What is the lifespan of an obese Yorkie

Yorkie Life Expectancy - How Long Do Yorkies Live?

Courtesy of Annette Walters

There are many things you can do to give your Yorkie as long a life as possible, especially when it comes to causes of death such as trauma. The great care you provide your Yorkshire Terrier from day one through adulthood and into their senior years will have a fantastic, lasting impact on your Yorkies health and lifespan.

Stay on Top of Vaccinations

As mentioned before, infections are the number 1 cause of death with regards to Yorkie puppies, and are absolutely a concern for older dogs as well. Therefore, you should absolutely keep up with your Yorkies vaccinations. You should not be taking your Yorkie beyond the boundaries of your property until no fewer than 2 weeks after bringing them home, and should any other animals have access to the yard then your pup should be kept under close guard and not allowed anywhere near any urine or feces, from pets or otherwise.

If you reside in an area highly populated with wildlife, speak to your vet with regards to the possible need for the leptospirosis vaccine.

Avoid Potential Hazards in Your Home

Its important to remember the average Yorkie weighs only 5 to 7 pounds, and if something is going to be toxic to a large dog, itll be extra toxic to a dog as small as your Yorkie. Its vital, as a result of this, to be aware of what household items you may have laying around that can be potentially (although not necessary) fatal to a Yorkshire Terrier should they ingest it. Watch out for items such as:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Antifreeze
• Avocado
• Bleach
• Chocolate
• Citronella candles
• Cold medicines
• Diet pills
• Fabric softener
• Fruit pits
• Garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Household plants
• Laundry detergents
• Liquid Potpourri
• Macadamia nuts
• Mothballs
• Mouse and rat bait
• Mouthwash
• Onions
• Painkillers
• Raw salmon
• Rhubarb
• Salt
• Tylenol
• Vitamins
• Xylitol inclusive products
• Yeast dough

Some of the symptoms to be expected should any of the above items be ingested include a loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. If this happens, your Yorkie could then become hypoglycemic and dehydrated, and the smaller they are the more susceptible they are.

Should you suspect that something from the above list has been ingested, you should immediately get in contact with your vet.

Prevent the Opportunity for Injuries

Mickey Courtesy of Richard Cappiello

With trauma being the 2nd leading cause of death in Yorkshire Terrier puppies, and the 3^rd leading cause with adults, its vital that as much attention as possible is put toward providing a safe environment for your Yorkie.

One of the first and best steps to tackle is teaching your Yorkie all the basic commands, such as sit and come. Should your Yorkie be running toward a busy road, a simple, authoritative command such as this could very well save their life.

At no time while outside in public with your Yorkie should they be let off of their leash. This runs the risk of them being hit by a vehicle, one of the greatest causes of fatal traumas. They should especially never be left alone, even if in an enclosed yard. Your Yorkie will be more than capable of digging under the fence.

Everyone in the house should be acutely aware that Yorkshire Terriers have the capability to appear out of nowhere, right under your foot without warning. Always take care to look before walking, be extra alert in darkened rooms, pay special attention when walking backward, and absolutely look before sitting down. Ensure that your Yorkie will have a designated sleeping area, such as a playpen, that they cannot escape at night so as to avoid any potential night time accidents.

Be conscious of the fact that, like any dog, or any pet for that matter, should you open the front door without paying attention to where your Yorkie is you could soon be seeing them making a belt for the horizon. If your Yorkie pup tends to go for the door when it opens, perhaps try introducing a rule whereby everyone knocks first, to allow time to secure the pup.

Being that Yorkshire Terriers are such a small breed, any drops or falls can be detrimental to their health. Ensure proper care is taken when picking up and holding your Yorkie, and make sure any children have been taught how to do this properly. While you are holding your Yorkie, dont split your attention or they may try to jump from your arms. Be aware at all times just how fragile toy dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers can be.

Use a no-pull dog harness like this one to prevent a collapsed trachea, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Manage Hypoglycemia

Gemma Courtesy of Tonya Gaskins

Hypoglycemia is more commonly seen in toy breed dogs, such as Yorkies, and if it is to occur it generally will within the first 4 months. This can be quite a typical health issue, and one you should keep your eye out for as a new owner.

While much rarer, an adult Yorkshire Terrier can also develop hypoglycemia, most often being brought on as a result of liver disease, severe cases of Addisons Disease, sepsis, or pregnancy complications.

Symptoms to look out for include the following:

• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Shaking
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Fainting
• Muscle weakness
• Confused behavior
• Lower than normal body temperature
• Depression

It should be mentioned that not all of the symptoms will necessarily be displayed, or they could happen in such quick succession that some go unnoticed. You should keep an incredibly close eye on your Yorkie should any of these symptoms appear, and immediately seek the medical attention of your vet.

As soon as you notice the symptoms of hypoglycemia, it is recommended that you rub honey on your Yorkies gums. You should then place warm heating pads around the body to slowly bring their temperature up. These steps will help stabilize the pup so that you are then able to rush them to the vet, or even to the animal hospital.

For adult dogs with hypoglycemia, feeding them regular small meals, high in protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates throughout the day will beneficial to their wellbeing. Hypoglycemic Yorkies can also benefit from a nutritional supplement in their food like Tomlyn High Calorie Nutritional Gel for Puppies. You can also give it as a treat between meals to keep their blood sugar at proper levels.

Our Yorkie Feeding Guide offers more care guidelines for your hypoglycemic Yorkie.

Making The Right Decision:

25% of dogs die peacefully at their sleep while 75% of them relies on the decisions of the owners for a peaceful sleep.

Letting a loved one go is painful, so giving the green light for putting it to bed forever can be devastating. But it is extremely important to keep the feelings of the dog first in mind before making a decision. If the dog is in constant pain or is struggling to breathe and there is nothing that can be done, it is better to let go because that is the right decision.

How Long Do Yorkies Live? (Statistics)

Yorkshire Terriers, developed in the 1800s, are beloved for their big personalities and small size. Yorkies live 11 to 15 years on average, often reaching late teens.

They generally enjoy better health compared to breeds like Pugs or large dogs prone to hip dysplasia. Yorkies main health issues include sensitive digestion, dental disease, luxating patella, collapsing trachea, hypoglycemia, and liver shunts.

Teacup Yorkies, smaller than regular Yorkies, have a shorter lifespan of about 12 years.

Leading causes of death in Yorkies include natural causes like cancer, infections, and trauma. To ensure a long, healthy life, regular veterinary care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, exercise, and a balanced diet are crucial.

Average Yorkie Lifespan

Yorkies, compared to other breeds, live a relatively long life for a dog. On average, Yorkies live for 11 to 15 years. Its not uncommon to see Yorkies in their late teens, such as 17 or 18 years old.

Of course lifespan varies by individual dog, but lets compare to some other popular breeds. According to a study from researchers in Japan, the average lifespan of these popular dogs are:

• Golden Retriever: 1113
• Beagle: 1215
• Labrador: 1315
• French Bulldog: 911
• Pug: 1114

As you can see, compared to other small breeds such as the Pug and French Bulldog, the Yorkie has a longer lifespan. The reason why Yorkies tend to live longer than other breeds is because of their relatively good health.

Pugs and other flat-nosed dogs suffer from breathing issues that can impact their health. Large dogs like Great Pyrenees or Bernese Mountain Dogs may be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia isnt a deadly disease, but it can lead to pain and decreased mobility, which will impact your dogs health negatively.

Yorkies, on the other hand, dont suffer from many of these conditions. Their main problems stem from their small, delicate features, including a sensitive digestive system. If Yorkies eat too much food or something out of their regular diet, they could be in serious trouble. Other common Yorkie health conditions include dental disease, luxating patella, collapsing trachea, hypoglycemia, and liver shunts.

What About Teacup Yorkies?

Teacup Yorkies are a smaller version of a Yorkiebut are there any actual differences between a regular Yorkie and a Teacup version? Not really. A Teacup Yorkie is a smaller version of the Yorkie. Theres no genetic difference between the twoones just smaller!

On average, a Yorkie is 7-inches tall and around 7 pounds. In contrast, a Teacup Yorkie is about 5-inches tall and weighs between 2 and 4 pounds. Teacup dog breeds tend to live fewer years than their regular-sized counterparts. They are bred for their small stature, often at the expense of their health. A Teacup Yorkie has a life expectancy of 12 years.

Leading Causes of Death for Yorkies

Most Yorkies die from natural causes, including cancer and infections. Other main causes of death include trauma, which can be severe due to the Yorkies small size. Lets break down the leading causes of death for young and fully-grown Yorkies.

Causes of Death for Yorkie Puppies

Specific diseases and circumstances mean that the first year of a dogs life can be extremely dangerous. Here are the main causes of death in Yorkie puppies.

Congenital Disease

This includes conditions that a puppy is born with, such as heart disease, liver shunts, or other.

Although most dogs have a chance of developing congenital diseases, Yorkies have a particular congenital disease that leads to death. Yorkies develop what is known as a portosystemic shunt.

A liver shunt is an abnormal vessel that carries blood quickly to the heart, bypassing the liver (which is important for filtering and removing toxins). This can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Dogs with a liver shunt may exhibit symptoms like poor growth, gastrointestinal issues, urinary problems, neurobehavioral abnormalities, and more.

The condition can be diagnosed through blood tests, imaging, and sometimes exploratory surgery. Treatment options include surgical correction or medical management, depending on the type and severity of the shunt.

Infections

Puppies, with their developing immune systems, are more susceptible to infectious diseases.

Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a deadly viral disease that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies and young dogs. The disease is spread through direct contact with infected dogs or indirect contact with surfaces contaminated with feces. Parvo is notorious for its severity and high mortality rate, especially if left untreated. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells, particularly those in the intestinal lining, leading to severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Without prompt and aggressive treatment, parvo can lead to dehydration, severe gastrointestinal distress, and even death. Prevention through vaccination is highly effective, and maintaining good hygiene practices, especially in places where dogs congregate, is crucial for controlling its spread.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects dogs, but even humans can catch it. You can find the bacteria in water or soil, and it affects regions across the planet. Most dogs catch the infection by drinking infected water.

Lepto affects the kidneys and liver, leading to fever, increased thirst, dehydration, jaundice, and vomiting. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, take them to the vet so they can treat your dog with antibiotics and other care as soon as possible.

Trauma

Yorkies are small dogs, which means theyre more susceptible to trauma than other breeds. When theyre a puppy, they are even more susceptible to trauma that can lead to death.

Sometimes children play too rough with Yorkie puppies. Something as simple as a fall from the second step of your stairs can be incredibly harmful to a Yorkie. Always ensure your Yorkie puppy plays in safe places with adult supervision. The risk of trauma doesnt go away when a Yorkie reaches adulthood, but the chance of serious injury diminishes significantly.

Hypoglycemia

The Yorkies small body has another disadvantagethey are more likely than large dogs to suffer from hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or dangerously low levels of blood sugar, occurs most often in puppies under the age of five months because they havent developed the means to control their blood sugar yet. If not treated correctly, hypoglycemia can lead to pain, distress, seizures, and death.

Causes of Death for Yorkie Adults

Compared to puppies, adult Yorkies dont suffer from nearly as many trauma or infection-related deaths. Lets go through the leading causes of death for Yorkie adults.

Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death for most adult dogs. Other than feeding your dog a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and not allowing them near dangerous areas, you cant do much to avoid your dog developing cancer.

Cancer will occur in almost half of all dogs over the age of 10. Treatment is the same for dogs as it is with humanssurgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all used in treating canine cancer.

Respiratory Diseases

Yorkies can suffer from serious respiratory conditions when they age. One of the most common for small dogs is a collapsed trachea, which occurs due to weakening of the cartilage. Collars and pressure on the neck can exacerbate the issue try putting a harness on your Yorkie rather than a collar.

Another respiratory more common among Yorkies is pulmonary fibrosis. Causing a massive increase in lung scar tissue, pulmonary fibrosis affects terrier breeds in particular. The lungs become thick and hard to move, making breathing increasingly difficult.

Other

Other possible causes of death in senior dogs include heart disease (such as mitral valve degeneration) and kidney disease.

How to Keep Your Yorkie Happy and Healthy for a Long Life

The key to a healthy Yorkie is keeping up with routine care. The first step is ensuring you see a veterinarian regularly. When your Yorkie is a puppy, youll want to take them more often than when theyre an adult. The main reason for this is vaccinations.

Puppies need vaccinations for various conditions, but the essential ones are the parvovirus, distemper, and rabies vaccines. When your dog has these shots, its chances of developing these serious conditions are very small.

Visiting your vet for other needs can help increase your dogs lifespan too. During check-ups, vets will look for any signs of cancer or infection and help you choose the best treatment.

Another way you can extend your dogs lifespan is by spaying or neutering them. According to studies, both male and female dogs that have been fixed have longer lives than their unfixed counterparts.

The other two ways to keep your dog healthy should be easy but are often overlooked. Keep your dog healthy by giving them regular exercise. For a Yorkie, that means at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.

Finally, by feeding your dog a healthy diet and balanced diet, you can increase its lifespan. And dont feed your Yorkie too much. For small dogs, overfeeding can be a real issue.

Wrapping Up

So, if youve ever asked yourself, how long do Yorkies live, you have your answer! On average, Yorkies live between 11 and 15 years, but many Yorkies survive into their late teens.

Their long lives paired with their good nature make the Yorkie a perfect family dog. Just make sure your kids dont play too rough with the pup, and youll have a healthy, happy dog that will be around for years!