Missy, It's Time to Brush Your Teeth

The one thing I love about this blog is that it really helps to keep me accountable, and it's a great record of what we do when. It was especially helpful when Missy got sick. I couldn't remember when it started and then I looked at the blog and saw she had thrown up the morning after daycare.

A while back, I wrote about debating whether or not to brush Missy's teeth and then promised to keep you updated. Well here's your update. When we went to Petsmart on Friday for the life jacket, we also picked up a tooth brush. Since I didn't exactly know if I would ever actually get the toothpaste in her mouth, I bought the stuff from the clearance section and with a coupon. Yesterday, I tried it out.

I wouldn't call it a success but she actually did better than I thought. Here's what happened: I took the Missaroo out to the balcony because the paste was more like a liquid and I knew it was going to be messy. I put her collar and leash on her and tied her to the chair. I kept telling her how great she was and how much fun this was going to be. Missy being a very smart dog wasn't buying it. In fact she KNEW something was up before we even went to the balcony. I tried to get her to lick the "paste" off my finger before we even started but she wouldn't go near it.  I proceeded to try anyway.

It wasn't like she tried to bite me or get aggressive. Instead, she put on her "I prefer not to" hat. It's the same one she wears at the groomers and at the vet. I was able to get some of it on a couple of teeth. I didn't get to brush them exactly, just make contact.

For me, it was a start. I thought for sure the Missaroo would bark, fight, and be her usual self when it comes to things like that. Instead she became that 2 year old kid who sits at the table with his arms crossed and his mouth closed as you tried to feed him pees. He's not so much crying and carrying on as he is defiant. That was the Missaroo. But I think it's a jumping off point. I think I can perfect the technique a little, come at her with a different approach and be even more successful next time. The important thing here is I made a decision this is going to happen. Missy, it's time to brush your  teeth.