Hiya
I just saw my little cocker pup for the first time yesterday, he's gorgeous! I can't wait to get him home but I have to wait a few weeks yet :-( In the meantime I'm reading these boards all the time & getting some great advice. What I wanted to know is what kind of toothpaste do I use for a dog. Is it OK to use the same as I use, or is there a special doggy one???
Penny

i dont think you can use the same toothpaste as we use but you can get meat flavored toothpaste from pet shops Ann ps i dont us toothpaste to clean my dogs teeth i use a little bit of bicarbonate of soda

same here think they like the salty taste and is cheaper than special toothpaste.

I use a tiny toothbrush you can get them from chemists sold as baby's 1st toothbrush, they're quite soft and small head, so good to get pup used to it. First try just getting him to let you rub his gums, then after a few days of tis (do it while hes sleepy) introduce the bicard on ur finger and rub teeth for as long as he'll let you, after a few days of this try the brush. Might freak him out you sticking things in his mouth, tilly wasnt keen, so take your time.
MOst importantly - reward him for letting you do it :)
Have loads of fun with your new bundle of joy, keep up the reading/research, it's really important - but the most learning starts when he arrives. best of luck!
Lynz x

Thats great thanx for the help. I think I have some bicarb already in so that is one less thing to buy lol. I tried to remember loads of things to ask the breeder when I met her, but you always forget something lol.
Penny

Hi Penny,

Wait until your puppy has adult teeth before you try brushing. No point in brushing puppy teeth since they will start to fall out at about 4 months of age anyway. And when they teeth their mouths and gums can get very sore and sensitive, so you would not be able to brush at that time anyway. After your pups adult teeth are would be the time to introduce your puppy to a toothbrush or fingerbrush.

Stacey

I would change a bit of that - of course be sensetive to the fact that his mouth may be sore for teething, but I would still 'pretend' to brush his teeth using the tip of your finger - use the doggie toothpaste on the end of your finger and get him used to having it in his mouth and the motion - so that by the time you actually start brushing he is used to the idea.

Wendy

It's also good to have your pup used to having his mouth and teeth handled and looked at, whether he's going to be shown or not. You never know when you're going to have to hoick something out of his mouth or investigate sore places, and it helps no end if they're used to it!

As you say, do it gently and they'll be quite happy.
:)