Yorkies
The Yorkshire terrier, which is also more commonly known as the Yorkie, is a fantastic toy breed. Beautiful with silky primarily copper-toned and black long hair makes it virtually irresistible to those with an eye for flair. Although the Yorkie’s temperament is very active, a short, 20 minute walk every day is all your little Yorkie needs. And, even though your Yorkshire terrier is not as prone to health problems and has a longer life span than most larger dogs, there are a few health problems common in the Yorkshire Terrier breed you should be aware of.
The following are the most common Yorkshire dog health problems:
1) Canine Hypoglycemia
This can also be translated as low blood sugar and needs to be monitored to prevent complications. Caused by lower concentrations of glucose in the blood, this Yorkshire dog health problem can be recognized by lethargy, weakness, twitching, trembling, seizures, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, dilated pupils, apparent blindness and, in severe cases, a coma, especially with Yorkies younger than three months old.
2) Congenital Patellar Luxation
This is a musculoskeletal disorder that primarily affects the kneecap. Very common among toy dog breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, it develops when bones around the kneecap are not aligned properly causing the kneecap to become displaced and unable to glide along its normal groove in the femur. Occasionally resulting in trauma, this problem will usually develop when your Yorkie is about a year old and can be managed through supplements, exercise and diet. Severe cases may require surgery.
3) Dental Diseases
Many small breeds including Yorkshire dogs experience dental health problems due to their small jaws. Teeth can become crowded and may not even fall out naturally causing things like food and plaque to build up. This bacteria may result in periodontal disease. These kinds of diseases also have the potential to spread to other parts of the body causing heart and kidney problems. The best thing to do to prevent this is offer your dog healthy teeth-cleaning chew toys that help reduce plaque build up and also use dog toothpaste to brush your Yorkie’s teeth with.
4) Portosystemic Shunt
This is caused by an abnormality in the blood flow to the liver and is very commonly seen in Yorkshire terrier’s list of health problems. Occurring when the blood returning to the heart does not pass through the liver, but instead passes the liver completely, Portosystemic Shunt results when this misstep carries toxic byproducts of the liver throughout the body resulting in mental and neurological problems. Treatment sometimes requires a physical exam, X-rays, blood work, ultrasonagraphy, dye studies and exploratory procedures, but more commonly it can be managed by simple diet and medication. Liver function is incredibly vital to your Yorkshire dog’s health, and supplements that aid in this vitality will help give your Yorkie a long, healthy life.
Even though small toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier don’t have as many health problems as larger breeds of dogs, prevention is still crucial. As always, the best way to combat future Yorkshire dog health problems is to monitor diet and exercise – as is the same with humans. It sounds simple, but many people over look this one step. They buy generic dog food and do not provide their Yorkie with any necessary dog supplements.
The best all around dog supplement on the market today is Proud Dog Complete Wellness. This all-in-one doggie supplement not only promotes joint health, a healthy immune system, enhanced skin and coat, healthy digestive system, essential fatty acids and 24 other vitamins and minerals, it also helps combat all of your Yorkshire dog health problems all at once. Remember, prevention is the most important part of your dog’s health, and the best way to avoid problems in the future is through diet, exercise, and the correct doggy supplements.
Tags: dental health, diet, dog food, Dog health, feeding, health problems, Hypoglycemia, toy breed, yorkie, yorkshire supplements, yorkshire terriers