PetSmile Pet Toothpaste Review

So far, we've been doing well with our NYE Resolution to brush Paddy's teeth at least three times a week. While we've been liking the Arm & Hammer Pet Dental Wipes we reviewed previously, we get the sense they're best for in-between more thorough cleanings. To get to the teeth in the back of Paddy's mouth, you also have to stick your finger pretty far back, which is neither a pleasant a experience for me or her.

Fortunately, the folks at PetSmile sent us a sample of their Professional Pet Toothpaste and Pet Toothpaste Applicators to test out and we loved them both!

So, how does PetSmile's toothpaste work? It contains Calprox, which helps to remove the thin laye rod protein buildup on your pet's teeth onto which stains and bacteria adhere. Removing said bacteria helps to keep your pup's mouth bacteria free, leaving it smelling fresher, looking cleaner and hopefully more plaque free.

Paddy really liked the flavor of this toothpaste (beef), which made it a lot easier to even start the cleaning process. The Toothbrush Applicators are also a GAME CHANGER. Not only can you really polish each tooth and get in-between the nooks and cranes of your dog's teeth, but you can also get to those hard to reach spots in the back. Using one hand to gently open her mouth, we could reach the teeth all the way in the back that hardly ever see the light of day! What's even better is the applicators are disposable, so no cleaning out/drying a toothbrush. It literally took us less than 5 minutes to do her full mouth.

The PetSmile Toothbrush Applicators are sold in packs of 50 from their website for $9, while the toothpaste (4.5oz) retails for $25. Though it's on the pricier side, if Paddy is a fan and it makes taking care of her teeth easier, we're down - especially when considering the costs associated with bad doggy dental hygiene.



Disclaimer: We received samples of both of the mentioned products for the purpose of review. For more details about our review policy, please view our disclaimer. 

Arm & Hammer Pet Care Dental Wipes

New year, new resolutions!

As you may remember, we decided to make 2015 our year of dental care. While Paddy has excellent teeth for a small dog of her age, we're 100% committed to keeping it that way. It's no secret that small dogs often require more dental care, and bad dental hygiene can lead to tooth, gum and other health problems. Sooo....

While we're lucky that Paddy pretty much will tolerate a doggy toothbrush, of late we've been loving the Arm & Hammer Dental Wipes we mentioned previously.

• The sheets are the perfect size for wrapping around a finger, and they're just the right size for a small mouth (it doesn't feel wasteful to use a sheet each time). That said, for bigger dogs you may need to use two. 
• These wipes don't break the bank - a container of 30 is available on Amazon for $7.99 (and qualifies for Prime shipping!)
• The wipes do not have a strong smell or leave a noticeable residue

Cleaning Paddy's teeth with these disposable towels is super easy: we literally just wrap it around a finger and go to work, gently rubbing her gums and making sure to give each tooth a quick polish. Don't forget that even though you may not see them all the time, your dog has teeth all the way in the back of their mouth too!

Paddy seems to like the wipes more than the toothbrush, and they are definitely much more convenient, making it easier for us to clean her teeth every 2-3 days. She also doesn't appear to mind the taste which is a good thing!

We're definitely planning on testing out some of the other oral hygiene products on the market this year, so keep your eyes on our blog for the latest and greatest for keeping your dog's smile beautiful! 

RESCUE Pet Products

It shouldn't come as a surprise that we're a little bit picky about the grooming products we use at home. While there's something to be said for some of the "salon" brands, we're often more drawn to more fur-friendly and chemical-free picks, like RESCUE...Pet Products. Handmade to order, these organic pet products were created by a veterinary technician who donates a percentage of profits to local animal shelters and other organizations.

In addition to her wide range of products, from paw and nose balm (vegan friendly!) to anti-itch shampoo, RESCUE Pet Products also offers travel/sample sized options which are PERFECT for packing. What a brilliant idea!

Head over to their Etsy store to pick up yours today-- and make sure to check out their shop announcement which includes discounts for Facebook fans and folks in the pet industry.

Fresh Dog Dry Shampoo

While catching up on one of our favorite blogs, Pretty Fluffy, we spotted this new Barkista-worthy beauty product that will keep your pup feeling fresh without the bathtub.

That's right, dry shampoo for dogs. It's here and available now to add to your doggy's vanity from Fresh Dog's website for $15.

And what a game changer this is: 100% natural, it instantly revives, detangles and cleans up buildup from your best friend's coat, while maintaining a healthy pH balance. Also, the site recommends it for freshening up carpets and pet bedding-- simply sprinkle, let sit, and vacuum!

M&J Doggy Spa Day!

After this weekend's freak winter weather, Miss. Morkie was badly in need for a bath after a rather wet stroll through Central Park. Fortunately, this was just the excuse we needed to try out some goodies from M&J Dog Essentials!

Paddy's afternoon at the Doggy Day Spa (aka our kitchen sink) started with a deep tissue massage and application of the Nutrient Fusion Pre-Bath Treatment. Designed to help relieve itchy skin, it's formulated to help break loose dirt and debris to make shampooing more effective. We applied it on Paddy's dry coat and massaged it into her hair while we warmed her bath water.

After 10 minutes of waiting patiently, she was ready to get into the tub! Next, we soaped her up with M&J's Natural Dog Shampoo which thanks to honeysuckle extract smells fabulous. This PH-balanced shampoo is low-sudsing and sulfate-free (so good for sensitive skin), and also contains plantain extract and camellia oil for fur that's soft and shiny. Ooh la la!

The finished product?

I'm so clean and cuddly!

Not only did Paddy smell great (without being overpoweringly perfumed), but her hair was super glossy and soft. We're also super pleased that the combo of the pre-bath treatment and the shampoo seemed to have helped with some early-winter itchiness. Yay!

For more information and to get the products used above, visit M&J's website. Our favorite and the best bang for your buck? The Dog Essential Pack ($50) which includes the pre-bath treatment, shampoo and an inbetween bath product (stay tuned-- we'll be reviewing that soon).

What's your pup's favorite spa routine?

Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.

Mutt Nose Best U. Berry Calm Puppy Grooming Goodies

I'm ready for my afternoon at the spa! Sign me up for a massage too...

Several weeks ago we entered a giveaway hosted by our pals at Of Cows' Tails and Chew Toys, and guess what-- we won! The prize was a selection of Mutt Nose Best's new U. Berry Calm Puppy Eau de Toilet, Shampoo and Conditioner. Featuring Maine blueberries and Organic Oats, these shampoos are designed to create an at home spa-like experience for your pup.

We have yet to try out the shampoo and conditioners, but are loving the Eau de Toilet spray which utilizes Ordenone, a natural, water soluble ingredient,  that binds with the proteins that cause bad odors and eliminates them. 
 
Want to get your paws on your own set of Mutt Nose Best Berry Calm goodies? Head over to the website to purchase and learn more about their products. 

 

Disclaimer: These products were won via giveaway!

#ThursdayBling: Grooming Bling

 

Bling out your pup's blowout.

For the doggy who has ABSOLUTELY everything, we suggest the Henri Bendel's Swarovski Dog Brush. Featuring Swarovski stripes in the classic HB brown and white colors, and bristles that look like they could rival our beloved Mason Pearson, we're kind of obsessed with this indulgent grooming tool.

Apparently you can put a price on fabulousness, and that price just happens to be $98. Available from Henri Bendel.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Nootie Germ-Fighting Shampoo & Daily Spritz

Sunday is normally bath day Chez Barkzilla, but after a busy weekend visiting the "Grandparents," we were both a little tuckered out for our usual full doggie day spa routine. What better time to try out Nootie's new Germ-Fighting Shampoo and Daily Spritz in Coconut Lime Verbena!

That's right: their innovative two-in one packaging features 12 oz of shampoo on one end and 4 oz of refreshing in-between bath spritz on the other (or alternatively, pick them in full size bottles as seen to the right). We personally prefer the combo pack as you get a little bit of both fabulous products, and they snap together for easy storage.

The Germ-Fighting Shampoo and Daily Spritz is the newest addition to Nootie's line of cruelty-free grooming products which are made in the USA and use all-natural ingredients. The formula contains grapefruit seed which is hypoallergenic and helps to "prevent against a variety of bacteria, viruses, and infections, contributes to the prevention of mange and fleas when used on animals". Both the shampoo and spritz are tearless, non-toxic, and free from from triclosan and parabens. With cold and flu season right around the corner, we love the extra germ-fighting power Nootie has infused its products with (seriously, it is not okay to cough/sneeze and then pet my dog...).

While we have yet to test-drive the shampoo, we're big fans of the Daily Spritz which helps to refresh and moisturize your pup's coat. The Coconut Lime Verbena scent smells like a clean fruity cocktail; sweet but definitely not sickly so. And, unlike other spray baths we've tried (which are mostly focused on masking smells), when we ran our hands through Paddy's fur after a spray and brush we really felt that her hair was cleaner.

The set retails for a reasonable $20, which considering you're getting both a spray bath and shampoo, is a pretty solid deal. Find out where to pick up your Nootie Germ-Fighting Shampoo and Daily Spritz directly from their website!

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.

 

Pretty in the City!

As you may have read last week here on Barkzilla, Paddy just scored her first shoot! In preparation for the BIG DAY, we got her ready with a quick bath courtesy of the fine folks at Pet Head. This luxury grooming line, which is all across America, Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, offers products customized for the specific needs of your pampered pup. With adorably packaged products for everything from sensitive skin to a quick-rinse formula that's perfect for the doggy who just doesn't have time to sit still-- every one of them will leave your Fido smelling clean and feeling refreshed!

While Paddy behaves herself at bath time, she can be a little squirmy (especially when it comes to taking care of the face area) so we tested the Fears for Tears tearless shampoo. Containing NO harsh chemicals, it's hypo-allergenic and contains Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil for silky smooth hair and healthy skin, all of the Pet Head line are paraben, sulfate, DEA and cruelty free!

After warming up the "tub", we uncapped our shampoo. Once you remove the bone shaped protective cover, the packaging features a water bottle style nozzle that makes it easy to apply shampoo and reseal. Upon opening, the first thing that we noticed was the FABULOUS scent. (Seriously, if they don't make this scent for humans, we may have to use the dog shampoo.) Apply to wet fur and lather it up! Unlike other products we've tried, a little went a long way to creating luxurious suds. A quick rinse down and Paddy was good to go!

Shh. Don't tell Paddy we posted this pic-- she'd be so embarrassed! 

After a quick towel off and some primping, we had one clean FANTASTIC smelling and silky looking Morkie-- seriously, check out that glamour shot!

Get more info about Pet Head's products and where to pick them up on their website at www.pethead.com. Prices vary depending on the retailing location-- but we saw some pretty good deals online and at Amazon.com.

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.

Sexy Beast. Rawr.

With notes of bergamot, vanilla-infused musk, natural patchouli, mandarin, and nutmeg oils, Sexy Beast is a grown-up scent for your pup-- boys and girls alike! Formulated to not be offensive to your pet's sensitive sense of smell, it's also hypo-allergenic and paraben free, and oh yeah, smells good too!

While the price tag is a little steep ($50 for 1.7 oz), one spritz will do the trick. Though we were originally skeptical about buying "fragrance" for our Barkista, we couldn't resist after she came back from a grooming session smelling fabulous. In addition, as she's often out in the public eye, we're always conscious of the way she smells in-between baths, and Sexy Beast is a nice alternative to our regular Olive Dog Lavender Spray. For more information, visit: www.sexybeaststyle.com

What grooming product do you splurge on?

xoxo The Barkistas

Smellin' Good in the Neighborhood!

When you live in a NYC-sized apartment, things tend to be a little bit more "odorific" than usual. Shoes, clothes... and yes, even your beloved pup.

But urban pooches that fear showers (oh the indignity!), need have no fear- Olive's Fur Spritzer is here!

We tested out this product out in-between baths after a walk during which Paddy decided to indulge herself by rubbing against quite possibly ever smell laden item on the street. A few quick spritzes and voila: smell be gone!

The 100% natural blend of essential oils of lavender, lemon and patchouli will leave your sweaty Fido cuddle ready and smelling divine. Better yet- their combination will also help to naturally repel pesky fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. (Sadly, no word on bedbugs, ewww.)

At $10.50 for a 4 oz spray, it's a real steal. Check it and many other fantastic "green goods for modern dogs" at Olive's site. Tell 'em Barkzilla sent you!

Trust us, both you and your dog will be thankful :)

xoxo The Barkistas

Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.