Is this normal, or is this dog neglect?

[minnieemouse]

My sister has a 10 year old yorkie. She's recently been for a dental scale and polish and they've taken out more than half of her teeth !

I've only ever owned big dogs, who never required a dental clean or any extractions.

I'm a bit concerned about the welfare of her dog... sis says it's all normal with this bread and at her age etc..

Haha! same!
Dust, debris from what she has eaten- and it gets tossed out, washed and refilled twice a day.

@oakleaffy I had Lurchers too, until recently. Now I have a toy breed, so dental care has always been something I worry about.

We brush, use Plaque Off, give fish skins, ostrich braids etc for natural self-cleaning and as they get older use Dentisept gel, as advised by our vet.

I’m considering forking out for an Emmipet sonic toothbrush for my current dog, as you don’t need to brush, you just hold it against each tooth. Haven’t quite made up my mind if I believe all the good reviews though and it is expensive.

Our vet said that once they have had a scale at the vets they are more prone to build plaque quickly, as the surface is rougher, which is another reason preventative dental care is so important.

My last Lurcher didn’t develop any dental issues until he was over 15, so I’m hoping we will have similar success with this dog by doing the same things.

Maybe she doesn't need to remember because she has a subscription service that sends it out when it's due, like I do. Or she has a calendar reminder.

I can tell you're not a dog owner.. I change my dog's bowl 2-3 times a day. You can put a bowl down and not 30 minutes later there's bits in it or he's had a drink and there's little dog hairs floating in it.

You don’t like your sister much, do you?

Yorkies are notorious for losing teeth, or needing them extracted.

I've had two of them. One had no problems, the other did. I don't brush my dogs' teeth, but I don't feed them cr*p, either.

Yabu - same happened to one of my dogs

I wouldn’t worm a dog that doesn’t have worms either. I’ve had dogs all my life.

OP not all dogs like dentastix, particularly some small dogs won't care at all. My small dog won't have one. Anyway, some people think they're not that great anyway - nutritionally or in case they swallow a big chunk. Lots of small breeds have shit teeth. Largely, tooth quality is genetic.

My dog is a Staffie and typical of the breed she loves chewing sticks and branches, she has amazing teeth, not a bit of plaque and she is 13. Chewing wood is not supposed to be good for them but it has benefited her.

We've had staffies as well as yorkies @Astrabees, and I can confirm that they have amazing tooth health.

Strong, no plaque, and don't seem to wear down at all. We have spaniels now (always have multiple dogs) and have also had westies - any spaniel/ westie/ yorkie with a tennis ball obsession ends up with their teeth worn down, even if you buy Kongs, which are less abrasive than ordinary tennis balls.