Brushing teeth...GERRRRRR

[vainchick5]

Hi all, I try to brush Coco's teeth but she hates it. I even let her sniff and play with her toothbrush so she gets acquainted with it. But as soon as I put doggie paste on it and try to brush her teeth, she runs away. So then I have to catch her, and hold her tiny little head as gently as I can to expose her teeth and brush them. I hate doing that besides the fact that she doesn't let me because she wiggles around like a fish out of water. I don't know what to do. I don't want to give in to her because the health of her teeth is important and it's costly to have things fixed. But I don't like forcing her to stay still while I do it. I praise her the whole time, even tried talking or singing to her to get her to stop wiggling and relax. I've even considered doing it while she sleeps in my lap sometimes. She is such a deep sleeper I don't think she would notice but I don't want to disrupt her sleep. Any Suggestions?
Thanks

[luzangela428]

Maximus is the same way...so i bought the finger tip toothbrush and I let Maximus play with it like it is a toy at first (no toothpaste)..then I grab it as if I am playing an put a thin layer of paste..he goes to grab it off my finger a I start scrubbing as he is trying to get it off my finger...I then let him run around with it for a few mintue before I start the process over again..also when he is really sleepy I try to get in another quick brush...they will fall right back asleep anyways and worth the piece of mind that their teeth are *****sparkly****clean****

[vainchick5]

I have the same thing. I have a finger brush that I use for her. I let her play with it but as soon as it goes on my finger, she growls at it...haha..I think I might try it when she sleeps. Thanks

[maddiesdad]

Maybe its the toothpaste? Have you tried going through the normal brushing process without the paste? Perhaps a different flavor or just put the paste on your finger and brush with you finger a bit to get her used to the paste?

I guess the trick is repeated exposure and reward. Try dry brushing for a few seconds each day and give her a treat when she's good through. Start off real short and work your way up to longer sessions until she's not phased by it.

Its similar to trimming nails. The more you play with their feet on a regular basis the less they mind getting their nails trimmed.

Tom

[Cookie2]

I bought one of those Hartz brush and I hate it and so does Cookie! Does Petsmart or Pet supermarket carry thefinger brushes? I havent really looked for them until I saw it on the Newlywed show fo Jessica & Nick
The hartz brush is too too big for Cookie's mouth and he fights to get away.

Genie

[red98vett]

Genie - I have the finger brush and it's just as hard....I thought it would make a difference but I think it's a yorkie rule to hate getting teeth brushed...As Chanel has grown up she's better but it's an awful ordeal with Cheri - she acts like I'm PULLING teeth not brushing them

[chachi]

Both my dogs just hate having their teeth brushed and fight me. I use a finger brush now and it helps a little.

[Sidney]

Try using a piece of gauze with a little of his tooth paste on it and rub his teeth and gums. I try to do this when they are tired and laying on my lap.

[Sydney'sMom]

I'm sorry to hear that all of your babies really hate to have their teeth brushed! Sydney loves it!

Here is the brand I use since you were asking about the finger brush. The brush is very soft and the toothpaste tastes yummy. I think if you let her taste the toothpaste first, she may warm up to it. For Syd it is all about the toothpaste. The fact that I am brushing her teeth is just a minor inconvience. Plus when I am done I let her lick the extra paste off of the brush. It's worked for me.

ps. The only place I have ever seen this brand of brush/paste is at PetCo...but if you really want it and don't have one in your city...they have a website.

[Midge5353]

LOL! My Riley brushes his own teeth! See:

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photo...1507_0_ALB.jpg

Too bad in the above picture he is using the wrong side of the toothbrush! LOL! But, I don't think he likes me taking pictures of him doing something right because when I did, he gave me this expression:

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photo...1507_0_ALB.jpg

Well good luck with your teeth brushing!

[Bentley'sMom]

I've been brushing Bentley's teeth with a children's tooth brush that is small enough to fit in his mouth. He also hates it and it is impossible to get to his back teeth. I tried the finger toothbrush, but it is way too big for his mouth. The vet informed me the other day that he already needs to get his teeth professionally cleaned (he isn't even a year old and has only had his adult teeth for 6 months). There has got to be a better way to get the back teeth clean - I can't afford to have the vet do it every 6 months!

[Connie]

I also have a heck of a time brushing Maddie's teeth...she fights it tooth and nail. I will be watching this thread for any helpful hints. I never feel I do a very good job because she makes it nearly impossible. I use the same brand as Sydney's Mom...along with the finger brush.

[orinskye]

this is the one thing that toby doesnt really like me doing......... i have these circular dental wipes (they look kind of like oxy pads) and the do a pretty good job on tobys teeth (his breath is better at least)..... I wrap the pad around my finger and then i start scrubbing away..... he still doesnt like it, but he doesnt mind as much when i do it this was with the pads

[Connie]

Orinskye...where do you get the dental wipes?

[orinskye]

petsmart........... here is the link http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...=1116913020339
they carry it in stores