Boone is afraid of the toothbrush, help!

[Jeri]

Maybe I handled this wrong from the start, but now I have a problem.  When Boone was in the vet's office for his ear infection, the vet mentioned his tartar was getting bad.  So, I ordered a tooth scaler and was checking the tartar on Boone's teeth.  He freaked and peed all over me!  Later I tried to brush his teeth.     I was extremely gentle, because my only goal was to get him used to the toothbrush in his mouth, and he peed on me again! 

Please help, I need to take care of his teeth!  Other than keeping a puppy pad on my lap underneath Boone, what suggestions do you have?

Right now Boone is hiding behind he sofa and won't come out.  he's been there over an hour, and it's breaking my heart!   

[Paula]

oh no!! Poor little Boone - maybe try some teeth wipes on him first? Then slowly introduce the toothbrush later when he is more used to u playing around with his teeth?

I'm sure with all the help from the wise ones from this board we will find a way!

Give Boone, Leopold and Skeeter some cuddles and kisses from us downunder.

[Barb]

Poor Boone.....no telling what he had stuck in his mouth in the past........

Both of mine hate the toothbrush too - so I use the wipes....and that was a training experience to get them to let me use those.  Just take it slow - let him smell the wipes or the brush, whichever you choose.....do a few seconds of maintenance at a time.  I know you feel like he really needs the good brushing now- but if he is scared - it won't get done at all !  Take it slowly and he will warm up.  Good luck !

[Marcia from MI]

Both of mine hate toothbrushes and barely tolerate dental wipes.  When I first got Sam he would let me scale his teeth, but now forget it, he does let me do the wipes every once in awhile.  Eddie?  Well, Eddie hides under the cat's chair where I can't reach him.  However, I do try to keep baby carrots around for Sam - Eddie liked them until he found out they were good for him.

[Lori R.]

I had trouble with the toothbrush too    Penny was attacking it showing her teeth.... So I tried these teeth cleaning wipes, which might be easier for you to use on Boone.... 

You just place your index finger on one side and wipe the teeth gently it is worth a shot!  You can find these at any pet store or even Wal-mart or target!

[David C.]

I use a wet finger, then dip it in baking soda.   I also use a Q-tip dipped in peroxide (I use the Q-tip first).

At one point, I was even able to floss Rudy & Max's teeth.   Rudy was much more tolerant of this than Max.   Max no longer has enough teeth to effectively floss and won't let me get near the ones that are left