Dog Owner Chat V. 5

[Imzadi83]

for those of you who brush your dogs teeth, what toothpaste (if any) and brushes do you use?

I'm not loyal to any particular brand. Currently I'm using the C.E.T brand. Obviously if you're looking for toothpaste you need to use the kind meant for dogs. Chloe seems to like the vanilla flavor best out of what I've tried. My late dog liked poultry the best. Personally I use toothbrushes meant for dogs but you can use people ones.

[ᴍᴀᴏᴄɪғᴇʀ]

for those of you who brush your dogs teeth, what toothpaste (if any) and brushes do you use?

I've only ever used one brand, Trixie, so I don't have a wide range to suggest. Winston liked the mint flavour (it's very mild and he used to try and lick it off the brush), but Ruby doesn't, so I'll probably find a brand that does a neutral/vanilla next time because the meat flavours personally don't appeal to me.
If you want to clean them properly, brushes made for dogs are the way to go. I'm not super invested in brushing though, so I use a little one meant for children. It's small, so it's easy to move around, and the bristles are soft enough to not scratch at the gums and make brush time unpleasant.

[beautifulglitter]

for those of you who brush your dogs teeth, what toothpaste (if any) and brushes do you use?

Toothpaste doesn't really matter- its primary function is to make brushing tolerable for dogs, so just find a flavor your dog likes! There are a couple of products that have gone through VOHC trials, if you want to try out those. Right now I'm using a poultry flavor.

As for brushes, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) uses in its trials a flat-bristle human toothbrush that meets American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines. The medium/large dogs use adult toothbrushes, but for my 50 lb dog I use a children's toothbrush because I find it easier to manipulate. Their brushing protocol is here; the short version is to wet the brush (with water/paste/gel), make 3 brushes back and forth with a 45 degree angle towards the gums, then 1 brush from gums->tip of tooth, all with gentle pressure that doesn't bend the bristles. It definitely doesn't always go that smoothly lol, but any brushing is better than nothing!

[mierose]

I’m in need of name suggestions! They’re for a potential new addition, but nothing is for sure yet. I hope it all works out, but we’ll just have to wait and see. I love nature and literature themed names so that’s more what I’m looking for. I’d rather they not be human names because my other kiddos don’t have those, and I’d like some sort of a coherent pattern. She’s a red merle, if that helps ;)

[Blue_Aussie]

I’m in need of name suggestions! They’re for a potential new addition, but nothing is for sure yet. I hope it all works out, but we’ll just have to wait and see. I love nature and literature themed names so that’s more what I’m looking for. I’d rather they not be human names because my other kiddos don’t have those, and I’d like some sort of a coherent pattern. She’s a red merle, if that helps

Aww! I love red merles! (I'm assuming Aussie?) Hope everything works out! Name suggestions... Kahlua, Lexi or Mila? I know they are human names, I can't think of any good dog girl names lol

[Mythz]

Does anyone have some advice for keeping a puppy calm and lying down for a long time? Sadly our 20 week old puppy has broken his leg and we have to restrict his movements as much as possible. He's a super high-energy dog and we're struggling to keep him nice and calm. We normally have to take him on around 2-4 walks a day and a play outside to get him to calm down. Does anyone have some suggestions? Thanks for any help!

[Blue_Aussie]

Does anyone have some advice for keeping a puppy calm and lying down for a long time? Sadly our 20 week old puppy has broken his leg and we have to restrict his movements as much as possible. He's a super high-energy dog and we're struggling to keep him nice and calm. We normally have to take him on around 2-4 walks a day and a play outside to get him to calm down. Does anyone have some suggestions? Thanks for any help!

I'd suggest more brain-games and training that he doesn't have to move for, such as "watch" or "wait" (when you put food in front of him). Fill his kong toys up with things like carrots, peanut butter or apples for him to work at for a while. Hope some of this helps, hope he's better soon!

[Imzadi83]

Does anyone have some advice for keeping a puppy calm and lying down for a long time? Sadly our 20 week old puppy has broken his leg and we have to restrict his movements as much as possible. He's a super high-energy dog and we're struggling to keep him nice and calm. We normally have to take him on around 2-4 walks a day and a play outside to get him to calm down. Does anyone have some suggestions? Thanks for any help!

I'd suggest more brain-games and training that he doesn't have to move for, such as "watch" or "wait" (when you put food in front of him). Fill his kong toys up with things like carrots, peanut butter or apples for him to work at for a while. Hope some of this helps, hope he's better soon!

^This. I would also be feeding him his meals in puzzle toys or through training. In addition to those training ideas what about laying on his side on cue? Also try some longer lasting chewies like braided bully sticks, antlers, etc.

Sorry about your puppy, I hope the healing goes well.

[Mythz]

Does anyone have some advice for keeping a puppy calm and lying down for a long time? Sadly our 20 week old puppy has broken his leg and we have to restrict his movements as much as possible. He's a super high-energy dog and we're struggling to keep him nice and calm. We normally have to take him on around 2-4 walks a day and a play outside to get him to calm down. Does anyone have some suggestions? Thanks for any help!

I'd suggest more brain-games and training that he doesn't have to move for, such as "watch" or "wait" (when you put food in front of him). Fill his kong toys up with things like carrots, peanut butter or apples for him to work at for a while. Hope some of this helps, hope he's better soon!

^This. I would also be feeding him his meals in puzzle toys or through training. In addition to those training ideas what about laying on his side on cue? Also try some longer lasting chewies like braided bully sticks, antlers, etc.

Sorry about your puppy, I hope the healing goes well.

Thank you both! We'll try this out with him <3

[drift.]

mierose;
d'awh how exciting !!
I can't wait for a new puppy, still trying to decide between a spoo
or purpose-bred cross for an agility and hunting partner :)

Names ?
Maze
Calvin (yes its a human name but it's a 'dream' name of mine for a red tri or red merle dog; specifically female)
Sage
Aster
Duck/Pigeon/Lark
Honeysuckle/Honey/A specific type of honeysuckle
Brin
Brier
Farley
Oriel
asdfjk I'm getting in the puppy mood again :')
Hope all goes to plan with this little girl!