Anna has a passion for keeping pets healthy and happy. She grew up with a Great Pyrenees as a family dog. Currently and currently has an orange tabby. She worked at a dog grooming and bathing salon where she learnt more about canine behavior and bathing. She lives in Wisconsin, in the United States. When she is not writing, she helps her partner run their small business, knitting, and enjoying local parks.
Like most breeds, Yorkshire terriers may develop health issues as a result of their selective breeding. Fortunately, looking for the signs of these conditions will help you track them early. We’ve created a list of five Yorkshire terrier health tips to keep your Yorkie happy.
Focus On Your Yorkshire Terrier’s Health
Regular vet visits, vaccinations, and heartworm prevention medications are a crucial part of taking care of a dog. With a breed like the Yorkshire terrier, it is important to keep an eye on possible symptoms of common health conditions. The earlier you catch symptoms, the earlier your vet can recommend and start treatment if possible. Below are five Yorkshire terrier health tips to keep your pet in tip-top shape.
1. Look For Skin Allergy Triggers
Yorkshire terriers are a breed prone to allergies. Allergies have all sorts of triggers, including chemicals, dust, pollen, and bee and wasp stings. Look for constant itching, scratching, and hair loss. Make sure to treat any severe symptoms, as they could lead to anaphylactic shock.
2. Use A Harness, Not A Collar
Yorkshire terriers, like a lot of small breeds, are at risk for a collapsed trachea. Tugging with a leash on a collar will make this problem worse, and potentially cause respiratory blockage. Using a body harness instead will help your Yorkshire terrier breathe free.
3. Brush Their Teeth
Since they have small jaws, Yorkshire terriers have crowded teeth. They are more at risk than other breeds for periodontal disease and bad breath. Brush their teeth at least once a week with a specialized dog toothbrush and toothpaste. If your Yorkie does not like this process, you may have to rely on your vet to clean your dog’s teeth under anesthetic.
4. Check Their Eyes
Yorkshire terriers are genetically prone to certain degenerative vision conditions. These include glaucoma and cataracts, but may also include progressive retinal disease. Some eye conditions are treatable, while others will cause permanent partial or full blindness. Checking for symptoms will help your vet start treatment earlier.
5. Check For Walking Issues
Like many breeds, Yorkshire terriers may develop or inherit issues which prevent them from walking. Look for signs of recurrent knee dislocation or hip dislocation (also called Legg-Perthes disease). Most of these conditions are treatable. Ask your veterinarian about surgery or physical therapy.
Anna has a passion for keeping pets healthy and happy. She grew up with a Great Pyrenees as a family dog. Currently and currently has an orange tabby. She worked at a dog grooming and bathing salon where she learnt more about canine behavior and bathing. She lives in Wisconsin, in the United States. When she is not writing, she helps her partner run their small business, knitting, and enjoying local parks.
