Brushing Teeth, brushing & the Horrid Bath

[IcyMist]

I purchased a finger brush and toothpaste from the pet store for my puppy and so far it really hasn't been our favorite thing to do. Penny licks all the toothpaste off the brush and her mouth is so small that I have a difficult time getting the finger brush in her mouth let alone try and move in circular movements to clean her teeth. Since these are her baby teeth, I will still put the toothpaste on the brush and open her mouth and move the toothbrush around, but am not really struggling to brush her teeth. I feel that when she has her permanent teeth, she will already be familiar with the toothbrush and toothpaste and hopefully will let me brush her teeth.

She also doesn't like to stand still to be brushed, but she does seem to enjoy the brushing. I think she is just a tad bit too young to stand still long, but am going to keep up the brushing to get her used to the idea.

Now the part that is really not fun and I am not sure what is the best way to do it. Bath time......ARGGGG I gave Penny a bath outside in a large plastic bucket that she couldn't see over the top, but she stood up and was shaking and trying to get out the whole time. I thought spaniels liked water? Does anyone have any hints/tips that could help make bath time more pleasurable for her? I want Penny to enjoy her time in the water and not to be afraid of the water. I cannot get down on my knees (have titanium knees), so I cannot wash her on the grass.

PLEASE HELP!!!!

[mara]

Well, from my experiences, it sounds to me like you have a normal puppy!! I think you are doing exactly the right thing by perseveering. Get her very used to handling, brushing, grooming--they will all become second nature if you are consistant. I think that things like brushing and grooming to a puppy are interpreted as playing--everything is fun and games. Then we get frustrated and use a more stern voice that the puppy may interpret as scolding. My dog is also a water dog who is not too keen on bathing. I find that it helps if the sessions are not too long in duration but are regular. I also find that using a laughing light voice and not scolding is a good way to go. Make everything fun. One other thing to get her used to is having her ears and feet handled and her nails done regularly. These few things help me. I'm sure more of the folks here will have lots more suggestions for you.

[IcyMist]

Yes the ears are going to be a constant battle I am sure and is one thing that the vet has shown me how to care for. As for the nails, I won't dare even try to cut them. It will be off to the groomers when that time comes even if I end up paying a lot to have them done. I know how it feels to have my nail cut to the quick and I refuse to do that to any animal.

By the way, thanks for answering

[AroHawk Collies]

I dont use the horid toothbrush on my guys. My guys hate it. I get Maxiguard cleansing gel from the vet. You use it once a day and put it on their back teeth and it cleans the rest of the teeth. They love it after that they get a cookie http://www.vetamerica.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=237 it works great. I have a 12 year old and you wouldnt know it his teeth are so clean.

[pomlover80]

I don't think you can do much else considering she is a puppy. The toothbrush will work better when she is older and has a bigger mouth but now you are right on getting her use to it.

[sheplovr]

If you have a wade pool use it, fill some with water for the rinse also. It confines the dog and they do learn to like water, mine loves the wade pool, the hose, all that good stuff. Alot ask me if they have Lab in them. Do not scrare her by putting water on her face, just wipe it first few times. Watch getting alot into the ears also.
Talk to her nicely so she does not fear water. I know some horses I bathed hated it. Some trainers used warm water in balloons if it acted up and hit them with it between the ears so they felt like they were bleeding.??? Weird things I had heard about.
Make it fun and a pleasure on her part. She will learn to like it, all dogs do in time...
Ears I cleaned out with clean cloth dipped in acholhol and dry, not hard not is brushing the teeth. Get flavored tooth doggie paste, my dogs try to eat it before I get the teeth done. Good RAW beef soup bones help keep the teeth and gums healthy given once a week or so.

[Moo]

When Kirby was very small (which didn't last for long). I would bathe him in the laundry room sink.

[2ndchance]

to start teth brushing you should first use a piece of gauze with a little chicken broth on it, then move to the toothbrush. let him think that what you are putting in his mouth isn't bad but tasty! Also if he is still small try doing it in the kitchen sink, you can get better control of his head there. Keep a few yummy human treats on the counter that you will give him for sitting still. I know, what good is brushing his teeth if you are giving him treats right? Well, once he has learned to accept his teeth being brushed you can end it with a treat that is actually good for his teeth.