Teeth decay problems...?

We inherited a Yorkshire, she's about 12 years old, somewhat happy, sleeps a lot but still spry. The previous owners never took her to a vet for dental care and now her teeth are deteriorating. It cost too much to have them fixed or torn out. She cannot bite on anything except soft dog food. What can I do to help keep them somewhat healthier and thus keep our little Roxy happy in her senior years? Answers muchly appreciated.

Teeth decay problems...?
There's nothing you can do to help her at this point except have those teeth pulled. Serious tooth and gum problems often leads to other major health issues, like kidney, liver or heart trouble - that's why dental care is so important.
Reply:you need to take her to a vet if a dog has dental problems they cant eat try an animal charity and see if you can get the treatment at a reduced cost
Reply:It will be tough, but try to find a dog tooth brush and tooth paste. It probally wont help the current issue, you need a vet for that, but it may fix issues that will come up later.
Reply:Unfortunately there is nothing that can really be done except dental work by your vet. Everything for dental care that you will find in the store is worthless and just something to make a buck! It is a shame that dental care is expensive but it is some what of a necessity for a happier longer life. There are bacteria’s in the mouth that can be detrimental to your dog…..gum disease, bad for the heart and can take years off your dogs life!
Reply:I just lost my little girl Yorkie at 15 yrs old..miss her so bad..She had bad dental problems too, probably because she had no dental care before we found her on the street. We had to have some of her teeth removed, they caused her too much pain and were causing infections in her gums..We just had them done one by one as we could afford it. You have to fix this, she will be in pain and eventually won't be able to eat. Also if you wait until she's any older, It will be too risky to do any type of minor surgery,such as teeth cleaning, on her. Just save up money little by little. She's worth it, isn't she?
Reply:you have to feed her hard dog food or her teeth will keep on getting worse. you can try to ether mix some canned dog food in with the dry food or soak the hard food in water or milk to make it easier for her.
Reply:there is not much you can do because the main problem is because of her old age, but try to find a moist food with not a lot of sugar, wet/moist food decays dogs teeth severly, they need to eat hard food because it helps to chip of the tartar, but if she can not eat hard food just try to get her a soft food with not a lot of sugar, and try to get a dog finger tooth brush or actual toothbrush with doggy toothpaste to help with her teeth, good luck
Reply:Try www.painfreepet.com - they have something called flex gel that is great for older pets. The hyaluronic acid reduces inflammation, and will help eat away the tartar. I have heard numerous pet owners rave about it! I bet it will help her feel younger as well.





At this point, feeding her soft food won't hurt, as long as she is getting adequate nutrition and not have any 'pottying' troubles.





Good luck - I wish you well.