The Complete Old Yorkie Dog Guide to Health and Happiness

As you care for your old Yorkie, it's essential to understand their unique health needs. Old Yorkies are prone to dental problems, with an average of 3-4 teeth lost by age 5.

Their small size and delicate jaw make dental care a top priority. Brush their teeth regularly to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

At 7-10 years old, old Yorkies often experience age-related hearing loss. You may notice they don't respond to loud noises or seem less reactive to their environment.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health issues early on.

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Yorkies are small dogs, typically standing between 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 4-7 pounds when fully grown. Their diminutive size belies their energetic and feisty personality.

Their distinctive coat is more like human hair than dog fur, with a steel-blue and gold color that changes as they mature from their original black and tan color. This single-coated hair coat means they don't have an undercoat and sheds relatively little.

Daily brushing is a must to maintain their beautiful coat, with professional grooming every six to eight weeks recommended. Many owners opt for a shorter, lower-maintenance "puppy cut" to keep their Yorkie's coat looking neat.

Yorkies have a relatively long lifespan, living between 11-15 years. This long lifespan means making plans for a long-term commitment before bringing a Yorkie home is crucial.

For your interest: What Is the Average Dog Lifespan

Old Yorkies require a lot of grooming to prevent matting of their long fur.

Daily brushing is a must, as it helps to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful long coat.

Regular haircuts from a professional groomer are also essential, as they can help you choose from a number of cuts and styles that suit your dog's personality.

Here are some popular grooming options for old Yorkies:

Grooming is a crucial part of Yorkie care, and it's essential to do it regularly to prevent matting of their long fur. Daily brushing can help keep their coat looking its best.

Yorkies require a high level of grooming due to their long, silky coat that continues to grow, much like human hair. This means they don't shed as much as other breeds, but they still need regular attention.

To keep their coat in top condition, it's best to have regular haircuts from a professional groomer. They can help you choose from a number of cuts and styles that suit your Yorkie's personality and lifestyle.

A top knot is a common style for long-haired Yorkies, as it keeps their fur out of their eyes. On the other hand, owners who prefer shorter hair can opt for a trimmed-all-over 'puppy cut'.

When you're thinking about nutrition for your Yorkie, it's essential to feed them a breed-appropriate, high-quality pet food two to three times a day. This will help them stay in good condition.

Stick to the portion sizes on the back of their pet food packaging, keeping their age and exercise levels in mind. This will ensure you're not overfeeding or underfeeding your furry friend.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs

Healthy Yorkshire Terrier dogs should receive all necessary nutrients from their AAFCO-approved dog food. You can find this information on the packaging.

Including a dry food can also help fend off gum disease. This is especially important for small breeds like the Yorkie.

Yorkies may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) in their diet, which can be found in skin and joint supplements, fish oil, or some specially formulated dog foods. These nutrients act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart.

To determine your dog's meal sizes, it's best to talk with your veterinarian, who can calculate your Yorkshire Terrier's caloric needs. They can also help you understand the feeding guide labels on dog food.

A good rule of thumb is to keep treats to less than 10% of a dog's daily calories. This means offering them mindfully and not overindulging your Yorkie.

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Yorkies are known for their long lifespan, typically living between 11-15 years. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health.

Yorkies are prone to dental disease, likely due to tooth crowding, so daily tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings are crucial. Without proper care, dental disease can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of heart and metabolic diseases.

Microvascular Dysplasia (MVD) and Portosystemic Shunts (PSS) are common health issues in Yorkies, which can cause a buildup of toxins in the body. Some dogs may not show signs of these conditions until adulthood, while others may exhibit "failure to thrive" or experience loss of appetite and vomiting.

Yorkies are also prone to Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE), a serious intestinal disease that can cause severe weight loss, diarrhea, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Regular monitoring and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage this condition.

Living a healthy lifestyle is all about making conscious choices that benefit our overall well-being. A daily exercise routine is essential to keep our bodies and minds active, and it's recommended to spend at least 30 minutes a day engaging in physical activity.

To maintain a healthy coat, daily grooming is a must, especially for breeds with long hair like the Yorkshire Terrier. Regular grooming not only keeps their coat looking its best but also helps prevent matting and tangling.

With proper care, Yorkshire Terriers can live into their late teens, making them a long-living breed.

Yorkies are prone to dental disease, likely due to tooth crowding among other factors, so daily tooth brushing is a must. Regular dental cleanings by a veterinarian can help prevent dental disease and its complications.

Yorkies can be easily injured by jumping off furniture, so doggy stairs or ramps to couches and beds can be a good idea. This can help prevent injuries and keep your furry friend safe.

Microvascular Dysplasia (MVD) and Portosystemic Shunts (PSS) are common health concerns in Yorkies. MVD is an abnormality of the blood vessels in the liver, while PSS occurs when the blood vessels don't communicate properly with the liver.

Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) is a serious, chronic intestinal disease that can manifest as severe weight loss, diarrhea, and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Yorkies may also be prone to Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a neurological disease that can cause muscle atrophy and loss of coordination.

Knee problems, such as patellar luxation, are common in Yorkies. This can cause frequent dislocations and may result in arthritis, so keeping your Yorkie at their ideal weight is essential.

Obesity is a common health problem in Yorkies, which can contribute to a range of other health issues. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent weight problems and keep your Yorkie healthy.

Yorkies are intelligent dogs and can be quite trainable with the right approach. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, including praise, treats, and play. Consistency and patience are key when training a Yorkie, as they can have a stubborn streak.

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To start training your Yorkie from an early age, focus on basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and come. Yorkies thrive on mental stimulation, so incorporating interactive toys, puzzle games, and training sessions into their daily routine can help keep them engaged and well-behaved.

Socialization is also crucial for Yorkies, as they can develop bad habits if they're not sufficiently trained and provided with mental and physical stimulation. Expose your Yorkie to all kinds of stimuli when they're young, if possible, and take obedience classes – they're great for training and socialization.

Exercise is also essential for Yorkies, who need at least 30-45 minutes of walking and exercise per day, and ideally more! Play scent games, or teach them to play fetch, and consider enrolling them in canine sports like agility, tricks, and rally obedience.

Here are some key training considerations for Yorkies: