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In case you've already forgotten, February is National Pet Dental Health month. So somewhere between the romantic getaways and Oscar bashes you're planning this month, be sure to find time to give your pet's chompers some love! I've given you teeth-cleaning tips in the past, but if you're looking for another primer on doggie tooth brushing, you're in luck: Heidi Ganahl, founder of Camp Bow Wow, has some helpful hints. Keep reading and get brushing!

1. Buy the Right Tools: The first step to brushing your dog’s teeth is finding the right dental equipment. Make sure you purchase a dog toothbrush that is angled and soft. For large breeds, stick to longer toothbrushes so you reach difficult places. A finger brush is easier to use on smaller animals. Remember to never use human toothpaste on dogs because it contains ingredients that can harm Fido’s stomach. There are many dog-friendly toothpaste options that come in fun flavors like peanut butter, beef, or chicken.
2. It’s All About Timing: It’s important to approach your dog when he is relaxed and in a good mood. Don’t force contact, because the pup will rebel against you.
3. Positioning: Make sure your dog is comfortable before beginning. Avoid standing above your dog in a threatening way. Instead, get on the same level and sit in front of your pet.
4. Prep the Gums: Test your dog’s anxiety level and willingness to have his mouth touched. Gently rub your finger on the top row of teeth and gums. You may have to repeat this step a few times before proceeding.

Four more tips after the jump!

February is not just for lovers (and football, and puppies). It's also for clean teeth — it's National Pet Dental Health Month! Since I've flossed out this subject in the past, give your pets a pearly white grin with these clean tips.

Toys For Clean Teeth	Carrots For Clean Teeth	Swipes For Clean Teeth
Brushing For Clean Teeth	Flossies For Clean Teeth	Anesthesia For Clean Teeth

If you're like me, you take groceries home from the supermarket in reusable totes. This can be problematic sometimes, because what exactly are you supposed to throw away trash and recyclables in? While I dump the garbage in a disposal bag, I've started toting my recyclables to and from the recycling bin in my building with reusable totes. Most recyclables items — egg cartons, plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, magazines, etc. — aren't soiled, so you don't even have to worry about washing the tote. It's just one more way to live an environmentally-friendly lifestyle!

If you're up to your eyeballs in holiday wrapping right now, fear not. Home decorating expert and talk show host Nate Berkus is here to help. Here's his favorite tip for getting those gifts under wraps.

"Most people put off wrapping their presents until the last minute," says Nate. "Even I'm guilty of that. But a few years back, I realized how elegant the holiday looks when you pick a paper and stick with it for everything. I like craft paper. It's simple, classic and works well beyond the season. I have a stash of grosgrain ribbon in cream and chocolate brown that makes every package look perfect."

Want to make your holiday wrapping even more special? Try adding a special bauble (like the skeleton keys on this package) to the gift wrap.

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Easy does it! Thanksgiving is almost here, and the menus are being set. This year, instead of whipping up a large Pyrex full of stuffing, I encourage you to get creative with your muffin tins and dole out stuffin' muffins instead. Aesthetically pleasing, you'll score points in the creative department while doing your physique a favor.

The muffin sized serving will keep the stuffing portions smaller and keep guests aware of their intake. If you need a recipe, check out Rachael Ray's apple and onion stuffin' muffins. Otherwise, I've tried my own family recipe piled up in the foil cups and heated them until the tips are toasty.

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To many people, taking a mental health day means relaxing at the spa, sleeping in late, and watching movies on the couch. For me, it's quite the opposite. While all the above sounds quite nice, I get more peace of mind with fewer distractions on my mind so that often entails putting my body and brain to work. To get the benefits of a mental health day, I actually get busy and try to cross off some heavy to-dos on my checklist:

• Write thank-you notes
• Eat a good dessert and forget about the calories.
• Clean out and donate your old closet items.
• Make amends with an old foe.

Want to see the rest of my tips?

Holidays often result in an onslaught of unfamiliar faces in your home — or trips to new homes — which can be rather stressful for some pets! If you're already thinking of Thanksgiving dinner, stop and take a moment to consider your pets. While there are medications that are offered for aggression and anxiety, I've researched de-stressors for pets and rounded up information about four very different solutions. Find out about each of these products, the active ingredients, and my recommendations when you read more

Stylists just starting out need practice on their cutting and coloring skills, often offering up their clients free services in the process. (Score.) But then there's the tip to consider — and that's just what one Sugar reader recently wondered about. "I've booked a hair appointment for my boyfriend at my salon as a hair model and it is free of charge. How much should he tip?" she asked. "It's at the salon I go to, and he needs to make a good impression and leave a reasonable tip," she added. To see what I think, just keep reading.