Yorkie Terriers Teeth & Dental Care
Your Yorkie is your very best friend. Every single time you walk through the door your Yorkie is so happy to see you that he wags his tail and practically smiles at you. How can you show your pet how much they mean to you? Well, one way is to take care of that smile for your pet. Did you know that your dog’s diet can influence their oral health?
Humans need to brush and floss their teeth regularly to keep their teeth, tongue, and gums in good condition. Veterinary dental examinations and appropriate home care help protect your dog’s oral health.
It is important to brush your Yorkie’s teeth frequently to keep plaque and tartar from becoming an issue.
Even wiping his gums with a clean, damp cloth can be beneficial. Your Yorkie’s diet also plays a role in your pet’s oral health. Do you typically feed your dog canned or dry dog food? What kind of treats and toys do you provide for your pet? All of these things can affect the likelihood of trouble with your pet’s teeth.
A balanced diet supports overall health, but food alone does not keep teeth healthy. Some specifically designed dental diets help control plaque or tartar; ordinary dry kibble should not be assumed to provide the same benefit. Ask your veterinarian about an appropriate diet and daily tooth brushing.
The treats you give your pet are part of your Yorkie’s diet just like snacks are part of a person’s diet.
- Why do Yorkies have such bad teeth?
- Are Yorkies prone to dental problems?
- How do I keep my Yorkies teeth healthy?
As humans, we tend to want to overlook our snacking habits, so it can be easy to overlook the treats you give your dog. This is not a good idea. Carefully consider any and all items your dog will consume.
Do you give your dog bones, rawhides, jerky treats, or dog biscuits? Maybe your pet prefers greenies or corn starch chews. You may not have considered it, but tossing Spot a rawhide chew is like giving him a candy bar. The rawhide, for example, contains calories and is often provided between meals.
Many of the treats and snacks you provide in your Yorkie’s diet can be just empty wasted calories. Some treats, alternatively, provide excellent opportunity to improve oral health. Ask your veterinarian about size-appropriate dental products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Avoid bones and other very hard chews that can fracture teeth, and seek a dental examination for persistent bad breath. Read AAHA’s guidance on dental diets and treats.
Choose food and dental care for your individual Yorkie rather than assuming dry food is always best. Don’t forget to select treats for your pet that will enhance your dog’s diet. Consciously monitoring your dog’s diet will positively influence your best friend’s oral health.
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