Yorkie Health & Food

Health and wellbeing

Common health issues

Hypoglycemia, a condition characterised by low blood sugar levels, is particularly common in puppies.
Dental problems include tooth decay gum disease and tooth loss.
Luxating patellas describe the dislocation of the kneecap.
Tracheal collapse involves the weakening of the windpipe.
A portosystemic shunt is a vascular anomaly affecting the liver.
Patellar luxation is another term for kneecap dislocation.

Preventative care

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring your pet’s overall health and catching potential issues early.
An updated vaccination schedule and preventative health measures are also crucial.
Maintaining good dental hygiene through regular brushing and professional cleanings is vital for your pet’s oral health.
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is equally important for their overall well-being.

Signs of illness

Vigilance is needed to monitor for vomiting especially if it persists.
Close attention should be paid to diarrhoea episodes especially if blood is present.
Any unusual lethargy should be carefully observed and any significant decrease in appetite tracked.

Deworming

Regular deworming is crucial for protecting your Yorkshire Terrier from parasitic infections. Here are some recommended guidelines:

Puppies: Puppies should be dewormed at two, four, six and eight weeks old. This should continue every two to three months until they reach six months.

Adult dogs: Adults should be dewormed every three to six months, contingent upon the dog's lifestyle and associated risk factors.

Risk factors:

Frequent interaction with other animals, especially outdoors, might necessitate increased deworming for Yorkies.

Consultation with a veterinarian:

For your Yorkie’s best health, consult a vet to create a deworming schedule that suits their individual needs.

Types of dewormers

Broad-spectrum dewormers target a wide range of parasites while targeted dewormers are specialised and effective against specific types. Consistent deworming is crucial for protecting your Yorkie from parasites and the potential health complications they can cause.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are vital for safeguarding your Yorkie against serious illnesses. This guide outlines the key vaccination considerations:

Core vaccinations:

Rabies is a vaccine that protects against the rabies virus. Distemper is a vaccine that protects against canine distemper. Parvovirus (Parvo) is a vaccine that protects against parvovirus. Adenovirus is a vaccine that protects against canine adenovirus.

Non-core vaccinations:

Bordetella, Lyme disease and Leptospirosis vaccines protect against Kennel cough, Lyme disease, and Leptospirosis respectively.

Benefits of vaccination:

Vaccinations are crucial for safeguarding against serious illnesses. They also play a vital role in the wider effort to prevent disease spread within communities. Therefore, it’s essential to consult your vet to find the best vaccination schedule for your Yorkie.

Veterinary visits

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining the health of Yorkies. Here’s a general guideline for their routine visits:

Puppies (Under 1 Year):

Initial vaccinations should be scheduled every three to four weeks until your baby reaches 16 weeks. Then follow-up visits every three to six months are needed for booster vaccinations and general check-ups.

Adults:

For adults aged 1 to 7 years, schedule annual check-ups. These should include vaccinations dental assessments and overall health monitoring.
Seniors aged seven and over should schedule bi-annual veterinary check-ups. These visits offer enhanced health monitoring and preventative care.
If your Yorkie shows any signs of illness or injury arrange a veterinary examination.
To manage chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, schedule regular visits to monitor your health.

Preventative healthcare

Ensure all vaccinations are up to date to protect against various diseases.
Implement preventative measures for parasite control including flea and tick management.
Schedule regular dental cleanings to maintain oral health and prevent complications.

Dental care

Dental care is crucial for your Yorkie's overall well-being. The following points elucidate the importance of maintaining dental hygiene:

Regular dental care prevents tartar build-up, reduces gum disease risk and mitigates tooth loss. It also helps alleviate bad breath.
Furthermore, dental health is closely linked to overall health including heart and kidney health.

Recommendations for dental care:

To keep your Yorkie’s teeth healthy, brush them daily with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
Dental chews and toys also help remove plaque and tartar.
Regular veterinary dental check-ups and cleanings are essential. Watch for signs like bad breath discoloured teeth or changes in eating habits.
Start dental care early and make it a positive experience with rewards and praise.
Always use dog-specific dental products for safety and effectiveness.

Management of upset stomachs

If your Yorkie has gastrointestinal distress, the following steps are recommended:

For mild symptoms:

For 12 to 24 hours, withholding food will help soothe your Yorkie’s digestive system.
After fasting, offer a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice or your vet’s recommendation.
Always keep fresh water available.

Persistent or worsening symptoms:

If symptoms persist or worsen it’s crucial to consult a vet.

Common causes:

Food allergies, food sensitivities, ingestion of toxic substances and gastrointestinal infections are common causes of upset stomachs in Yorkies.

Preventative measures:

Provide a high-quality, well-balanced diet.
Avoid table scraps as human food is difficult for dogs to digest and should generally be avoided.

By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll be better prepared to maintain your Yorkshire Terrier’s health and happiness.

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Nutritional requirements

Yorkshire Terriers need a protein-rich diet to maintain their muscles effectively.
Sufficient fat is also essential for energy production and skin health.
Whole grains fruits and vegetables are crucial for fibre and vital nutrients.
Vitamins and minerals especially vitamin D and calcium are also important.

Recommended food types:

High-quality kibble with nutrient-dense and balanced formulations is recommended.
Consider adding wet food for variety and moisture.
Before switching to raw or homemade diets, consult a vet or canine nutritionist.

Feeding recommendations:

Adjust food portions according to your Yorkie’s age, size and activity level.
Avoid overfeeding and monitor their food intake carefully to prevent obesity.
Always provide clean fresh water.

Food items to avoid:

Choose diets rich in named protein sources and whole ingredients, avoiding those with fillers.
Also, limit treats to prevent overfeeding and nutritional imbalances.

Professional consultation:

A balanced diet is crucial for your dog’s overall health and happiness.
Consult a veterinarian to find the best diet for your Yorkshire Terrier.
A canine nutritionist can also offer tailored advice.

Safe human food treats

While a balanced diet is crucial for Yorkies, certain human foods can be offered as occasional treats. Here’s a list of some safe options:

Raw and cooked carrots make for a crunchy and nutritious snack.
Steamed or raw green beans are a low-calorie treat.
Cooked sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense and tasty.
Cooked plain pumpkin can support digestive health.
Sliced apples (excluding seeds and cores) are a tasty alternative.

Guidelines:

It is advisable to offer treats in small amounts and not as a substitute for a regular diet.
Prior to introducing new foods or treats, it is prudent to consult a veterinarian, particularly if the Yorkie has known food allergies or sensitivities.
By exercising caution regarding the human foods shared with Yorkies, one can ensure their safety and overall health.

Toxic foods to avoid

Some human foods can be toxic to dogs or cause adverse reactions. Here’s a list of foods to avoid:

Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting diarrhoea and cardiac problems.
Grapes and raisins can lead to renal failure in dogs.
Onions and garlic are Allium family members that can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia.

Macadamia nuts may cause weakness depression vomiting tremors and hyperthermia.
Xylitol, a sugar substitute in sugar-free products can rapidly lower blood glucose levels and cause liver failure.

Other harmful foods:

Avocado, while not highly toxic, the pit skin and leaves can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Caffeine, like chocolate, contains stimulants harmful to dogs.
Raw or undercooked meat eggs and fish may harbour bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries.
High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.

Symptoms to monitor:

Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite and/or increased heart rate.

If a Yorkshire Terrier is suspected of ingesting a toxic substance it’s crucial to contact a vet immediately.

Toxic plants

Some plants are toxic to dogs and can cause various symptoms. Here’s a list of plants to avoid:

Toxic plants:

Every part of Lily is poisonous.
The seeds of Sago Palm are particularly harmful.

The bulbs of Tulip and Daffodil contain toxic compounds.
Azalea/Rhododendron leaves and flowers can be toxic.

Plants to approach with caution:

All parts of Oleander are toxic.

The seeds of Castor Bean are especially harmful.
The seeds of Cycads contain toxic properties.
The berries of Mistletoe are considered toxic.
The leaves and seeds of Yew are toxic to pets.

Symptoms to monitor:

Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, increased heart rate and/or seizures are symptoms.
If a Yorkshire Terrier is suspected of ingesting a toxic plant it’s essential to contact a vet immediately. As a pet owner, keeping activated charcoal handy is always a good idea.

Actions to take if a Yorkie ingested something toxic:

For immediate guidance, contact a veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic.
Induce vomiting only under veterinary supervision and avoid giving any medication without consultation.

Prepare relevant information:

Your vet will need to know what substance your Yorkie ate, how much, as well as when they ingested it.
It is also important to know your dog’s weight.

Your vet or the pet poison hotline will advise you on the best course of action to ensure your Yorkshire Terrier’s well-being.