Yorkshire terriers are one of the most popular small-sized dog breeds.They are known for their bravery and adventurous nature.Yorkies are prone to dental diseases because of their teeth and jaws.They are more susceptible to plaque build up, tooth decay and gum disease because their teeth are compressed and crowded in a narrow jaw.To keep your Yorkie's teeth clean, you need to train her to brush her teeth regularly, and feed her food and treats that help to maintain healthy teeth.
Step 1: You should spend a few weeks getting your Yorkie used to having you manipulate her mouth.
Taking it in stages is the key to successfully brushing your Yorkie's teeth.Slowly, using only your fingers.
Step 2: You can start by rubbing your Yorkie's teeth.
The stage should take a few days.When you brush your dog's teeth, mimic what will happen.Make sure you get at all of her teeth by lifting her lips.Your dog likes it when you dip your finger.Chicken soup, peanut butter, and marinara sauce are popular.While she licks your fingers, rub your finger on your Yorkie's teeth.Start dipping your finger in your dog's toothpaste after the first day.There are some popular flavors.Make sure she likes it.You might want to try another flavor if she doesn't like licking it.You shouldn't use human toothpaste to clean your Yorkie's teeth.Human toothpaste is toxic to dogs.
Step 3: Open your dog's mouth and practice.
To effectively clean your Yorkie's teeth, you'll need to be able to open her mouth and work inside.This requires practice.There are delicious treats.You want her to have positive associations with mouth manipulation, so be sure to give her a treat she likes, like cheese or hot dogs.If your dog wriggles, jerks her head, or tries to escape, gently but firmly hold her muzzle until she stops.Wait a second and release her muzzle when she does.She may be a sign that you are moving fast.For a few days, go back to the beginning.
Step 4: Lifting up your dog's lips will expose her teeth.
The key is to slow down.You will be brushing your dog's teeth for a long time.It will take 3 to 5 weeks to get it right.If you were going to open her mouth, put one hand under her chin and the other on top of her muzzle.Release her and give her a treat.For a few days, repeat 10 times per session and a couple of times a day.Lift your Yorkie's upper lips and expose her teeth with your hands in the same position.Release, praise, and treat.For a few days, do this 10 times per session, three or more times a day.Lift your Yorkie's lips slowly.Move from 3 seconds to 5 the next day.Move to the next step if you can hold your dog's lips up for 10 seconds.
Step 5: Open your Yorkie's mouth.
Move slowly, starting by opening your dog's mouth a little, then widening it on successive days.With your hands under your dog's jaw and over the top of her muzzle, open her mouth and give her a treat.Do it 10 times.For 1-2 days, practice this 3 times a day.If you want to see your dog's back teeth, open his mouth a little wider each time.If you open your dog's mouth too wide, it can cause pain.
Step 6: You should increase the amount of time you can hold your Yorkie's mouth open.
For 4-7 days, practice three sessions a day.Don't push it, try to add a second each session.Go back to a step your dog is used to.You are ready to start brushing when you can hold your Yorkie's mouth open for 10 seconds.
Step 7: It is a good idea to brush your Yorkie's teeth daily.
Regular brushing of your Yorkie's teeth is the best way to keep her teeth clean and prevent gum disease.It helps to keep her breath fresh.You should brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week.
Step 8: The right toothbrush should be chosen.
When first starting, a finger toothbrush is more accepted by Yorkies.You should switch to a three-sided toothbrush after a week or so with the finger brush.There are certain toothbrushes for small dogs.The handles on some of them allow you to reach awkward places more easily.Good pet supply stores have these.If your dog has a hard time with a toothbrush, you can use dental wipes.At your local pet store, you can purchase disposable wipes.Do not use a toothbrush for your dog.Your dog's teeth will be irritated by human toothbrushes.
Step 9: Take the toothbrush and toothpaste with you.
Put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush.Lift her lips by putting one hand over her muzzle.Use your other hand to brush the outer surfaces of a few teeth.Reward with a treat when you stop after a few seconds.For 1-2 weeks, do this 3-4 times a day.Slowly increase the time you spend brushing: 3 seconds, then 5, 8, 10, and so on.You should increase the time until you can clean your Yorkie's teeth.
Step 10: With your dog's mouth open, begin brushing it.
It is time to clean the inner parts of your Yorkie's teeth.You have to open your dog's mouth.As you have practiced, gently open your Yorkie's mouth by placing one hand over her muzzle.Release, praise, and treat if you brush a few teeth.You should repeat this many times per session.Slowly increase the amount of time you keep your dog's mouth open to 5 seconds by practicing twice a day.You should increase the number of times you clean your dog's teeth until you can clean them all in one session.
Step 11: Clean your dog's outer and inner teeth at the same time.
In 5 minutes, brush daily.One day do the outer teeth and the next the inner.
Step 12: After brushing, reward your Yorkie.
Give her a treat to make her want to brush her teeth.
Step 13: Feed your dog hard food rather than soft food.
Tartar and plaque can be reduced by feeding your Yorkie hard kibble instead of canned dog food.The Veterinary Oral Health Council website has types of dry food that are specifically designed to reduce plaque and tartar.
Step 14: Dog owners often give their dogs treats to clean their teeth.
Tartar and plaque can be removed from your Yorkie's teeth with a variety of treats.
Step 15: Feed your Yorkie scraps.
Human food with high levels of sugar is bad for your dog's teeth.
Step 16: Provide your dog with some chew toys.
The plaque on your Yorkie's teeth can be reduced by chewing on toys such as rawhide and pigs ears.When your pet is playing with a new toy, you need to keep an eye on them to make sure they don't choke.
Step 17: Bring your Yorkie to the dentist.
Bring your Yorkie for a dental check up at least once a year with a professional veterinary dentist.The vet will remove any plaque that has not been removed.Ask your vet to show you how to do it yourself.
Step 18: The signs of dental problems can be seen.
If your Yorkie has a dental issue, you should take her to the vet as soon as possible.Check for: loose teeth, excessive breath, drooling, bleeding gums, and tumors under the tongue.