Yorkshire Terriers - Health Issues

Yorkshire Terriers' health issues are something thatpossible, at least three times a week to prevent tarter
any potential owner should fully consider beforebuildup.
purchasing this very delightful and energetic dog.Tater buildup can easily be removed by the owner at
Vitamin and Mineral supplements are very importanthome by rubbing a solution of three percent hydrogen
for all pets, but for this breed it may not only be anperoxide or a weak one percent hydrochloric acid. Use
essential, it may be a critical essential.only baking soda toothpaste or toothpaste especially
Affectingly known as Yorkies, these very small dogsfor dogs, but never human toothpaste, as it too strong
can offer rather big personalities in their very smallfor you pet.
package.Vitamins A and D, and the mineral Calcium are also
These members of the Toy Group of dogs are veryessential for your Yorkie, but remember that they are
energetic, extremely determined and investigative, anda fat soluble vitamin meaning that they are stored by
actually very brave and bold by nature as in theirthe liver and adipose tissue, and thus not easily
beginnings were used to catch and kill rats.extracted.
These small and very lovable canine companions hadWhat this basically means is they can be toxic at high
a very interesting background as rat catchers in thelevels, so only use the recommended levels.
early nineteenth century, especially in Europe, butVitamin A aids in the formation and in the maintenance
moved from the working class of dog quite rapidly toof mucous membranes, especially important to your
the high society class, all because of their personalities.Yorkies gums and teeth. It also contains beta carotene
They are simply put, very fun to be around. However,which has antioxidant properties that will help with
any potential owner needs to fully understand thetooth infections.
possible health issues first.Vitamin D helps promote calcium absorption, which is
You will need to make absolutely certain thatcritical for not just the teeth, but also the bones of your
Yorkshire Terriers are the right breed for you, as theyYorkie. Vitamin D also maintains healthy levels of
are not especially suited to be around very youngcalcium as well as phosphorus in your pets
children, not for the safety of the children, but for theirbloodstream.
safety as they can be quite fragile.The Issues with Yorkshire terrier bones is not just their
Yorkies can easily adapt to almost any surrounding,fragility, but also what is known as luxating patella, a
they travel very easily, and they require very littlecondition where the kneecap actually moves from its
exercise. But they do require interaction with people,normal position, making the calcium levels in your
and to suit their personality, the more interaction thecanine especially important, as it must be at the
happier they are.correct levels to help prevent this condition.
In fact, these loveable little creatures have actuallyYou should always consult your veterinarian first
have been placed into Yorkie Classes by many ofbefore giving them any supplement.
their owners that include the following categories:The final issue that is potentially dangerous is digestive
Energetic, Placid, Hard Headed, Sweet Natured,conditions, especially protein losing enteropathy. This
Serious, Goofballs, Introverted, and than the class of aprotein losing condition is best described as your
Yorkie that Everyone Loves.Yorkie losing protein through the intestine that is very
This wonderful little dogs health issues can be easilydifficult to replace.
categorized into three major classes; their teeth, asBecause Yorkies already have a tendency to have
they are very prone to tooth problems and toothdelicate digestive systems to begin with, this is a
decay, digestive problems especially with protein losingpotentially harmful condition that can lead to severe
enteropathy, and finally simply because of their smallbouts of diarrhea and or fluid lose in your pet, both
size, bone structure problems including knee cap issuesvery serious conditions.
as well as broken bones.Medically described as any disturbance where the
Vitamin and Mineral supplements for you pet are veryresult is a marked increase in mucosal permeability,
important, but for the Yorkie it may be the mostprotein losing enteropathy has the potential to cause
important thing you can do for them.infection, congestive heart failure, and portal
The most prevalent health issue is their teeth. Yorkieshypertension.
are very prone to tooth problems, and in the mostThese health issues all can be traced back to what
severe cases, tooth decay. Although most all dogsthey are fed.
develop some form of tooth decay, they do notHowever, what they are fed may also be causing
develop cavities.them the greatest health risk if that diet is too low in
Yorkshire Terriers problems with their teeth can befat as in than reduces your pets Vitamin b12 and folate
traced almost exclusively to what you feed them. Softlevels, essential for malabsorption.
foods may be the easiest to give them, but they canAbsorption of the nutrients you are feeding your pet is
be horrible for your Yorkie, as soft food leaves foodessential for small intestine health, and your veterinarian
debris in the gum pockets.can quickly test your pet for low levels of b12 and
There are several very good hard foods brands thatfolate, and make the recommendation for supplements
you can select from, but do not feed them soft foods.as needed.
These food debris can lead to infections, the infectionsHowever, remember that this is a fat soluble vitamin,
can than cause the gums to become soft and recede,and as such can be toxic if not given in the correct
thus causing the potential for teeth to decay. If leftamounts.
unchecked, your small canine companion will actuallyYou're beloved Yorkie, despite all the potential health
loose their teeth.issues, if supplemented properly and checked
In preventing health issues with their teeth, you shouldregularity, can be a great pet to own and just plain out
carefully check them daily and brush them as often asfun to be around.