how you can make your pastures become more productive and your horses healthier! The Grange Supply, Issaquah, WA. Saturday, February 13th, 9 am – noon. FREE! Register & receive directions: King Conservation District at 425-282-1949 or
signup@kingcd.org
Horses for Clean Water
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Feb
06
Posted by michael aguilar
Winter Brightness by Grant MacDonald
NO, NO, NO, No, No….Regardless of the weather outside, it is not Spring. Last blog I told you to go ahead and plant primroses, pansies, and violas and so far they’re doing fantastic. Chances are ,even if we have a short term freeze these hardy annuals will survive.
there are times I think I need a whip and chair for those customers who want to get a really early start and are buying corn, tomato and squash seed to plant outside. folks, it’s too early. We all know the unpredictability of the weather here in the Northwest, and we could be shoveling snow in three days or canceling that Hawaiin vacation because it’s warmer here!
Okay, that’s a bit farfetched but seriously, we need to wait a little bit more. If this current weather pattern continues until late February, (20th+) I’ll probably start some peas and other winter veggies.
A lot of customers are asking about reseeding their lawns now. this too is a bit premature. My fear is that if we have a cold snap over the course of a few days it will kill the freshly germinating seed. For your lawn, pastures etc, I think it’s best to wait until the start of March.
Now is a good time to prepare your garden. Add some good compost, or steer gro, or chicken manure and till it in. Look at your garden and plan out what veggies you want and where to plant them for maximum production. If you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse or you do a lot of seed starting in the house, come on by the Grange and look at our full line of Territorial and Ed Hume seeds in addition to seed starting soil, peat pots, peat pellets and starting trays.
I’m also bringing in some exciting new items to the Lawn and Garden Dept. including Dr Earth organic fertilizers, (which will flagship a renovated “Eco friendly” section. In addition to the pre-mixed ferts we will also carry the individual components for you to create your own recipe to nourish your plants.
For now, be patient. It looks like we’ll have another gorgeous year for growing veggies, but planting them early, even if it doesn’t freeze ,will slow and stunt their growth often times to the point that they won’t recover.
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Feb
06
Posted by Patti Kreager
Pat & Kevin work the warehouse...in Cinch!
Hey Guys!
Stop by and see our new selection of men’s Cinch shirts. Great solids, strips and paisley are perfect to wear with Cinch jeans or khakis!
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Feb
05
Posted by Michelle Boman
It might feel like spring now, but remember, it’s only February!
At the Grange, all of our winter dog blankets, dog rain coats and heated dog beds are on sale this month. Plan ahead for next year and save now!
Members save 15% & Non-members save 10%
Come in soon before somebody else beats you to it!
Bowser toasty warm in his winter blanket!
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Feb
03
Posted by Michelle Boman
My baby boy Bowser, showing off his big mouth! (and teeth!)
February is National Dental Health month!
Oral Health is not just about teeth! When dental disease is present, the heart, kidneys and intestinal tract can also be at risk. The tartar and infected areas of the mouth contain bacteria that can spread to other parts of the body. Luckily, we can prevent most serious dental disease by brushing our animals’ teeth regularly and providing chew toys. In addition to satisfying our dogs instinct to chew, chew toys help strengthen teeth, massage gums and scrape off soft tartar.
Many animals show signs of dental disease early in life. Some common signs of a problem are:
-Bad Breath
-Tartar
-Excessive drooling
-Inflamed Gums
-Missing/Broken teeth
-Reluctance to play with toys or eat
Brushing is best! Most vets would like to see us brush our pets teeth twice a week. But, recognizing that such frequent brushing is unlikely, there are more options to help prevent and reduce dental disease. What Can You Do:
-Tooth Brushing (see my next blog for detailed information about how to brush your pets teeth!)
-Bones
-Chew Toys (Like FIDO dental chews)
-Dental Paste (Like PetzLife Oral Gel)
-Dental Chews (Like Greenies and Z-Ridge Dental Bones)
With some preventative maintenance and care, a lot of dental disease can be avoided. Look for my next blog, “All About Brushing…Teeth!” for more information!
Happy Dental Health Month!
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