[Lucky209]

I just brought Lucky in for her 7 month 12pt check at the vet. The vet recommended that I start brushing her teeth to avoid the plaque and tarter build up. I first introduced her to the toothpaste by having her lick a little bit off of my finger. She loved it! So then I tried the toothbrush. She was not at all interested it that. So I put the toothpaste on the toothbrush and she just licked the toothpaste off, but wouldn't let me put the toothbrush in her mouth.

Is there an easy way to do this so I do not scare her away from toothbrushes?

 

[jwemt81]

Very slowly introduce her to the toothbrush. The first few times you do it, like before, let her lick a small amount of toothpaste off the brush before you actually put it in her mouth. Then, slowly put the brush in her mouth and hold her mouth closed while you brush gently. Talk to her and reassur her as you do this and she will eventually become used to it. We started brushing our dog's teeth as soon as the baby ones came out and the adult ones came in and they got used to it pretty quicky and seem to actualy enjoy it. I just invested in an electric toothbrush for dogs and found that it's much more effective than a regular bush. Just something to think about. You'll want to brush her teeth at least a few times a week. I usually brush our dog's teeth for 3-4 minutes at a time.

 

[MaxwellSmart]

Brutus isn't interested in keeping his pearly whites...white. He's such a handful when it comes to brushing his teeth. I've tried working very slowly, 1st introducing the toothpaste, then the brush, then the brush with the toothpaste etc... I've been building up to a full brushing for weeks now and no success. I've tried rewarding with treats...nothing. He already has some tarter buildup so I definitely want to prevent any more. Max was so much easier haha.