Vets always say you should brush your dog's teeth. Before Moana, I never managed to get a process in place.
Toothbrushes were awkward. I hated those finger brushes. Trying to get the dog to hold still was a nightmare.
I did try with Moana. I found a nice soft human toothbrush. I put it and her toothpaste in a glass on the kitchen counter near where I prep her food. But most days I would forget.
UNTIL -
I decided to put the glass in the bathroom near my toothbrush. I started brushing her teeth when I finished with mine.
And it became a routine!
A routine that Moana herself has adopted.
I brush my teeth with an electric toothbrush. Turn the brush off. Take her brush out of the glass, usually accidently clinking it against the side of the glass.
I put toothpaste on the brush.
Moana appears by my side ready for her teeth brushing.
Now - the rule is that I MUST pet her first. No reaching for her mouth without petting. Oh, and no doing her teeth before I do mine. If she shows up early, I'm supposed to ignore her.
Left back teeth. Right back teeth. Upper front teeth. Lower front teeth. Kiss on the forehead. And we're done.
I haven't missed a day in 4 months. At her last vet visit, the vet said her teeth look really good.