So, the vet says we have to brush Swanie's teeth.
I was working up to it, trying to get him used to the brush and the paste. He actually liked the toothpaste and I was able a couple times to get the brush in his mouth.
However, hubby decided he had a better idea. So last night he picked Swanie up and tried to force his mouth open. I kept saying, that's not the way to do it! Don't do it that way! But would he listen? Of course not! Naturally, Swanie freaked, wiggled lose and ran away. As if that weren't bad enough, hubby chased him down, picked him up, and tried again.
Now Swanie is very cautious, and I can't get near him with the paste. He used to like to lick it off the brush or my finger - now when he smells it, he runs the other way.
I know I'm getting long winded. My question is, how do I undo the damage hubby did and get the little fellow's teeth brushed without it being a stressful situation for both of us (Swanie and me, that is)? I don't want him to start hiding from me - he's such a sweet, loving little guy - but I really want to get this started.
I was working up to it, trying to get him used to the brush and the paste. He actually liked the toothpaste and I was able a couple times to get the brush in his mouth.
However, hubby decided he had a better idea. So last night he picked Swanie up and tried to force his mouth open. I kept saying, that's not the way to do it! Don't do it that way! But would he listen? Of course not! Naturally, Swanie freaked, wiggled lose and ran away. As if that weren't bad enough, hubby chased him down, picked him up, and tried again.
Now Swanie is very cautious, and I can't get near him with the paste. He used to like to lick it off the brush or my finger - now when he smells it, he runs the other way.
I know I'm getting long winded. My question is, how do I undo the damage hubby did and get the little fellow's teeth brushed without it being a stressful situation for both of us (Swanie and me, that is)? I don't want him to start hiding from me - he's such a sweet, loving little guy - but I really want to get this started.