Know the Common Yorkie Skin Problems and Avoid Them

Yorkshire terrier, commonly known as Yorkie, is a small dog breed with long silky hair. They are affectionate family dogs and are loved because of their fun-loving, energetic nature. Their hair resembles human hair more than animal fur, due to which it requires constant grooming.  Initially, Yorkies were known as Broken Haired Scotch Terriers because of their human-like hair. In 1874, they were given the name Yorkshire Terrier officially.  Fast forward to the current era, Yorkshire is one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, and some parts of South Africa. They blend well with children and other family members because of their vibrant nature. Keep on reading to learn everything about common Yorkie skin problems. 

What Causes Dry Skin on Yorkies?

Dry skin on dogs is quite a common problem. It is one of the main reasons why dogs scratch their skin a lot. 

In fact, dry skin is also one of the most common Yorkin skin problems, and it can be caused by several reasons. 

Most Yorkie owners neglect the importance of keeping their dogs’ skin moisturized. Especially when it comes to this silky-haired dog, they use blow dryers to dry Yorkies hair, causing dry and itchy skin. 

Harsh shampoos are also a major cause of dryness on your dog’s skin. Using human shampoo can also result in common Yorkie skin problems like dandruff, parasites, viruses, and bacteria. 

Another cause for dog dry skin patches is allergy. Make sure you get your Yorkie tested for allergies to ensure their diet is not triggering dryness on their skin. Since allergies can cause severe dryness and itchiness, your dog might end up hurting itself by chewing on the skin. 

What are Yorkies Known to Be Allergic to?

Allergies are also one of the common Yorkie skin problems that can cause itching, dryness, and redness. Since Yorkies have such long and thick coats, they can easily trap many allergens. It makes Yorkie susceptible to environmental skin allergies. 

It is important to take care of your dog’s hygiene to keep them safe from environmental allergens. There are different types of allergies that your dog may suffer from. They can be divided into three main types: 

Environmental Allergies

These allergies are triggered by environmental factors like dust, pollen, smoke, and several other allergens. It can cause common Yorkie skin problems like itching, burning, dry patches, scaling, bumps, and redness. 

To avoid allergens getting trapped in Yorkie’s hair, opt for regular brushing and washing their body once a week with gentle shampoos. 

Contact Allergies 

Any specific material that your dog is coming in contact with can also trigger an allergic reaction. For example, some grooming products like brushes and shampoos can cause contact allergies. 

Furthermore, the material of your flooring, carpet, and laundry detergent can also cause allergies in Yorkies. 

Food Allergies 

Food allergies can cause some common Yorkie skin problems like infections, burning, hives, sores, or hair loss. 

You may realize it or not, but your dog can be allergic to certain grains, soy, artificial flavorings, dyes, eggs, and by-products. 

Therefore, it is important to get a detailed food allergy test done if you see any reaction in your dog. These reactions can also show up in the form of upset stomach, irritated eyes, breathing issues, and white flakes on dogs’ skin.  

Allergy Locations

There is no exact hot spot for skin allergy in dogs; therefore, you need to check all over the skin for any abnormality. 

Since they are quite susceptible to skin allergies due to their hair type, you need to check for common symptoms, including bruising, discoloration, itching, hives, or little scabs on the dog. 

The most common allergy locations in dogs are paws and ears. But ankles, wrists, groin, underarm, muzzle, and under-eye can also be affected. 

Are Yorkies Prone to Skin Problems?

Yorkies can be quite susceptible to skin conditions like allergies, infections, and other diseases, especially because of their thick coat. One of the most common Yorkie skin problems is caused by flea saliva, known as Flea allergy dermatitis. 

Here are some of the common Yorkie Skin problems that not only cause discomfort but also trigger secondary infections: 

Yorkie Skin Mites and fleas

Yorkies are famous for their beautiful, silky long coat that resembles human hair. These hairs can easily trap mites, fleas, and environmental allergens. Yorkies are also quite susceptible to ear mites, which are tiny parasites that feed on dead skin cells and ear wax. 

Most common Yorkie skin problems are caused by flea saliva. The symptoms of flea and mite infestation are dry skin, itchiness, redness, and crusty rashes. 

You can treat flea and mite infestation with topical anti-mite and anti-flea sprays. However, if the problem persists, your pet might need professional treatment. 

Yorkie Skin Bumps

Your Yorkie can have bumps and lumps on its skin for many reasons. The most common cause of these itchy bumps is skin allergies. Since they have long hair, they can also experience clogged pores that result in the inflammation of sebaceous glands. 

Other causes of bumps and lumps can be warts, cysts, skin tags, etc. However, most bumps will go away with topical treatments, but if your dog has painful lumps in the body, then it needs medical attention. 

Yorkie Scabs on Skin

Dried out infections or bumps can cause dry scabs on dog. It can be a painful skin condition that can majorly affect your dog’s quality of life. The main causes of scabs on Yorkies skin are Puppy impetigo, Ectoparasites, Pyoderma. 

Even though scabs mostly indicate that the infection or infestation is drying out, they can cause other skin issues. The treatment of these scabs can include topical ointments, medicated shampoos, oral antibiotics, and antiparasitic medicines. 

Yorkie Dry Flaky Skin

Most Yorkies experience dry, flaky skin because of dandruff, dermatitis, and mite infestation. Flea saliva can also cause allergies that result in itchiness and dryness. 

Apart from that, winter air, low humidity, harsh shampoos, an unhealthy diet, and prolonged sun exposure can also cause dryness on your Yorkie’s skin. 

Therefore, it is important to use moisturizing shampoos and gentle bathing methods to retain the moisture on their skin. 

Yorkie Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, can cause dry, flaky, red, and itchy skin in Yorkies. It is a genetic skin condition that causes severe dryness and inflammation on the skin. 

This is one of the common Yorkie skin problems that affect younger dogs. Dogs that are 1 to 3 years old are mostly affected by this disease. The treatment for Atopic Dermatitis is antibiotics, immunotherapy, and antihistamines. 

Yorkie Black Skin Disease 

Black skin disease doesn’t top the common Yorkie skin problems list, but it is also not rare either. It causes alopecia and hyperpigmentation in Yorkies that are accompanied by itching. 

This disease is more common in male dogs than female breeds. The treatment for this disease differs from one dog to another. However, most vets treat the symptoms of the disease more than the disease as a whole. 

What Can I Put on My Yorkie for Itching?

While it is important to consult with a vet to treat common Yorkie skin problems, you can also use home remedies to ease the symptoms. Here are a few things that you can get from your pantry to alleviate constant itching on Yorkie’s skin: 

Tea-Infused Baths

To reduce the inflammation and itching on your Yorkie’s skin, you can give them green tea and chamomile-infused baths. Green tea and Chamomile tea promote wound healing and reduce inflammation with topical application. 

Aloe Vera Rubs 

Another treatment for inflamed Yorkie’s skin is rubbing Aloe Vera gel on the hot spots. It will help calm the redness and soothe irritation on the skin. However, make sure your dog does not ingest it as it can harm its health. 

Oatmeal Rubs

Oatmeal is a nutritious ingredient that can help strengthen your dog’s skin and coat. A mixture of uncooked oatmeal with water can help soothe rashes, hives, hot spots, and dandruff. In addition, oatmeal rubs can alleviate the symptoms of common Yorkie skin problems while deeply moisturizing their skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

An apple cider vinegar spray that contains an equal ratio of ACV and water can help treat fungal infections, allergies, and itching. In addition, ACV spray is beneficial for dogs as it is also a natural flea repellent. 

Any Natural Oil

Natural oils like coconut oil can help moisturize Yorkie’s skin. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help keep your dogs safe from infections. Not only that, but it also helps soothe insect bites. 

Anti-Itch Spray 

A store-bought anti-itch spray can help relieve itching, inflammation, and tingling sensation on your dog’s skin. They also reduce the spread of lesions and treat cuts, wounds, and scrapes. 

Grooming Tips for Yorkie

Grooming your dog is important to keep it in a healthy state. If your puppy has dry skin, it is important to groom your pet more often. It plays a major role in how your dog’s skin and hair look like. 

Here are some basic grooming tips for Yorkies to reduce skin irritation and infections. 

Cover All Aspects of the Grooming 

To prevent common Yorkie skin problems, you need to have a proper hygiene and grooming routine for your dog. From bathing and topical treatments to coming and trimming the coat, it is important to cover all aspects of grooming. Take your Yorkie to professional dog groomers for a deep cleaning and grooming session every once in a while.  

Keep the Fur at a Manageable Length 

Even though Yorkies are known for their luscious hair, you need to keep the fur at a manageable length. It will prevent trapping dust, allergens, and insects from the ground. Their hair should not keep touching the ground all the time.

Use Home Anti-itch Remedies 

Whether you use a store-bought anti-itch spray or opt for home remedies to keep their skin irritation-free. It will help ease discomfort and infections and heal wounds quicker. If your Yorkie has a special condition, make sure to consult with a vet before using any anti-itch medicine. 

Use the Right Shampoos 

Avoid using harsh shampoos on your Yorkie. Their delicate skin can dry out if you use harsh chemicals on their body. Also, avoid using human shampoos on your Yorkie as these products are not designed to match the pH levels of their skin. 

Bathe them Every Week or Two 

Keep your Yorkie clean by bathing them once every week. You can also bathe them in alternate weeks to suit your schedule. It will help them stay clean without overdrying their skin. 

FAQs

Can I give my Yorkie Benadryl for itching?

Benadryl is a safe medication option for dogs. According to vets, this can effectively reduce allergic symptoms like coughing, sneezing, itching, and hives. Moreover, you can treat most seasonal allergies or reactions due to insect bites with Benadryl. 

However, avoid giving liquid Benadryl with alcohol or sodium to your Yorkie. Keep in mind to closely observe your dog after each Benadryl dose for any side effects. In case of any reaction, immediately visit your vet. 

What skin conditions are Yorkies prone to?

As mentioned above, Yorkies are prone to several skin issues because of their thick and long coat. Common Yorkie skin problems include allergies, scabs, dandruff, atopic dermatitis, insect bites, and black skin disease. 

You can prevent these skin conditions by properly following a hygiene and skincare routine for your dog. Use a mild shampoo and moisturizing ingredients to keep a Yorkie’s skin in optimal condition.

How can I tell if my Yorkie is in Pain?

Yorkies are generally quite active and fun-loving dogs. When in pain, their personality traits change into dull and lethargic. Other signs of pain in dogs include shaking, flattened ears, growling, grumpy attitude, low posture, and constant licking or biting a certain area. 

If you notice any of these signs, immediately consult with a vet to find out the root cause. Even the most common Yorkie skin problems can cause major discomfort, resulting in these signs. 

Therefore, it is important to get your dog diagnosed to start a treatment. 

What can I give my Yorkie to stop itching?

We have discussed six effective home remedies for dog itching and losing hair. They include a refreshing aloe vera or oatmeal rub, relaxing tea-infused bath, apple cider vinegar spray, natural oils, or store-bought anti-itch sprays. 

You can also use Benadryl to reduce itching, but it is best to avoid self-medication for dogs. Always consult a vet before giving any medicine to your dog to prevent side effects. 

Can I Put Neosporin on my dog’s skin?

Neosporin is a relatively safe topical ointment for dogs. It is an antibiotic cream that helps stop the spread of bacteria. Using a small amount of Neosporin on scabs and scrapes can help stop bacterial growth and heal the infection. 

The petroleum base of Neosporin will help soften the area of the infection. It is an easy, over-the-counter treatment for treating bacterial infections in your dog. 

However, make sure to never use Neosporin on your dog’s eyes, ears, or mouth. 

What are the bumps on my Yorkies skin?

Some common Yorkie skin problems can cause bumps and lumps on its skin. These bumps can be warts, skin tags, lesions, lipomas, cysts, button tumors, or abscesses. 

Often, these bumps can go away with home remedies and over-the-counter ointments. 

However, if they continue to spread or start becoming very painful, make sure to consult a vet. Some bumps require a proper course of antibiotics; otherwise, the bacteria can quickly spread throughout the body. 

Why does my Yorkie have flaky skin?

Several skin disorders can cause dry patches on dogs. The most common Yorkie skin conditions that cause dryness and flakiness are dandruff, atopic dermatitis, allergies, and mites infestation. 

Apart from that, shampoo, grooming tools, food intolerance, and low humidity can also cause dryness and itching on Yorkie’s skin. 

Conclusion 

Having the right skincare and grooming routine for your pet is important to prevent common Yorkie skin problems. These skin issues do not only cause them discomfort, but they can also pass some of these skin infections to humans. 

Whether the skin problems are caused by environmental factors or dietary reasons, it is important to consult with a vet and start proper treatment. 

Remember to observe your dog for any behavioral changes or cutaneous abnormalities. In case you detect anything, get your pet the right treatment at the right time.