Yorkie Obesity Navigating Weight Related Dental Issues

20 Most Common Yorkie Health Problems Everything You Need to Know

Yorkies may be small in size, but the breed comes with its fair share of health issues.

While some of the health problems Yorkies face are genetic and therefore impossible to avoid, there are other issues that can be affected by the dogs environment. Read more below about the different health issues that are common to Yorkies, including Teacup Yorkies.

Yorkies are a toy-sized breed of dogs, and they are at risk of quite a few health problems. From collapsed trachea to Retinal dysplasia, every single sub-breed has to deal with serious health issues throughout their life. However, you dont need to worry because well help you prevent most of them.

The first thing well do is give you Yorkshire Terrier health information, which will prepare you for any eventuality. Youll know about the different Yorkie health problems, how to identify them, and the treatment required for each. And if you are put in a situation where your puppy is affected, youll know what to do.

Second, we will tell you how to avoid getting any of these health issues in the first place. There are five tips and if you follow through on them, your dog will live a long, healthy, and prosperous life.

To help your Yorkie prevent ticks and fleas without hurting your pocket that much, you can make the most of your budget by purchasing affordable yet quality dog supplies. Shops like Budgetpetcare.com offer cashback and massive discounts, especially during this holiday season. Check their offerings here.

The thing about Yorkies health problems is that they apply to almost all toy-sized dogs. And this especially holds true to their sub-breeds. So whether youre looking for Yorkie poo health concerns or teacup puppies health issues, weve got you covered. Lets go over a comprehensive list of all the things you need to know about.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is one of the most common health problems when it comes to Yorkie puppies. It is characterized by an unexpected drop in blood sugar levels and typically hits dogs below the age of five months.

There are several causes including bad quality food, lack of water, and stress. Anything that can cut down on glucose levels puts your Yorkie, including teacup Yorkies at risk of Hypoglycemia.

The condition is life-threatening, and if you suspect your Yorkie has fallen victim to it, get your pet checked by a vet immediately.

Symptoms

• coma
• seizures
• twitching in the facial muscles
• weakness
• drowsiness
• vomiting
• fast heart rate
• tremors
• quick breathing

Treatment

Apply a sugar syrup to the soft tissue surrounding your pets mouth. Then you need to get your Yorkie to a doctor immediately and receive treatment to save it from long-term brain damage.

The vet will probably do a couple of tests including a glucose level test and recommend changes in your Yorkies diet. As a Yorkie owner, its essential to ensure the nutritional needs of your furry friend by selecting premium quality Yorkie food, which can also help avoid and treat hypoglycemia.

Periodontal Disease Teeth Problems With Yorkies

Yorkie health problems come in all shapes and sizes. Among the more common ones are Periodontal disease and your Yorkies teeth. It attacks your pets tiny jaws and several teeth and results in intense teeth decay.

The plaque developing in your pets mouth can spread to other organs, so you must get it treated as soon as possible.

Symptoms

• Bad breath
• Falling teeth
• Inflammation of the gums
• Hostility if you try and touch their face
• Inability to hold anything in their mouth

Treatment

The easiest way to prevent your Yorkie from getting Periodontal disease is brushing their teeth every day. Itll stop your puppy from ever having to live through the pain and discomfort associated with it. Additionally, get your dogs teeth washed by a professional once a year.

There are two other steps you can take. First, get X-rays to catch the disease early on. Second, gather as much information as you can to be armed with the tools necessary to protect your dog.

Make sure your Yorkie is protected from diseases by completing these: Essential Supplies Every Yorkie Owner Should Have

Legg-Perthes Disease in Yorkies

The next of the Yorkie health problems are related to your dogs bones. Specifically, its hip joint will begin to die.

And depending on the severity of the disease, your pet will receive varying treatments.

It is most common in dogs between four and twelve months and is passed genetically.

Symptoms

• decreased joint function
• losing mass on muscles
• pain and discomfort
• inability to bear any weight
• Lameness

Treatment

The only way to find out if your dog has this health condition is through an X-ray. You should know that sometimes your Yorkies hip will heal on its own and never require treatment. However, some may get worse and develop arthritis.

Minor cases are treated with simple pain medicine, whereas, more serious ones need surgery. The procedure will either remove or replace the Yorkies hip. And it is completely safe; puppies that undergo the process always make full recoveries.

Retinal Dysplasia in Yorkies

Yorkies health issues can affect various parts of their body. And this one impacts the retina. In the worst case, getting retinal dysplasia can cause retinal detachment and blind a dog. Once it has been diagnosed, it doesnt naturally get better or worse, except for cases that lead to blindness.

Typically, youll know if your pet has this condition in its early weeks.

Symptoms

There arent many obvious physical symptoms. You may notice your puppy having trouble seeing things, for example, they cant see leftover food in their dish. In the mildest cases, you might not even have to deal with that since vision isnt impaired. However, serious cases will result in complete blindness.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for retinal dysplasia. All you can do is make sure your Yorkie is living as comfortably as possible. Help it around the house, dont move items like its pee pad or toy basket, and keep the walking path the same.

Luxating Patella in Yorkies

Sometimes your puppys muscles and tendons will be unable to keep the kneecap in place. Maybe the groove that usually holds it became too shallow, or perhaps the muscles were too weak. Either way, the kneecap will be dislocated, and this will cause a lot of pain.

At times this condition is caused by genetic transference. However, mostly, it is because of trauma. For example, if your dog falls and hits its knee, it might dislocate the kneecap.

Similar to the Yorkie health problems discussed earlier, this condition shows itself in the early years. However, it may take some time to be noticeable: up till three years.

Dogs bones have a bad habit of giving them trouble often. In larger breeds, this can look like hip problems, whereas in smaller dogs like Yorkies, youre more likely to see problems in their knees.

Problems like luxating patellas, which might sound like a great Italian dish, but are actually the kneecaps temporarily slipping out of place. Its usually a symptom of a bigger developmental problem and can be spotted by looking out for the occasional skip when your Yorkie is running.

Once the skip on the road is over, the knee tends to slip back into place, and they keep going.

Symptoms

A dislocation is a painful event, and your Yorkie will cry out as soon as it happens. They may stop walking entirely, limp, or stretch their back leg to fix the damage.

Treatment

Treatments depend entirely on the severity of your Yorkies case. The vet can give anti-inflammatory medicines or recommend exercise. Extreme cases may call for surgery.

Collapsed Trachea in Yorkiesin Yorkies

The typically C-shaped trachea will become flat like a line. In serious cases, this leads to a complete collapse, whereas minor cases only impact one cartilage ring and dont cause as much harm. Serious cases threaten your Yorkies life.

Experts believe that the condition is caused by a dogs genetic disposition. And it is more common in overweight Yorkies.

It can also be caused by a dog pulling on its collar, which is why we recommend attaching a Yorkies leash on a harness rather than on a collar.

Symptoms

• gagging
• difficulty breathing
• panting
• honk like cough

Treatment

The first step of treatment is calming your dog. A dog owner and Yorkie have a special connection; use it to de-stress your pet. Then use home remedies to help with coughing. If that doesnt work, go to a vet. Theyll probably give you anti-inflammatory steroids and cough medicine.

Liver Shunt in Yorkies

Liver shunts are a congenital disability; they develop while your Yorkie is a fetus. A part of its liver will not close fully and since this organ is responsible for removing harmful nutrients from the body, your Yorkie will collect a lot of toxins.

There are two types of liver shunts. One affects the inside of the organ, while the other impacts the outside. Toy-sized dog breeds tend to develop the former.

Symptoms

• Lack of development
• Improper growth
• Inactivity
• Vomiting
• Being unresponsive
• Seizures
• Lethargy

Treatment

Your vet will start treatment will blood tests and MRIs. Once they know where the problem is, theyll start treatment.

In most cases, your Yorkie will need surgery. These procedures often have complications that can negatively impact your dogs health.

After treatment, get a nutritionist to make a diet specific to your puppy and its needs. Fill it with low-protein food items, and help your pet live the best life possible.

Pancreatitis in Yorkies

Pancreatitis is one of the most severe and common Yorkie health problems on this list. It is caused by intense fat consumption and results in the pancreas inflaming. The condition can develop very slowly over a few months or spring upon you instantaneously. Either way, it is a deadly illness and must be dealt with.

Most readily available dog foods are filled with preservatives and additives to compensate for the lack of nutrients and organic enzymes. Therefore, a dogs pancreas needs to produce an enormous amount of enzymes to make up for it. And this overexertion makes it fail.

Symptoms

• reduced appetite
• lethargy
• fever
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain

Treatment

Treatment is twofold: during and after an episode. For minor cases, avoid food and water consumption. If it is serious, youll need to a step beyond that and hospitalize your tiny dog.

Once the episode has passed, adapt your Yorkies diet to include low-fat foods. Your vet may also recommend medication.

Cataracts and Eye Problems in Yorkies

Cataracts are another eye-related Yorkie health issue. It comes about when your dogs eye lens changes its protein structure. How do they get it? The answer varies for each case. Some cases are inherited, others are caused by diabetes, and some happen because of poor diets. Your Yorkie can also get it if there is eye trauma.

Irrespective of why your puppy has the condition, its vision will be affected. And it wont be able to see properly.

Symptoms

• opaque white eye color
• cloudy eyes

Treatment

Some dogs adapt to the change in eyesight. However, this is dependent on two variables. First, the condition needs to develop slowly. Second, it needs to be a minor case.

For cases where the Yorkie cannot adapt due to its severity or the speed of development, you will need to consult a vet. And it is most likely that they will recommend getting surgery. If so, dont be worried because your pet will make a full recovery and regain perfect eyesight.

Skin Allergies in Yorkies

Yorkies have very sensitive skin. And the slightest change in their environment will cause a serious allergic response. This could be a new shampoo, fleas, or even the material of your clothes.

Depending on the material and extent of exposure, the severity of this allergy will change. So, make sure to choose hypoallergenic clothing material if youll put your pet in a costume. Avoid purchasing cheap clothes that can irritate your Yorkies sensitive skin.

Symptoms

• hair loss
• irritant skin
• itching
• discomfort

Treatment

Since there are numerous causes of allergies, there are multiple treatments. And depending on the specific material and severity of the reaction, the cure will differ. However, you wont be able to figure it out yourself and will need professional help.

Take your dog to a vet, and they will tell you what the best way forward is. Some cases require medication, whereas others just need you to take your Yorkie out of its current environment.

If you can identify the specific material causing the allergy, remove it from your house. For example, if a particular shampoo has chemicals harming your dog, find another shampoo.

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis shows up in middle-aged Yorkies and we dont know what causes it yet. The research is surface-level and hasnt been able to pinpoint an exact reason. However, most specialists do generally agree that this condition is a response to bacteria.

This lack of information is extremely harmful because the condition is one of the most serious Yorkie health problems on this list. If your dog gets it, it will dehydrate and die within 24 hours.

Immediate medical attention is essential in saving your dogs life when it comes to Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis.

Symptoms

• decreased appetite
• bloody diarrhea
• vomiting

Treatment

If your pet has Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, a vet will start them on aggressive fluid IVs. This will fight dehydration and give your Yorkie the necessary liquids.

On top of this, there are a few special conditions where your toy-sized pet will need additional medication. If the dog is getting sick during treatment, the vet may also have to give it anti-diarrhea and anti-nausea medicine. And if it has a bacterial infection, the vet will prescribe antibiotics.

Jaw & Dental Issues and Other Yorkie Teeth Problems

Since Yorkshire Terriers are tiny, their jaws are pretty small too. And this leads to a bunch of problems. If they stuff their mouth too much, they can lose teeth. On the other hand, if they bite on a bone thats too hard or one that splinters, theyll end up damaging their jaw.

But even if none of that happens, your Yorkie could just not lose their baby teeth at a young age and end up with dental issues at a later time.

Symptoms

• bloody mouth
• discomfort while eating

Treatment

Your vet will examine your Yorkie and prescribe treatment according to its specific problem.

Bronchitis

Overweight Yorkies and those with weak lungs are particularly vulnerable to Bronchitis. If it lasts for more than two weeks, the condition will be chronic. Its also progressive, which means you need to get it treated quickly.

Symptoms

• difficulty breathing
• regular coughing
• wheezing

Treatment

Take your Yorkie to a vet; they will prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine. Most commonly, a vet will recommend corticosteroids or pentoxifylline. Both are great options when it comes to reducing swelling in airway walls.

Then go to a nutritionist and formulate a diet with foods that boost the immune system and will make your dog stronger.

Lymphangiectasia

Lymphangiectasia is a protein-losing enteropathy in dogs. It debilitates the intestinal lymphatic network and leaves your Yorkie unable to absorb proteins or any other essential nutrients into its blood. The condition is hereditary.

Symptoms

• discomfort
• abdominal swelling
• pain
• vomiting
• losing appetite
• dehydration
• difficulty breathing
• losing weight
• chronic diarrhea

Treatment

There isnt any curative therapy for Lymphangiectasia. There are some studies that show the benefits of changing your dogs diet and adapting it to this condition. For instance, low-fat foods are recommended by specialists.

Other possible treatment routes include steroids, antibiotics, and surgery in the most severe cases.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Yorkies with Dry Eye Syndrome can be identified easily. It is common in older dogs whose tear ducts dont make as many tears as they once did. And it is worse in dogs will underlying illnesses like arthritis, lupus, thyroid disorders, or eye allergies.

Since there are little to no tears, the infected dogs eyes will suffer from severe dryness and inflammation. A clear membrane covers its eyes white part.

If left untreated, the condition can completely destroy a Yorkies tear glands. It wont be able to produce tears at all. And in the worst case, this extreme dryness will lead to blindness.

Symptoms

• Dog keeping its eyes closed
• Fewer tears
• Excessive blinking
• Discomfort
• Pain
• Red and irritated eyes

Treatment

Most treatments for Dry Eyes aim to stimulate a dogs tear glands. Because if they can produce more tears, the dryness will decrease significantly. The easiest way to do so is by prescribing a medicine called cyclosporine.

Genetic or Congenial Problems

Liver Shunt

Especially common in undersized Yorkies, liver shunt, or portosystemic shunt, can be a life-threatening illness for your tiny pup. Usually present at birth, this disorder occurs when blood bypasses the liver and goes straight to other major organs of the body. The liver is in charge of cleaning out bacteria, proteins, and toxins from the blood, but the shunt simply lets the blood pass by without first being cleaned. Symptoms of a liver shunt include slow growth, disorientation, and unresponsiveness. The liver shunt can sometimes be corrected with surgery, so if you notice your Yorkie is acting oddly, call your veterinarian right away.

Legg-Calv-Perthes Syndrome

This degeneration of the head of the femur bone (in the hip) usually appears over several months and doesnt typically present until the Yorkie is around 6 months old. While the exact cause is unknown, many experts agree that the cause is related to low blood supply in this area. Diagnosed by a physical exam done by a veterinarian, this deformity can be treated through surgery or even physical therapy, rest, and medication.

Luxating Patella

Another common issue found in undersized or teacup Yorkies, is this dislocation of the kneecap is seen in many other toy breeds. Dogs affected by luxating patella can often be seen limping, or otherwise holding up their hind leg while the bone fits back into place. This malformation of the leg usually appears about 4 months after birth and can be confirmed by X-ray. Surgery is the most common and effective treatment.

Tracheal Collapse

This disorder occurs when the dogs windpipe is too small to remain open and eventually makes it almost impossible for the dog to breathe on his own. Symptoms of tracheal collapse include difficult or abnormal breathing, dry cough, or the inability to exercise. Again, this genetic problem is seen in undersized Yorkies. Diagnostic imaging (such as a bronchoscope) can be used to diagnose tracheal collapse, and there are several non-surgical options to correct the problem including medication, a healthy diet, and avoidance of overexcitement.

Environmental Disorders

Skin Allergies

Like other dogs, Yorkies can be prone to develop skin allergies. While the causes may vary, Yorkies are very susceptible to allergies caused by food. Other variables such as fleas, pollens, mold, smoke, cleaning products, and dust can also cause skin allergies. If you observe your Yorkie scratching excessively and his skin is red and irritated, speak to your veterinarian, who may perform a skin allergy test. Depending on the results, you may be asked to experiment with changing out your Yorkies diet to limit allergy-causing ingredients.

Tooth Decay

Like most toy breeds, Yorkies have very small mouths and their teeth tend to become overcrowded. Because of this, food can become easily lodged between the teeth. If not cleaned periodically, your Yorkies teeth can start to decay and cause dental disease. Have your Yorkies mouth examined regularly by your veterinarian, and in addition to annual or semi-annual cleanings, start brushing your Yorkies teeth once a week (with specially formulated dog toothpaste) to prevent buildup.

Sensitivity to Anesthesia

Because of their size, Yorkies are at risk of having an adverse reaction to anesthesia, including death. Many breeders and veterinarians recommend pre-anesthetic blood work to determine your Yorkies risk of having a negative side effect. Unfortunately, even with this blood work, it is impossible to predict your Yorkies reaction to the drug. Try to minimize your dogs exposure to anesthesiafor example, if you are vigilant about cleaning your pups teeth, then he may not need a cleaning that would require him to be put under anesthesia. Secondly, speak to your veterinarian about the different types of anesthesia available: many experts believe that gas versions are preferable to injectable types.

Proneness to Injury

Its often been said that Yorkies seem to be unaware of their tiny statureand its hard to disagree after seeing the fearlessness of these tiny dogs, especially when it comes to feats like leaping off furniture. Because of their small frame, Yorkies can be very susceptible to broken bones. Invest in pet stairs if you wish to have your Yorkie up on the furniture or bed with you, and train them to not jump off high surfaces. Also, be sure to work with your Yorkie so that he knows that being underfoot of a human (who can be 20x his size!) is a dangerous place to be.

Hypoglycemia

Most commonly seen in very young Yorkies, this condition of low blood sugar can be very dangerous, and even fatal, to your puppy. If you have recently brought your Yorkie home from the breeder, be sure to follow the feeding instructions you were given: hypoglycemia occurs when the dogs blood sugar has dropped to a dangerously low level and occurs if the puppy hasnt eaten in a while (although not enough rest can also contribute). To prevent hypoglycemia, be sure that your Yorkie is eating regularlydont leave food out and assume he is eating it. Be on the lookout for symptoms of low blood sugar including drowsiness, confusion, shivering, or collapse. One of the first steps to take is to give your Yorkie some form of sugar like corn syrup and rub it on his gums. If he does not improve almost immediately, contact your veterinarian.

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are somewhat akin to kidney stones, in that a collection of minerals in the bladder results in a little cluster that then is painful to pass. If they get bad enough, they might have to be surgically removed.

You can spot the signs of a bladder stone by looking out for a lot of drinking and urination, blood in the urine, straining, or pain when urinating or peeing very little.

Lens Luxation And Dry Eye

Looking into your pups beautiful baby blues might cause concern if you see there is some discoloration there. This is lens luxation, and it can cause pain and vision loss. It will take some surgery to set it right, so its best to catch it early to avoid that.

Dry eye, as the name would suggest, means that your dog cannot produce enough tears, causing dry eyes that will get scratched as they open and close. You might notice a lack of shine in the eyes or some discharge appearing.

Luckily, this doesnt need to get to the point of surgery. There are several available treatments like eye drops, false tears, and wiping your dogs eyes regularly.

Atopy

Weve all got allergies. Springtime is a great time of year for the tissue industry, and it seems even Yorkies arent exempt from them. Atopy is usually presented as a skin allergy, for the same reasons your eyes water in an open field: pollen, grass, etc. but also dust mites and certain foods.

And like youd expect to see in a skin allergy, theres a lot of itching, redness, and hair loss. It can be treated, but treatment is a try-and-see sort of situation. It can involve strict flea control, changing their diet, medication to stop the itching, and even immunotherapy.

What You Can Do About It

If you are keeping an eye out for these symptoms, you should be able to catch the problem early and get it sorted. With dog insurance from Petsure, youll be able to solve the problem without it affecting your wallet too much.

Unfortunately, there isnt much else you can do to avoid these problems. Some health conditions are hereditary in breeds, and the Yorkie is no different.

You can be picky with your breeder and ask for the background of the parents of your pup, but if you are getting a rescue, youll have to deal with the problems as they come.

Tips for Preventing Yorkie Health Problems

Prevention is always better than reactive measures. Anything that stops your dog from being put at risk is great.

We recommend the following five steps. They can stop your dog from contracting an illness and avoid putting them through pain and discomfort.

Find the Right Breeder

You may have noticed that a lot of the Yorkie health problems listed above are passed on by parents. Choosing the right breeder makes sure that your puppy has healthy parents and wont ever need to deal with them.

The American Kennel Club collects information on breeders. Use their list as ground zero. Itll cut down on your work and ensure reliability.

It is always better to avoid breeders who deal in teacup Yorkies. This sub-breed is bred for size instead of health and has a lower life expectancy than the typical Yorkie.

You should always check a breeders references before hiring them. Ask about the heredity of dogs they have provided and make sure none of them have genetically passed diseases.

Lastly, ask to see your puppys parents. This will help you verify if youre getting a pure breed and if they have any illnesses that will be passed down to their child.

Choose the Right Food

Getting your Yorkie the right food will help prevent several illnesses. Avoid cheap and poor-quality Yorkie food since it causes way more harm than good. And fill your pets diet with healthy and organic food. It might cost more but youll save tons of money down the line; vets and specialists charge a lot.

If you arent sure what companies make the best food and whether or not your pet is getting a balanced diet, talk to a nutritionist. Even your local vet will be able to help out. If they recommend removing a certain item from your Yorkies diet, dont do so immediately. Phase it out over some time to make sure you dont upset your dogs stomach.

Lastly, be careful with how many treats you give your puppy. Most are filled with sugary preservatives and too many of them can cause health problems.

Provide Treatment and Supplements for Your Dogs

Visiting the vet from time to time can be draining for your dogs. At the same time, paying consultation fees can significantly affect your budget. You can boost your dogs health and help them prevent ticks and fleas without spending that much by providing them with quality supplements and treatments.

As the saying goes, a stitch of time saves nine. There are online shops that provide cashback and free delivery to help you manage your time as well. Check these affordable pet care products for a start.

Its crucial to read the label and listing when you buy medicine, supplements, food, and treats online for your pets. Determine each ingredient in the products you buy to ensure nothing can harm your dog, especially if you suspect allergies.

Its also advisable to visit a nearby veterinary clinic to ensure you get expert advice regarding the best treatment and supplements for your Yorkies. An experienced veterinarian can diagnose your pets condition and provide the medical intervention necessary to avoid complications.

Create a Safe Environment

Household items are filled with toxic materials. If ingested, they can cause serious Yorkie health issues. And so you must remove them from your dogs environment. Some of the more common items are washing powders, air fresheners, and candles.

Air purifiers are a great option for dog owners, especially those in charge of Yorkies with respiratory illnesses. Using high-quality purifiers can benefit your family members and your pets alike. Make sure to also change the air filters in your home for cleaner air.

Exercise

Dogs love exploring. And toy-sized pups like Yorkshire Terriers will always be up for a walk. This exercise helps develop their mind and body.

Walk or jog with your dog in the park, across the neighborhood, or even around your backyard. The best way to encourage your furry friend to exercise is by showing that youre enjoying the activity as well. Make it a bonding moment as youll eventually reap positive rewards, such as improved physical and mental health.

Just remember to utilize a harness and not a collar when using a leash.

Wrap-Up

There are several Yorkie health problems. And each causes more discomfort than the last. You can help your puppy avoid most of them by giving it a proper diet and loads of exercise. Additionally, acquire your Yorkie from a trusted breeder so that you dont have to deal with any genetic illnesses.

The most important thing to remember if the preventative tips outlined above dont work is that your dog loves you and needs to be able to lean on you. It is vital that you provide emotional support if it is sick and shower it with affection.

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