How to Prevent Skin Conditions in Yorkies

The Yorkshire terrier is an attractive breed due to its small size and gentle appearance. Yorkies are also known to be brave, energetic, and loving. But their small size doesn’t stop them from being adventurous. They are protective and loyal to their masters. But just like any other dog breed, Yorkshire terriers are susceptible to health disorders, such as skin conditions.

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, underarms, 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: 

Possible Skin Conditions in Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire terrier is a small dog breed that is around seven pounds and averages around six to seven inches. It has long silky coats that are tan and steel blue. Their fur color can be tan or blonde and everything in between. They can be mixed with black or gray. Their coat grows non-stop over time. One thing that’s good about its coat is that it doesn’t shed a lot. Its tail stands tall and its ears are erect, small, and covered with fur.

Yorkshire terriers are susceptible to specific health conditions such as tooth decay, cataracts, and bronchitis. They also have a sensitive digestive system and skin. They often have allergies and can suffer from hot spots that can lead to hair loss. They can also suffer from hair loss in the area of injection. Some Yorkies experience allergic reactions to products and food. When this happens, the skin is red and inflamed. Some develop dry patches as well. The skin becomes flaky and dry.

The Yorkshire terrier must be groomed properly in order to prevent the symptoms of skin disorders.

These include regular brushing and grooming in order to sustain healthy hair and skin.

Common causes of skin conditions are allergies to grass and fleas.

You should keep your Yorkie off the grass. Fleas are disastrous for Yorkies because of their sensitive skin. You should keep them off fleas through proper grooming.

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 dogs. 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, and 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 in 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. 

Common Sources of Allergies Among Yorkies

Allergies can cause skin problems in Yorkies, just like they do in humans. Allergies are their immune system’s reaction when they inhale, touch, or eat certain proteins that contain certain substances.

Skin allergies can develop almost anywhere on the Yorkie’s body. As a result, it is best for owners to check them on a regular basis. Since Yorkies develop a habit of biting, scratching and aggravating painful areas in the body, a minor skin issue can become a major one. 

Why Yorkies Are Prone to Skin Problems

Skin problems among Yorkies can be attributed to different reasons. However, having a longer coat is one of the most common causes of skin problems in Yorkshire Terriers. The nature of sensitive skin along with a longer coat can trigger skin problems among them.

Longer and thicker coats are the main cause of skin problems among Yorkies since it blocks the flow of air to their skin. But this is not a hopeless case and can be treated immediately by grooming the coat or giving them a neat hairstyle.

Aside from longer coats, there may be other issues related to Yorkie skin problems. Here are some of the most common skin issues you should be aware of:                                                                                                                   

Mites and Fleas on Yorkie Skin 

Skin problems among Yorkies can also be caused by fleas or mites. These pests have always been a pain in the neck not only among Yorkies but also to their owners. Speaking of which, owners should also check for ear mites in Yorkies that look a lot like dandruff due to their grayish-white color.

Ear mites are real parasites that feed on dogs. However, they are smaller than fleas and move more actively. Mites can cause extreme itching in your Yorkies which can also make their skin inflamed. Having too many mites also leads to bald patches on Yorkies’ coats.

Bumps on Yorkie Skin

Blocked pores among Yorkies can cause skin bumps that can lead to inflammation of sebaceous cysts. This is not a skin issue to ignore among Yorkies despite the pores’ appearance because it can cause severe pain to the Yorkies.

Scabs on Yorkie Skin

When the Yorkie’s skin gets dried from bumps or mite infections, it turns to scabs. This skin condition can be flaky and very itchy which makes the dog irritated. Though scabs are indicators that Yorkie’s current skin condition is getting healed, they can pose more skin issues than disadvantages.

Yorkie Atopic Dermatitis (Yorkie Itchy Skin)

Have you observed your Yorkie demonstrating excessive watery eyes, frequent sneezing, and itching? Then, these may be the results of Atopic Dermatitis (though we still advise that you consult your veterinarian for a better diagnosis.)

Atopic dermatitis in Yorkies can lead to hair loss, soreness, and flaky skin. Probably due to heat or a longer coat, this condition mostly appears in a Yorkie’s armpit, ear, feet, or groin. Make sure to apply immediate grooming needs or visit the vet to prevent this condition from worsening.

Causes of Dry Skin Among Yorkies 

Dry skin among Yorkies may be caused by many reasons, several may refer to the conditions we discussed earlier. Thus, veterinarians always advise dog owners to check their dog’s skin more frequently. 

Skin conditions are reliable indicators of more serious health issues in Yorkies. For example, dry and flaky skin may be a sign of more chronic diseases such as deficiency in the immune system.

Moreover, the skin of Yorkies is sensitive to itching. Irritation in one area of the body could spread to other parts and may lead to worse skin issues.

What Can I Put On My Yorkie For Itching? – Solutions for Itching in Yorkies

Seeing your Yorkie feeling unwell and irritated due to itch is indeed frustrating. Of course, no parent would want their Yorkies to experience any health concerns.

Fortunately, there are remedies at home you could consider doing to help your Yorkie heal from irritation and discomfort. 

Anti-Itch Medication 

You might have kept some over-the-counter anti-itch medication in your house for quick relief in such circumstances. This could be in the form of chewable allergy medications, ointments, or even sprays.

Anti-Itch Spray  

If you want to apply the solution directly to your Yorkie’s skin, you can use anti-itch sprays with a solution that can reduce the intensity of the itchiness. Time is the greatest challenge in this situation since you have to prevent your Yorkie from scratching the affected area of the skin.

Too much scratching due to itch may lead to more infection and soreness. Hence, dog owners need to buy time for the itchiness to go away even before the itching starts. 

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. 

Natural Oils 

Dryness in your Yorkie’s skin causes a lot of itching, that’s why it is important to apply natural oils to your Yorkie’s dry skin. 

The good thing is, that oils are inexpensive and can be found anywhere nearby. However, the suggested kinds of oils to use for your Yorkie are aloe vera, olive oil, salmon, or coconut.

Apple Cider Vinegar Spray  

Apple Cider Vinegar spray is a quick and easy-to-make solution for skin irritation produced by too much exposure to poison ivy. To do this, just simply combine equal portions of vinegar and water and spray it on the affected areas of the skin. However, do not use this if your Yorkie has any open wounds, or else it would get worse.

Oatmeal Rubs  

Oatmeal rubs are regarded as one of the oldest tricks in the book in treating dry and itchy Yorkie skin. It may be traditional but it does work wonders! 

Whatever the skin condition of your Yorkie is, may it be a widespread atopic dermatitis or local irritation, rubbing some oatmeal on it will make a huge difference.

Oatmeal has a component that releases anti-inflammatory compounds which soothe the skin and treat skin concerns as well.

Tea-Infused Baths  

This is another traditional but effective home remedy for treating skin issues. The most widely used kinds are green tea and chamomile. These kinds of tea contain several anti-inflammatory compounds as well as calming effects.

Tips in Grooming Yorkies

Some skin problems among Yorkies could have been prevented if proper grooming was observed more frequently. Since Yorkies are furry dogs, it is imperative for owners to have their pets groomed regularly to keep their skin and coats healthy.

Here are the basic routines Yorkie owners should observe when grooming their Yorkies.

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.  

Make Sure Yorkie’s Hair is Manageable 

A short Yorkie puppy haircut is ideal for preventing matting, and knots and promoting skin airflow. Your Yorkie will not only look fabulous, but he will be grateful for the extra opportunities to enjoy instead of needing to be groomed.

We should also keep in mind that Yorkshire terriers frequently require more than one type of brush for proper grooming. A detangling comb, a pin brush, and a slicker brush should be included in your grooming kit. 

Find Anti-Itch Remedies at Home

To relieve itching, bathe your dog in the home remedies we discussed earlier, such as green tea baths, oats, natural oils, and even apple cider vinegar. 

When we supplement basic grooming with these home treatments, we can prevent and/or alleviate allergy-related skin disorders in Yorkies.

Apply Organic Shampoos 

An ideal shampoo for Yorkies is one that is prepared with natural components. The one that does not only clean but also hydrates and conditions the skin and hair.

That’s why we should avoid shampoos that contain synthetic ingredients at all costs. Most of these types contain sulfates and other chemicals which can create more harm to your Yorkie’s 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. 

Use Warm Water in Yorkie Bath 

The temperature of your Yorkie’s bath water could be the source of the problem or be aggravating it. Since Yorkies have sensitive skin, they would just need a little warm bath.

Conclusion

Skin issues among dogs, not just in Yorkies, are one of the many health concerns every dog should pay attention to.

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. 

We should always remember that skin condition is a manifestation of how healthy the internal parts are, and this can be well taken care of if we just use the right remedy and prevent it at all costs.

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. 

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.