5 Common Yorkie Health Concerns

The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately coined “Yorkie”, is one of the smallest pint-sized pooches you can find with an average weight of just 7 pounds. However, don’t let the small stature fool you– These loyal canine companions can be fiercely independent, bold, and courageous little canines. 

If you’re looking to welcome one of these tiny terriers into your life, it’s important to have a firm understanding of the health issues associated with the breed to be a knowledgeable pooch parent. Like any other dog breed, Yorkshire Terriers have their own set of health conditions passed down from one generation to the next. 

Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common Yorkie Health concerns. This way, you can be ahead of the curve when bringing home one of these delightful tiny dogs. 

Hypoglycemia 

This condition arises as a result of a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. It’s more common in toy breeds like Yorkies and is especially prevalent in Yorkie puppies under 5 months of age. However, any Yorkshire Terrier can experience this condition and it may be more prevalent in dogs who are pregnant or have liver disease. 

This condition can be life-threatening, so it’s important to monitor your Yorkie terrier closely for signs of fast breathing, rapid heart rate, vomiting, twitching, seizures or fatigue. Your veterinarian may advise that you feed your dog small meals every couple of hours to prevent your dog’s blood sugar levels from dropping. You can also purchase makeshift supplements to keep on hand in case your Yorkie hasn’t had the chance to eat in a couple of hours. 

Legg-Perthes Disease

This disease is common in toy breeds and usually presents itself within 4 to 12 months of age. Legg-Perthes is a disease of the hip joint where the top of the femur bone begins to die. The genetic condition is passed down from one generation to the next, which is why it’s so important to get your Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder. 

This condition is usually treated with the help of pain medication and surgery in some cases. Luckily, most affected dogs will recover without issue. 

Liver Shunt 

This birth defect occurs when part of a puppy’s liver doesn’t fully develop, reducing overall liver function. Unfortunately, this condition can be deadly if left untreated as it can lead to liver failure and reduce your dog’s ability to filter out toxins. 

This condition requires a blood work diagnostic along with surgical intervention to fix the source of the issue. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a specialized diet as well as a part of your dog’s treatment plan. 

Collapsed Trachea 

Since Yorkies are smaller dogs, they have more delicate structures that must be handled with care. In particular, Yorkshire Terriers are known to have weak Trachea, or the windpipe within the throat. This condition can be life threatening as it reduces your dog’s ability to take in air. 

This condition can be corrected in some cases with surgery. While Yorkies may be genetically predisposed to this condition, you’ll want to opt for a harness over a collar as pressure on the neck/throat area can cause damage to the trachea as well. 

Pancreatitis 

This condition is unfortunately quite common in Yorkshire terriers and is characterized by the inflammation of the pancreas. This is usually a result of your dog having a high-fat diet though it can also be triggered by certain medications and treatments. Pancreatitis is diagnosed by a blood test, and you may see your Yorkie experience symptoms like vomiting, fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite. 

Just like any other breed, Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are susceptible to their own set of health concerns passed on from one generation to the next. It’s important to have a firm understanding of your dog’s health predispositions in order to provide them with the best care possible throughout his life. 

After all, these tiny terriers are so worth it with all the love, companionship, and endless entertainment that they provide. Enjoy spending time with your lively and lovely Yorkie.

Stem banking during the spay/neuter procedure can be a great benefit to your yorkie as they age. Learn more HERE