A Yorkshire Terriers health should be of the utmost importance to its owner. A healthy Yorkie usually results in a happy, playful and loving pet.
Yorkshire Terrier health considerations should begin at birth.
The milk that their dam provides is full of vital vitamins like Collistum. A puppy that misses this first milk may have a lower immunity level than his sibling’s. After this a puppies vaccines should start at about 6-8 weeks and then are given boosters every 2-3 weeks after that.
Vaccines continue until the puppy is 4 months old. Remember that purchasing a puppy younger than 3 months is not adviseable so one older than three months would only need 1 or 2 booster shots. Once this initial series of shots is completed then there are annual shots that your veterinarian and yourself should arrange.
When you get your puppy be sure that it has had its innoculations. The following infectious canine diseases should have been covered in the vaccination process:
1. Distemper
4. Rabies
6. Parainfluenza
Checking on your Yorkshire Terriers health annually is something that you should not forget. Be sure to make annual appointments well in advance and keep to them. Most vet’s will want to check your pets blood, perform a faecal examination and listen to and check its vital organs.
Please keep in mind that it is very easy for a dog to be infected by parasites. Parasites can come in contact with your dog through other dog’s faeces or even insect bites.
Yorkshire Terrier health issues should be seen as being of the utmost importance so if you notice anything out of the ordinary or have suspicions that your pet has a problem be sure to get in touch with your vet.
If your yorkie seems to be a bit under the weather and you are not sure what is wrong with him, you might want to consult a vet online. This is a very cost effective way of getting answers right away, usually in a matter of a few hours and with an average price tag of $12.
If your yorkie is in serious pain, injured, if he seems very ill, or if it is an emergency situation please do not use an online service, take him to see a vet straight away!
Common Yorkie Health Questions
What Health Issues Are Yorkshire Terriers Prone To?
Yorkies are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain breed-specific conditions. The most common yorkshire terrier health issues include Liver Shunt (portosystemic shunt), Patellar Luxation (loose kneecaps), Retinal Dysplasia (eye development issue), and Tracheal Collapse (collapsing windpipe). Regular vet checkups and being aware of these conditions can help catch them early. For more detail on each, check out our dedicated pages on Liver Shunt and Yorkie Health.
Dry Skin and Dandruff in Yorkies
Dry skin in Yorkies — often looking like dandruff, especially around the neck, tail, and belly — can have several causes. Common triggers include flea allergy dermatitis (some dogs are allergic to flea saliva), food allergies, and environmental allergies. If your Yorkie has persistent dry skin despite multiple vet visits, keep a diary of their food and environment to help identify the allergen. Your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic diet trial or medicated shampoo.
Ear Scratching and Ear Infections
If your Yorkie is obsessively scratching their ears, it could be an ear infection or ear mites. Yorkies with floppy or hairy ears are more prone to ear issues because moisture and debris can get trapped. Signs to watch for: head shaking, redness, smell, or dark discharge. Never use human ear drops on your dog. A vet can examine the ear canal and prescribe the right treatment. Regular ear cleaning with a dog-safe solution can help prevent problems.
Why Is My Yorkie Chewing Their Feet?
Excessive foot chewing or licking is usually a sign of allergies. It could be a reaction to something in their food, a change in household cleaning products, or seasonal environmental allergens. If the chewing is new, think about what’s changed recently — new food, new carpet cleaner, new garden treatments. For persistent cases, a vet can help identify the allergen and may recommend antihistamines or a special diet.
Eye Boogers and Eye Discharge
Many Yorkies wake up with a small amount of white or clear discharge in the corner of their eyes. This is very common and often caused by the tiny hairs around the eyes irritating the surface. A gentle wipe with saline solution each morning usually clears it for the day. However, if the discharge is yellow, green, or accompanied by redness or squinting, it could be an infection and needs a vet check.
Reverse Sneezing and Hacking Noises
If your Yorkie makes noises like they’re trying to hack something up but nothing comes out, it could be a reverse sneeze — a common and generally harmless reflex where the dog rapidly pulls air in through the nose. However, it can also be an early sign of tracheal collapse, which Yorkies are prone to. If the hacking is frequent, gets worse with excitement or pulling on a lead, or is accompanied by a honking cough, have your vet check their trachea.
Vomiting After Eating
If your Yorkie vomits undigested food hours after eating, it could be a sign of regurgitation (food never reaching the stomach) rather than true vomiting. This can be related to the oesophagus rather than the stomach. Blood in the stool is always a concern. If your vet has checked and said your dog is OK, try feeding smaller, more frequent meals and ensure the food is easily digestible. If vomiting continues, seek a second opinion.
Senior Yorkie Health: Weight Loss, Hair Loss, and Drinking Too Much
As Yorkies age (usually over 10 years), they can develop various health concerns. Weight loss combined with hair loss and excessive scratching may indicate allergies, kidney issues, or hormonal problems. Drinking too much water (polydipsia) in an older Yorkie can be a sign of kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease. If you notice these changes, bloodwork at the vet is essential to identify the underlying cause. Early detection makes a big difference in managing these conditions.
Chocolate Toxicity in Yorkies
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, including Yorkies. As a general rule, 1 ounce of chocolate per pound of body weight can be dangerous. Given that a Yorkie weighs only 4–7 pounds, even a small amount of dark or baking chocolate can be serious. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, rapid breathing, and seizures. If you suspect your Yorkie has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately. The safest approach is to never give chocolate to your dog.
Worming and Flea Prevention
For a Yorkie kept mostly indoors, worming every 5–6 months is typically sufficient. For fleas, products like Frontline are effective — applied correctly, they kill fleas within 24 hours. Always follow the dosage for your dog’s weight and consult your vet for the best prevention schedule for your area and your Yorkie’s lifestyle.
Liver Shunts in Yorkies
Liver shunts (portosystemic shunts) are a significant health concern in Yorkies. They can be congenital (present at birth) or develop later. Most Yorkies develop extrahepatic shunts, which are easier to treat. Testing for liver shunts can be done as early as a few weeks of age through blood tests and bile acid tests. Symptoms include poor growth, lethargy, circling, and neurological signs after eating. Treatment ranges from dietary management to surgery. For more detailed information, see our dedicated page on Liver Shunt.
Bow Legged Yorkies
If your Yorkie’s front legs appear to bow outward, this is known as bowleggedness — a skeletal deformity where the legs bend outward. Causes include genetics (some lines are predisposed), nutritional imbalances during growth, or injury to the growth plates. If you notice bowing in your puppy, have them assessed by a vet early — intervention during growth can sometimes improve the outcome.
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Suitable Puppies
Finding cute puppies to suit your lifestyle is very important. Each adorable puppy is different, knowing which one is right for you and how to care for it is vital when choosing your new best friend.
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