Recently I reviewed M&J Dog Essentials Pre-wash, Shampoo/Conditioner and leave in conditioner. These products are 100% natural and leave your dog feeling and smelling like they just stepped out of a doggie spa.

Now one lucky reader from Critter Minute will win their own set of M&J Dog Essentials Pre-wash, Shampoo/Conditioner and leave in conditioner with a loofah.

Ways to enter:

Leave a comment below saying why you’d like to win the Pre-wash, Shampoo/Conditioner and leave in conditioner.

Extra entries: These are optional, you can get extra entries in the giveaway by doing any of the following.

• Subscribe to my mailing list (you can subscribe using the form in the top right corner) then leave a comment below that you subscribed.

• Follow @mjdogessentials and @KelleyDenz on Twitter!

• Like M&J Dog Essentials and Critter Minute on Facebook

• Tweet daily (make sure you leave a comment below each time you tweet)

Deadline: This giveaway closes Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 11:59am CDT.

Restrictions: You may enter once per day per method above. The one winner will be selected at random among all entries. This giveaway is open to U.S residents only.

Disclosure: I received a sample product to review; I was not paid for my review or giveaway and all statements and opinions are entirely my own.

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It’s the time of the year when it gets hot outside and our dogs start to shed like crazy. In the past, I have used dog brushes and a few combs to try and combat the shedding, however none of them seemed to work out all that great. Sadie is constantly shedding and she sheds even more this time of the year. Every time I finish sweeping the house I swear I’m looking down at The Adam’s Family’s Cousin It.

When ShedMonster asked me if I would like the opportunity to try out their de-shedding tool, I was more than happy to oblige. I have heard of de-shedding tools in the past, but had never tried one out before.

I found the ShedMonster, which is specifically designed for long haired dogs to be an amazing tool. In just a few short minutes of using the ShedMonster de-shedding tool, I was surrounded by hair. It was blowing in the wind and creating little tumbleweeds on my backyard patio. The hair just kept coming out. I didn’t realize how much hair Sadie had. The best part though came later because, using the ShedMonster really helped to reduce the amount of hair I had to sweep up in the house later that week.

Sadie does not appreciate being brushed at all. However, she decided she could tolerate the ShedMonster de-shedding tool. It did not pull her hair and still managed to penetrate deeply into her undercoat, moving through the outer layers and extracting the hair smoothly. She did not yelp or turn to growl at the tool once. This was surprising because usually Sadie gets a bit snippy after even just a few short minutes of grooming. Of course as with any brush you still want to avoid using the tool around sensitive areas like the face, groin, or feet.

The ShedMonster comes in two options: One for long hair and one for short hair.

Sadie and I love the ShedMonster and recommend it to anyone who has a dog that sheds like crazy. Order the ShedMonster and find out how easy it can be to brush your dog.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary ShedMonster for this review; I was not paid for my review and all statements and opinions are my own.

As many of you know, I am always looking for new products that are all-natural and safe to use on my dogs. I especially love products, which are all-natural, safe and good for the environment. This is the combination you get when you buy M&J’s dog essentials.

I am a DIY kind of person when it comes to washing my dogs, they have never been to a groomer, salon or doggie spa. It’s how my budget works out best. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t like to spoil my dogs and have them smelling and feeling like they just stepped out of a spa.

I recently received a review sample from M&J Dog Essentials of their Pre-wash, Shampoo/Conditioner and leave in conditioner. All their products are human grade, all-natural with custom made flower-essence blends for a gentle aromatherapy for your dog. One of the things I love about these products are what they’re not, they do not use any parabens or sulfates.

The pre-wash you can put on your dog while they’re dry or wet. It is formulated with soothing vitamins and essential fatty acids. These nutrients help break loose dirt and debris, making shampooing easier and more effective. The pre-wash also helps provide relief to hot spots and dry itchy skin.

I choose to put the pre-wash on Sadie while she was still dry. I put it in my hands and then applied it onto her hair. The pre-wash felt like I was putting lotion on. It smelled amazing, Sadie must have thought so too, because for a change, I didn’t have to bribe her with treats to let me work the pre-wash into her coat.

I left the pre-wash on for ten minutes, the bottle says 6-8, but it smelled so good and Sadie really seemed to enjoy it, so I left it on for a few extra minutes. If your dog has hot spots, extra dry or itchy skin you can leave the pre-wash in for up to 20 minutes.

After I rinsed out the pre-wash it was time to move to the shampoo/conditioner. M&J’s shampoo/conditioner is perfectly PH balanced for your dog. Again the smell was amazing and Sadie didn’t mind getting washed at all. Normally, I have to keep the treats coming in order to bribe her into staying put during her bath.

Because Sadie was enjoying her bath, I took the time to really massage the shampoo/conditioner into her coat. One hint, a little of the shampoo/conditioner goes a long way. Did I mention it smells great? The bottle recommends leaving the shampoo/conditioner on for 3-5 minutes. After five minutes, I rinsed the shampoo/conditioner thoroughly. Although the shampoo/conditioner had been rinsed out Sadie still smelled really good, and she felt great.

Later that night when I was petting Sadie, I realized just how well M&J’s products had worked. Sadie was really SOFT. Not just sort of soft, but amazingly pillow-perfect soft. I just couldn’t believe how good her coat felt. It made me want to keep petting her.

M&J Dog Essentials leave-in conditioner is for in between baths. This product is great for those times when you want to wash your dog but do not have time. Once again, it smells great and is like a lotion when you put it on. It helps reduce dog dandruff and works to keep your dog’s coat feeling soft and full of luster. As an extra bonus the leave-in conditioner helps to protect against the sun and insects.

Sadie and I give M&J’s products Five Paws. Visit M&J Dog Essentials to order your dog products now.

Disclosure: I received complimentary Pre-wash, Shampoo/Conditioner and leave in conditioner for this review; I was not paid for my review and all statements and opinions are my own.

Yesterday I tried out the Safari stainless steel nail trimmer. Until yesterday my dogs had never had their nails trimmed. I was always afraid I’d hit the quick. The Safari Nail Trimmer has a build in “safety stop” to prevent injury.

The first thing I found when using the Safari Nail Trimmer is the “safety stop” would have left my dogs bleeding. It allows you to cut way too much nail off at one time. I was leary of cutting the quick so I decided to cut just half of what the safety would have allowed and on one back toe nail I still managed to nick the quick. I didn’t cut it very deep fortunately, but if I had used the “safety stop” I would have had to make an unexpected trip to the vet.

Safari Nail Trimmer however does have a very nice handle, I had no problem holding onto it. It felt good in my hand and was easy to handle. When my husband trimmed Sadie’s nails he also liked the feel of the Safari Nail Trimmers. It was sharp enough I only have to make one quick cut for each nail, I did not have to use a lot of strength to cut the nails.  It allowed me to make very short cuts without any problem. I liked the Safari Nail Trimmers, I would not rely on their safety feature however, you can buy Safari Nail Trimmers by clicking here.

Steps to take when cutting your dogs toe nails.

First thing you’re going to do is check to make sure your dogs nails need to be trimmed. If you hear clicking when you’re dog walks his/her nails need trimming.

If you happen to wash your dog first it will make cutting the nail easier, no mud, dirt etc to get in the way.

You’re dog is most likely not going to enjoy having her nails trimmed, especially if this is the first time she’s ever had her nails trimmed. I like to sit on the floor and have my dog lay down on her side. I will start by giving her a treat for laying down. I also give her a treat and praise after each cut.

Hold onto the paw gently but firmly, clip the nails from underneath and hold the clippers at a slight angle keeping with the curve of the nail. Clip very small slices, this will help you avoid hitting the quick.

If your dog has white nails, your lucky, you’ll be able to see the quick, the pink line in the nail. If your dog has dark colored nails, like both of mine, clip just the tip until you see a horseshoe shape on the cut end. I never saw the horseshoe shape but have been told it does exist, same can be said of the Loch Ness monster.

If you accidentally cut into the quick, it will cause pain and bleeding and if you’re like me, you will feel really guilty. If the bleeding is slight use a little bit of Styptic Powder, cornstarch or flour to stop the bleeding. Dab a small of amount of the styptic onto the nail that is bleeding and hold with gentle pressure. If the blood is spurting or the bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes call your vet.

I recommend having plenty of dog treats available and give them to her with ample praise.

Tried of putting harsh chemicals that can cause problems with your dog? I love Richard’s Organics Natural Flea and Tick spray. Spray a good amount on your dog (until they are wet) rub it in, let it dry and unless they go swimming they are good for two weeks. I have used this spray on Sadie and Rusty for the past two years and I know it works great.

Check out the video on the Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Spray.

Contains: Cinnamon oil, Rosemary oil, Peppermint oil, Cedar oil, Clove oil, and Eugenoil.  Buy Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Spray today by clicking on the link.

If you knew of a way to improve you and your dog’s lives in just five minutes a day would you do it? Well, you should. Just spending five minutes a day grooming your dog you can reduce the amount of matted hair your dog will have, improve your relationship with your dog, and create a cleaner home. All you need is a little time, a good brush, and a dry pooch. I go over the details in the video below, with the help of my more-than-willing co-star Sadie.

I bought my dog grooming brush though Petlane. Get your brush by clicking on Petlane then shop Petlane, Dog and grooming supplies.

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There are a variety of flea products available for treating dogs. For this article, I  am separating them into two categories: Chemical or Natural. Chemical treatments are any treatment that uses a chemical’s toxicity to kill the fleas on your dog. Whereas a natural treatment is any treatment method that doesn’t rely on toxic chemicals to kill the fleas on your pet. Remember that before you can get any flea infestation truly under control, you must also rid your home and yard of fleas.

Chemical Flea Treatments

Flea and tick products have improved over the years. In the past people were forced to rely on flea collars, dips, and shampoos to rid their dogs of fleas, but now there are a variety of chemical products that are easy to use and work for an entire month. These products are touted as being safe and simple, but there have been numerous cases where dogs have become ill or died after the application of some of these products.

Flea Collars

Flea collars are placed around your pet’s neck. They work by emitting a toxic gas which kills fleas and keeps the pests away from your dog’s head and neck. The chemicals in flea collars also get absorbed by your dog through the skin and end up getting stored in your pet’s fatty tissues and further discourage fleas from biting. The flea collar’s toxic gas is supposed to be safe for humans and animals. (I do not recommend flea collars, especially if you have small children in your home.)

Flea Shampoos and Dips

Shampoos and dips are powerful chemical treatments that should only be used if your dog is suffering from a severe flea infestation. The chemicals in these products are potent and contain chemicals that have been linked to numerous health problems. (If you choose to use this type of product, be cautious, read the directions thoroughly, and try to minimize exposure for you and your pet as much as possible.)

Flea Sprays and Powders

These products are sprayed or powdered onto your dog and your dog’s environment. They kill fleas and discourage them from even considering your dog as a host. Unfortunately, these products also use powerful chemicals. (I have very little experience with these products because, my husband has mild asthma and cannot tolerate the dust and odors created by these types of products.)

Tablets or Pills

Veterinarian prescribed and taken internally, pills and tablets work by introducing a special drug into your pet’s body instead of a pesticide. This type of chemical treatment is very safe for your home and environment, but there is very little information about the safety of these products for pets after prolonged use. (Consult your veterinarian.)

Spot-on Products

These chemical products are usually applied monthly, they are convenient and very effective for controlling fleas. However, these products use very potent chemicals and are very specifically formulated. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely or these products can hurt your dog.

I personally don’t use any of the above listed chemical treatments for flea control on my dogs. The above list is intended as a general guide describing the different types of chemical products available to treat or prevent a flea problem. Before you choose any chemical flea product, I recommend visiting the product directory at SimpleSteps.org to educate yourself about the toxicity of the product you’re considering.

Natural Flea Treatments

There are a variety of all natural remedies for flea control, but some of these methods also carry risks. Again, you must treat the environment to eliminate your flea problem. The majority of these methods are flea deterrents not flea eliminators.

Wash Your Dog

Fleas cannot tolerate water. Water and soap are by themselves phenomenal flea killers. Before wetting your dog use a liberal amount of soap and lather up a soapy barrier around your dog’s neck. Then wash as you normally do, the fleas will be unable to get to your pet’s head and will be washed away. Keep in mind that washing your dog too often can cause skin irritation problems once every two weeks is usually sufficient.

Use A Flea Comb

Frequently using a flea comb will pull the majority of fleas and other debris from your dog’s coat. A quick combing before you bring your pet inside will reward your pet with attention and reduce the chance of having flea eggs and fleas being deposited into your home. Rinse the comb between strokes in hot soapy water to drown removed fleas.

Essential Oils

Essential oils such as cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary or thyme are often included in all natural sprays that repel fleas from your pet. Be cautious with some essential oils because they can irritate asthma sufferers and may be toxic to cats. Check the product directory at

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Brewer’s Yeast & Garlic Tablets

Recently, garlic has been categorized with onions as a dangerous herb for pets, but garlic is undoubtedly an effective deterrent to keep fleas from biting. Keep in mind that it would take an extremely large dose of  garlic to be toxic to dogs. If you want to use garlic as part of your flea battle plan, I recommend using tablets. Tablets are specifically formulated and dosed in amounts that are deemed safe for dogs.

Richard’s Organics

Is an all natural flea and tick spray. It  kills fleas and ticks for up to  four weeks and is safe to use on your pets and around children. It uses essential oils  to protect your dog. It has rosemary oil, peppermint oil, cedar oil to name a fewWithout a doubt natural flea treatments are safer for you and your pet. Unfortunately, natural remedies do require more labor on your part. Remember that regardless of the type of flea product you use whether it is chemical or natural you must treat your environment for your flea management to be truly effective. I’ve included links below to my favorite flea control products.   Please feel free to comment below and share your own flea war stories and advice.

Sadie had extremely bad doggie breath. Her bad breath made it so I did not like her muzzle anywhere near my nose. I noticed I was not giving her the attention she needed, because I did not want to have to endure her smelly breath. The vet told me that her teeth and gums were in good condition, so I started to do some research and found Pet Kiss’ Plaque and Tartar Control. I decided to give the product a try to see if it could get rid of her bad breath. According to the company, Pet Kiss Plaque and Tartar Control does the following

• Helps break down plaque, tartar and bacteria which cause bad breath.
• Is a odorless, tasteless, colorless solution that whitens teeth safely without the use of alcohol or preservatives.
• Contains no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, alcohol, acids or chemicals.
• Simply add to your pet’s water daily.

With Sadie, I started to notice her breath was better after about four weeks of using the Pet Kiss’ Plaque and Tartar Control. I like the way Pet Kiss can reach in between teeth and around gums where I cannot reach with a toothbrush. It’s like doggie mouthwash!

I have used the plaque and tartar control for almost a year now, the dogs do not seem to notice it in their water. Best of all, Sadie no longer has dog breath. She can put her face right next to me, and I do not mind one bit. She gets a lot more attention and is much healthier. I have also noticed Sadie has less plaque and tartar building up on her teeth. Sadie’s teeth are whiter and her gums are healthy.

I purchase the plaque and tartar in an 8oz bottle. I use about one bottle a month for Sadie and Rusty, a little less during the winter when the kids do not drink as much water. The only negative I have found is that mold can develop in your dog’s water dish if you do not wash it out when you re-fill it. No worries though, all I do is wash out the water dish every time I refill it, which is a good idea anyway. If you’re interested in grabbing the plaque and tartar for your dog you can order it at amazon.com.

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Sometimes a dog’s mouth is a very intimidating place. It’s dark, damp, there are 42 sharp teeth and, unless you’ve done your job it is kind of stinky in there.

Just like with other dog-related must dos such as washing your dog your attitude towards the activity will influence how your dog responds to it. If you are not looking forward to brushing your dog’s teeth your dog will pick up on your feelings, and he will become nervous, making a normally sweet dog aggressive and fearful.

To avoid your dog from being afraid of having his teeth brushed, start training your dog to become comfortable with the idea of having someone in and around their mouth. If you have a new puppy, now’s the time to start getting them on the path to clean teeth. If you have an older dog start slow and gradually, ease into brushing their teeth more regularly. Remember be gentle, diligent and patient and always praise or offer a tasty treat when your dog does well.

Do not use human toothpaste. Your toothpaste is not designed for your pet, it usually tastes like mint and is not intended for swallowing. Whereas a toothpaste designed for your dog will often taste like beef or chicken and your dog can harmlessly swallow it. Dog toothpaste also has enzymes; these enzymes aid the cleaning process. You could try PetzLife Oral Care Dental Gel for Dogs.

There are a variety of tools to use when cleaning your dog’s teeth. Most people think of toothbrushes, because that’s what human’s typically use. Dog toothbrushes are available and they work great, but be sure to select a brush with soft bristles that isn’t too large for your dog’s mouth. For example your could try Triple Pet Toothbrush for Dogs, if your dog doesn’t tolerate the toothbrush well don’t get upset; you can use a finger brush or wrap your finger with a bit of gauze.

Once you’ve selected a toothpaste, brush or other tool. It’s time to get cleaning. Begin slowly by allowing your pet to taste and smell the toothpaste. It your dog licks it give him praise, this will let your dog know that the paste is for him. Once your pet accepts the toothpaste include the brush or other tool. Only brush the outsides of your dog’s teeth you don’t have to worry about brushing the inside area, because the inside is constantly cleaned with your dog’s tongue and saliva.

If your dog is showing signs of periodontal disease, or if they have sensitive teeth and gums you may need to start your dog’s teeth cleaning program with a visit to your veterinarian. This visit is especially important for older dogs who may already have broken teeth or a hefty amount of plaque and tartar built up. To get your pet’s mouth into tip-top shape your veterinarian will clean and pull any diseased teeth. Later when your pet is fully healed and their mouth is no longer sensitive you can start a regular routine of brushing your pet’s teeth. Brushing is a cost-effective way to improve your pet’s life and only takes a few minutes to do. I recommend brushing your pet’s teeth after their dinner and at least twice a week, but of course daily is better.