The topic of dental health and marrow bones has brought a flood of letters to my mail box,and it seems like every dog person I have come across in the last few days wants to know more about dental health and marrow bones.

People seem to be split into two distinct categories; those who give marrow bones freely (like me!) and those who haven't and are afraid to try.

One friend of mine wrote that I should suggest to readers who own small couch potatoe dogs to scrape out most of the marrow with a spoon because marrow can be too rich for the little guys. I posted a Vet's letter in yesterday's blog that told of the dangers of broken teeth. Dr Wheeler suggested brushing is the only safe way to go. Aubrey wrote in asking for suggestions because her rescue dogs don't enjoy having their teeth brushed and here is my reply:

Hi Aubrey,
My Vet has approved marrow bones for my dog and suggested that I give her more marrow bone and less kibble. But like you, I have no doubt that Dr Wheeler raises valid concerns.

Dogs can easily get desensitized to having their teeth brushed, just like nail trims, and grooming or wearing a Gentle Leader. For this we use classical conditioning. That means you need to change the association to being handled about the mouth into a good thing at an emotional level. Many rescue dogs have issues with being restrained and you need to make this a force free and pleasant experience.

Take out the toothbrush and give your dogs liver, or whatever they just LOVE. Don't try to put a toothbrush in their mouth just yet. Pretty soon they will learn the tooth brush coming out is a precursor to good things happening. Do this several times daily. You need to make a good association with the toothbrush. In short time you will see them excited when they see the toothbrush because they know a good thing is coming.

Then add the paste and after the dogs lick it off, give them the special goody.
Do this for a few more days.
Next put the paste on the toothbrush and while a dog licks it, push gently on a tooth or gum. Praise and treat with the super yummy goody.
You then need to have the dogs gradually allow you more and more time in their mouths in order for them to get the goody. You could gradually fade the treat reward if you like. If it is not fun for the dog, then you have gone too fast. After doing something my dog finds unpleasant, I throw her a little party and usually play tug or fetch as well.

You could use a tooth brush, a finger brush, gauze or even a wash cloth to help your dog get used to the practice. I should think if your dog liked the taste of the toothpaste, you would start by just having the dog lick it off your finger. I would try brushing before dinner when they are more hungry and want the toothpaste more, or possibly at a normal siesta time.
If you are using a clicker this desensitization will go much quicker.

I cannot predict how long this process will take because it will vary from dog to dog. Watch for signs of stress and go slower and back up a few steps if the dog stops enjoying it. Take your time! It is human nature to try to move things along too quickly. Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

Trainer's word of caution
If you do not know your dog well, do not chance being bit. Be careful! While this was written to help rescue dogs, many rescue dogs have baggage. Tooth brushing should not be done on an unknown dog, or a newly acquired dog, or a dog with major issues. Watch for signs of stress to include, panting, stiffening, hard stare, sweaty peds,and a hardness around the mouth.
People often make the mistake of expecting a newly acquired rescue dog to be ready for baths, grooming and nail clipping. Go slowly and use caution.

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