Yorkshire Terrier Health Guide-Protecting from Dental Disease

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their sweet, affectionate personalities and their silky coats. However, they are also prone to certain health issues, including dental disease. As a small breed dog with a tiny mouth, Yorkies are at risk for periodontal disease, tooth loss, and other oral health problems. As a Yorkie parent, it’s important to understand the signs of dental disease, steps you can take to prevent it, and when to seek veterinary care. In this article we talk about Yorkshire Terrier Health Guide-Protecting from Dental Disease.

Signs of Dental Disease

Dental disease is often “silent” – meaning it progresses without obvious symptoms until more advanced stages. That’s why regular veterinary dental exams are so important.

Some subtle signs to watch for at home include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Yellow-brown tartar accumulation on teeth
• Loose or missing teeth
• Pain when chewing hard foods or toys
• Dropping food from the mouth while eating
• Chewing on just one side of the mouth

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time for a vet visit. The sooner dental problems are addressed, the better the outcome.

Preventing Dental Disease

An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to your Yorkie’s oral health. Here are proactive steps you can take:

Brush Teeth Regularly
It’s ideal to brush your Yorkie’s teeth at least 3 times a week. Daily is even better. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Work gently to lift plaque and tartar off the teeth and gums. Over time, this reduces the chance for infection and decay. It also gets your Yorkie comfortable with toothbrushing.

Provide Dental Chews
Veterinary oral health chews, like Greenies, help scrape away soft plaque and tartar while giving your dog something satisfying to gnaw on. Look for the VOHC seal from the Veterinary Oral Health Council when choosing a brand. Give chews as directed, not too often. Monitor your Yorkie to ensure the size is appropriate and the chews are consumed slowly.

Feed Dental Diet Food
Prescription dental diet dog foods are formulated to help break up and reduce plaque and tartar. The kibble texture also gently scrubs the teeth with each bite. Feeding one of these foods daily reduces the need for more invasive dental cleanings down the road.

Schedule Veterinary Cleanings
Even with diligent home care, most Yorkies need periodic professional dental cleanings. How often varies based on the individual dog. Your vet will assess your Yorkie’s oral health at annual wellness exams and recommend the ideal cleaning frequency. Many dogs need a dental cleaning every 1-2 years.

Professional cleanings allow the veterinary team to:

• Take dental x-rays to check for issues below the gumline
• Scale plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
• Polish the teeth smooth
• Extract any badly damaged or infected teeth
• Provide antibiotics or pain medication as needed

The goal is to catch dental disease early and prevent painful infection and tooth loss.

Seeking Veterinary Care

If you notice any signs of dental disease or oral pain in your Yorkie, schedule a veterinary exam right away. This includes signs like bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth or mouth pain. The vet will examine your dog’s teeth, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth and jaw structure.

They’ll check for:

• Excess tartar and plaque
• Gum inflammation, recession or infection
• Loose, damaged or missing teeth
• Cheek irritation and ulcers
• Abnormal growths or masses
• Bone loss around tooth roots

Depending on what they find, they may recommend:

• A professional dental cleaning and polishing under anesthesia
• Dental x-rays to evaluate tooth roots and bone loss
• Tooth extractions if indicated
• Antibiotics and pain medication
• Follow up care like brushing assistance or dental food

With proper prevention and early treatment when needed, your darling Yorkie can enjoy excellent dental health for years to come. Be attentive to their oral condition and get veterinary help at the first sign of disease. Protecting your Yorkie’s smile today prevents bigger problems down the road. I sincerely hope you find this “Yorkshire Terrier Health Guide-Protecting from Dental Disease” article helpful.