Thank you all for all your replies. I just had Peyton in for his annual check- up the other day, and I had one of the 3 vets there that I really like, and she really tells it like it is. She said Peyton should have his teeth professionally cleaned in about 6 months..or at least we should assess it in 6 months. I just want soooooo bad for him not to lose any teeth, and I know that if he would just let me brush them like my other dogs do or have done, it wouldn't be a problem.
Thank you so much again for your replies...especially for the one where the terrier brushes his own teeth. That is really worth a try. Those are the toothbrushes I generally use on them - the kind you get two for $1.97 at Wal-mart. I will try that and see how well it works.
Gosh, I want him to keep his teeth...plus I don't want him to suffer toothaches, bleeding gums, etc.
I'll give it a try..I already know he likes the enzymatic toothpaste.
My problem is, I have two dogs..so usually whatever I do for one, I have to duplicate it for the other - even though the other dog lets me brush his teeth fine, he may have to have one to chew on too. But, if it works, that's ok
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I'll let you know how it goes!