Yorkshire Terriers (or Yorkies) are one of the most popular small breed breeds. They are famous for their loyalty, their courage and their adventurous nature. Unfortunately, Yorkshire dogs are predisposed to dental disease due to the anatomy of their teeth and jaw. Their teeth tend to be compressed and overcrowded in a narrow jaw, making them more susceptible to plaque formation, tooth loss, and gingivitis. For this reason, keeping your Yorkshire's teeth clean is very important.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Brushing Your Yorkshire's Teeth
Step 1. Understand why brushing is important
Brushing your Yorkshire's teeth regularly is the most important and effective way to keep his teeth clean and minimize the chances of gingivitis. It also helps keep her breath fresh and prevents plaque from degenerating into tartar.
- Unfortunately, many owners are unaware that brushing their dogs' teeth is necessary to prevent gingivitis and dental disease. As a result, dental problems are common among dogs (and Yorkshire in particular).
- Brushing a dog's teeth isn't an easy task, but it's not impossible. The next steps will show you how to properly clean your Yorkshire's teeth.
Step 2. Choose the right toothbrush
The Yorkshire Terrier is a very lively breed and will resist attempts by its owners to brush their teeth. To minimize this problem, the first thing to do is to choose a suitable toothbrush.
- There are dog toothbrushes designed specifically for small dogs. Some even have adjustable handles that allow you to easily reach the most difficult corners. These toothbrushes are available in the best pet stores.
- Don't use a brush for your Yorkshire's teeth. Personal toothbrushes are too stiff and will irritate your dog's gums.
Step 3. Choose an appropriate toothpaste
After choosing the right toothbrush, the next step is choosing the right flavored toothpaste for your dog. Some tasty dog toothpastes contain poultry, beef, and knob of butter.
You should never use human toothpaste to brush your Yorkshire's teeth. These toothpastes contain fluoride, which is toxic to dogs
Step 4. Calmly introduce your dog to the toothbrush and toothpaste
Put a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush and rub it gently on your dog's teeth and gums to get him used to the taste and feel.
- You can easily expose your dog's teeth by tilting his head back and gently parting his lips with your fingers.
- Slowly insert the toothbrush and check the dog's reaction by observing him carefully. Stop if he gets too nervous or excited, and try again the next day.
Step 5. Use the toothbrush to brush your Yorkshire's teeth in a circular fashion
Once your Yorkshire has learned to accept toothbrushes and toothpaste, try brushing his teeth in a circular fashion.
- Brush the outer surface of his teeth first, then proceed with the gums and inner surface of his teeth. Once you are done brushing, rinse your dog's mouth with clean water or a special mouthwash.
- Just 3 to 4 seconds of brushing is enough for the first two weeks of grooming, so your dog gets used to this new routine. Later, you can begin to gradually increase the frequency of brushing his teeth.
Step 6. Reward your dog with a gift that is good for his teeth
If your Yorkshire did well during the dental cleaning, don't forget to reward him with a gift that is good for his teeth! This will make him much more likely to perform well next time, since he'll associate oral hygiene time with a good reward!
Method 2 of 3: Using Dental Wipes
Step 1. Use dental wipes when your dog refuses the toothbrush
Some Yorkshire dogs show a strong aversion to toothbrushes, and become very excited and difficult to hold. In these situations it may be a better solution to rub your dog's teeth with your fingers using dental wipes, such as Petco Dental Wipes ®, Max dental wipes ® or DD Dental wipes ®. These are some examples of products on the market.
Step 2. Lift your dog's chin and expose the teeth
First of all, lift your Yorkshire's chin using one hand and hold his head still and in place. With your other hand, gently rub his lips and mouth area to make him expose his teeth himself.
Step 3. Use the wipes to gently scrub the dog's teeth
Take a dental wipe from the package and use it to gently scrub each of your dog's teeth in a gentle circular motion.
- You may need to force your dog to open his mouth to better reach the bottom teeth.
- Use all the wipes you need until you have scrubbed all of your dog's teeth and all of them are clean.
Step 4. Throw away each wipe after use
Throw away any wipes in the trash after using them. Dental wipes are not reusable.
Do not allow the wipes to come into contact with the eyes and close the package tightly after use to keep them moist
Method 3 of 3: Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Step 1. Feed your dog dry rather than wet food
Feeding your Yorkshire kibble, rather than canned food, can significantly reduce the build-up of tartar and plaque on his teeth.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council recommends the following products as part of a healthy canine diet: Hill's® Prescription Diet® t / d®, Canine greenness®, Tartar shields®
Step 2. Give your dog chew toys
You can also give your Yorkshire edible and non-edible chew toys. Chewing toys helps reduce dental plaque while entertaining your dog.
Keep in mind that you will need to monitor your dog closely while playing with a new toy to prevent accidental choking
Step 3. Take your Yorkshire veterinarian once or twice a year
It is recommended that you take your dog to a professional veterinary dentist for a dental checkup at least twice a year.
A dental vet can professionally clean your Yorkshire's teeth (if needed) and give you some good recommendations on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home
Advice
- The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) recommends brushing your Yorkshire's teeth two to three times a week.
- You should start your Yorkshire dental cleaning as soon as possible.
