Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like all purebred breeds, they are predisposed to certain health conditions. Knowing what to look for can make the difference between catching a problem early and dealing with a serious medical emergency.
As a Yorkie owner, being aware of these common health problems helps you provide the best possible care and potentially add years to your dog’s life. This guide covers the ten most common health issues affecting Yorkshire Terriers, their symptoms, and what you can do about them.
1. Patellar Luxation (Slipping Kneecaps)
Patellar luxation is one of the most common problems in small breeds. The kneecap slips out of its normal groove, causing the dog to skip or hop on three legs. In mild cases, the kneecap pops back in on its own. Severe cases may require surgery.
Symptoms: Intermittent lameness, skipping gait, holding up one hind leg, then suddenly walking normally again.
Read our detailed guide: Everything about Patellar Luxation in Yorkies
2. Liver Shunt (Portosystemic Shunt)
Yorkies are genetically predisposed to liver shunts — a condition where blood bypasses the liver, allowing toxins to accumulate in the bloodstream. This is a serious condition that requires veterinary diagnosis and often surgery.
Symptoms: Poor growth, lethargy, circling, head pressing, excessive drooling, vomiting, and seizures — especially after eating.
Read our detailed guide: Liver Shunts in Yorkies — Symptoms and Treatment and Liver Shunt in Dogs — What Is It?
3. Collapsed Trachea
The trachea (windpipe) of Yorkies can be weak and prone to collapsing, causing a classic goose-honk cough. This is often triggered by excitement, pulling on the lead, or hot weather.
Symptoms: Dry, honking cough that worsens with excitement or exercise, coughing when picked up, difficulty breathing.
Management: Use a harness instead of a collar, maintain a healthy weight, avoid respiratory irritants, and ask your vet about medications that can help.
4. Dental Disease
Small breeds like Yorkies are prone to dental problems because their teeth are crowded in a small mouth. Without proper care, plaque builds up, leading to gingivitis, tooth loss, and even infections that can affect the heart and kidneys.
Symptoms: Bad breath, yellow/brown teeth, bleeding gums, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth.
Prevention: Brush your Yorkie’s teeth daily, provide dental chews, and schedule professional dental cleanings as recommended by your vet.
5. Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Yorkie puppies and teacup Yorkies are especially prone to dangerously low blood sugar levels. This is because their small bodies have limited energy reserves and their high metabolism burns through glucose quickly.
Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, shaking, disorientation, glazed eyes, and in severe cases, seizures or collapse.
Prevention: Feed small, frequent meals. Keep a source of sugar (honey or Nutri-Cal gel) on hand for emergencies. Always have food available for puppies.
6. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
This condition affects the hip joint, where the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted, causing the bone to deteriorate. It typically appears in puppies aged 4-12 months.
Symptoms: Limping, muscle wasting in the affected leg, pain when moving the hip joint, reluctance to run or play.
Treatment: Surgery is often required to remove the affected bone head, after which most dogs recover well.
7. Skin Allergies and Dermatitis
Yorkies can suffer from various skin issues, including food allergies, environmental allergies, and contact dermatitis. Their sensitive skin may react to certain foods, shampoos, or environmental triggers.
Symptoms: Itching, scratching, red or inflamed skin, hair loss, hotspots, recurrent ear infections.
Read our guides: Yorkie Skin Conditions, Dog Food Allergies
8. Eye Problems
Yorkies are prone to several eye conditions including dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and corneal ulcers. Their prominent eyes are also more vulnerable to injury.
Symptoms: Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness, rubbing at the eyes, sensitivity to light.
Read our guides: Dry Eye in Dogs, Common Eye Issues in Yorkies
9. Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas can be triggered by high-fat foods, stress, or underlying health conditions. Yorkies who eat fatty human foods are at higher risk.
Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain (praying position — front legs down, rear up), loss of appetite, diarrhoea, fever.
Prevention: Feed a low-fat diet, avoid table scraps, and maintain a healthy weight. See our Yorkie Food to Avoid guide.
10. Tracheal Collapse (detailed)
As mentioned above, this is one of the most characteristic Yorkie health issues. Beyond the honking cough, a collapsed trachea can lead to respiratory distress, especially in hot or humid weather. Always use a harness — never a collar — and consider a cool vest for summer walks.
Preventive Care Tips
- Regular vet checkups: At least once a year for adults, twice a year for seniors
- Vaccinations: Keep up to date with core vaccines and discuss lifestyle-related vaccines with your vet
- Dental care: Daily brushing and annual professional cleanings
- Weight management: Obesity worsens most health conditions
- Parasite prevention: Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Genetic testing: If buying from a breeder, ask about health screening for common Yorkie conditions
When to See a Vet
Contact your vet immediately if your Yorkie shows any of these signs:
- Seizures or collapse
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea (especially in puppies)
- Blood in urine or stool
- Sudden lameness or inability to walk
- Eye injuries or sudden vision changes
- Any symptoms of hypoglycaemia in puppies
If you have concerns about your Yorkie’s health at any time, ask a vet online for quick advice.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health concerns specific to your dog.
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