Yorkie dogs are just as prone to infections, illnesses and allergies as other dogs. It is important to learn how to recognize these dog illness symptoms so you can act quickly in the event of an emergency. If you think your dog may be affected by any kind of illness then take to them to the vet immediately to ensure they get the proper care and treatment.
Portosystemic (liver) shunt. This is a potentially fatal condition that causes blood to bypass the liver. It is normally present at birth, but can be manifest in dogs with liver disease.
Symptoms usually appear at six months and include:
• Failure to gain weight
• Vomiting
• Digestive problems
• Urinary problems
• Excessive thirst
• Depression
• Listlessness
• Uncoordinated movements
• Seizures that appear after eating
• Drooling
• Head pressing
Avoidance of this condition is impossible but you can help your dog by feeding them a low Purine diet. Sprinkling milk thistle on their food and artichokes help the liver, as do vitamins C and E and coenzyme Q-10. If you see teacup Yorkie puppies for sale they might look adorable but remember that you need to ask for the health of both parents before taking a puppy home in case they have an hereditary disease. Hereditary dog illness symptoms often don’t appear until the pup is older
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease. This is a condition where the growth or loss of the bone mass leads to a collapse of the hip joint.
Symptoms usually appear in between 4 and 12 months and include:
• Pain, from mild to severe
• Lameness
• Muscle wastage
Avoiding this syndrome is impossible so ensure prompt veterinary action should your dog start displaying any signs or symptoms.
Luxating Patellas. This is a condition, which causes the dog’s kneecaps to slide out of place. There are varying grades ranging from mild to severe
Telltale signs can appear as early as 6-8 weeks, but are normally noticed around 6 months of age, although the condition can develop later in life as well. These dog illness symptoms can be hard to spot and your vet or groomer might notice it before you.
Symptoms include:
• Limping
• Hopping
• Pain
• Holding up the affected leg
• A popping noise when being handled or moving around on your lap
Don’t allow excessive jumping. Purchase pet stairs for your furniture. Give muscle supplements and consider going to a pet chiropractor if your Yorkie is diagnosed with this condition.
Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar is very common in Yorkie dogs and in extreme cases it can be fatal. If your Yorkie dog or puppy has a hypoglycemic episode then boost their blood sugar by administering some syrup or honey
Symptoms can develop at any time, at any age, and include:
• Dizziness
• Unsteady gait
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Shivering
• Coma
• Seizures
Feeding high quality food to your Yorkie several times a day can avoid your dog getting low blood sugar. This is important for mini Yorkshire terriers and toy Yorkies as their tiny size makes them vulnerable to Hypoglycemia.
Common Yorkie Dog Allergies, Dog Illness Symptoms, and Signs of Infection
Symptoms of Allergy include:
• Sneezing
• Itching – if severe can lead to infection
• Fur loss
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Snoring
• Mucus discharge from mouth and/or nose
• Vomiting – sign of a food allergy
• Diarrhea – sign of a food allergy
Common products causing allergies include:
• Laundry detergents
• Carpet cleaning solutions
• Certain materials; including carpet material, bedding, blankets etc.
• Products used in the grooming routine
• Fleas
• Pollen
• Grass
• Seeds
• Cigarette or Cigar smoke
• Air fresheners/room sprays
• Food allergies ranging from nuts to colorants and preservatives present in low grade dog food
If your Yorkie is displaying any signs of dog illness symptoms related to an allergy then the best thing to do is to find the cause. Once you know what the trigger is you can eradicate it. Talk to your vet if in need of extra help or advice.
Signs of infection include:
• Eye infections – discharge of a yellow and/or green color, excessive blinking, sensitivity to light, bulging, swelling or reddening
• Ear infections – odor, discharge, excessive ear scratching, head shaking, rubbing against objects, pain when touched or yelping. In untreated cases dizziness and vomiting
• Skin infections – redness, soreness, flaky skin, hair loss, itchiness, discoloration, scaly skin, blisters, lesions,
• Urinary infections – lethargy, blood in urine, difficulty passing urine, incontinence, excessive urination or straining to urinate
Always ensure you use reputable Yorkie breeders when buying your puppy. Yorkshire terrier rescue centers can help answer questions, as can your vet.
For more information about Yorkshire Terriers, check out the highly recommended Insider’s Guide To The Yorkshire Terrier package today!
