1. Dental diseases
Dental disease is common in Yorkshire Terriers due to their small mouths, which can lead to crowded teeth and plaque buildup. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss and infection.Prevention:
- Regular brushing: Brush your Yorkie's teeth daily with a special dog toothpaste to prevent plaque and tartar.
- Dental chews: Provide dental chews and toys to clean teeth and massage gums.
- Veterinary check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups to detect and treat dental problems early.
2. Tracheal collapse
Yorkshire Terriers are prone to tracheal collapse, a condition in which the tracheal rings weaken and collapse, causing difficulty breathing, coughing, and other respiratory problems.Prevention:
- Use a harness: When walking your Yorkie, use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the trachea.
- Weight control: Keep your Yorkie at a healthy weight to reduce stress on the trachea.
- Avoid irritants: Keep your Yorkie away from smoke, strong perfumes, and other respiratory irritants.
3. Hypoglycemia
Yorkshire Terriers, especially puppies, can suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be life-threatening if not treated properly.Prevention:
- Frequent meals: Feed your Yorkie small, frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Monitor: Watch for signs of hypoglycemia such as weakness, confusion, or seizures and seek immediate veterinary attention if these occur.
- Dietary supplements: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend dietary supplements to maintain blood sugar levels.
4. Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation, or dislocation of the kneecap, is common in Yorkies and can cause pain, limping, and arthritis if not treated properly.Prevention:
- Weight control: Keep your Yorkie at a healthy weight to reduce stress on his joints.
- Exercise: Regular, light exercise helps maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility.
- Breeder screening: Make sure your breeder screens their breeding stock for patellar luxation when you purchase a Yorkie.
5. Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)
Yorkshire Terriers are genetically prone to liver shunts, which can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream and thus to various health problems.Prevention:
- Regular veterinary visits: Regular veterinary examinations can help detect signs of PSS early.
- Diet: Feed your Yorkie a balanced diet recommended by your veterinarian, which may include low-protein options to help relieve symptoms.
- Breeder screening: When purchasing a Yorkie, make sure the breeder screens their breeding stock for PSS.
Yorkshire Terriers are charming and lively companions, but they require special care to address and prevent common health problems. Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, proper grooming and attentive monitoring can greatly improve your Yorkie's quality of life. By being proactive and informed, you can help keep your Yorkshire Terrier healthy and happy and enjoy a long and lively life.
