Last Updated on September 29, 2024 by admins
All Yorkie owners are concerned about keeping their pets away from health conditions especially yorkie skin disease. Yorkshire terrier has sensitive skin that is prone to many yorkie skin conditions. Yorkies’ susceptibility to skin conditions is due to their genetic predisposition in addition to their long hair. The long hair could attract dust and debris that contain many germs. Additionally, it is a good place for ticks and lice to live in leading to yorkie skin allergy. In this guide, you will learn more information about yorkshire terrier skin problems and solutions.
Table of Contents
What Are Common Yorkie Skin Disease?
Yorkshire terrier skin problems range between surface reactions and systemic diseases. Some of the surface reactions are atopic dermatitis, alopecia, dandruff, mites, skin bumps, and scabs. Systemic diseases are those related to hormonal disruption, for instance, Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism. Now let’s discuss them in details
Yorkie Atopic Dermatitis
This is one of the most common allergic reactions causing chronic skin inflammation. Yorkie could suffer from this condition because of its exposure to many allergens including dust, grass, mold spores, and other environmental triggers.
Signs:
- Scratching
- Itching
- Licking
- Rubbing
- Greasy skin
- Redness and inflammation of the skin
- Yeasty smell
Learn more about: Is Yorkie Poo Hypoallergenic?
Treatment
Although skin dermatitis is common, treatments are available. The treatment depends on the cause of the condition. If it is caused by a genetic predisposition to a certain allergy, your vet will give your Yorkie injections to protect it against this allergen by 60-80%.
Additionally, the vet will prescribe antibiotics or antifungals to treat the infection that caused the allergy. Some doctors may recommend immunomodulatory medications including pills to be taken daily (Apoquel) or injection every 4-10 weeks (Cytopoint). Finally, try bathing your puppy with a medically prescribed shampoo to improve its skin and help a speedy recovery.
Yorkie Alopecia
Alopecia is a medical term that refers to hair loss. Yorkies are low shedders dogs that shed less dander than other breeds so they are considered hypoallergenic. However, there are many reasons that make them shed more than usual leading to hair loss including:
- Skin allergy
- Parasitic infections
- Fungal infections
- Skin trauma, for instance, burns
- Genetic
Treatment
Alopecia is a sign of an underlying disease that should be detected. Your vet will perform a check-up to figure out the reason for the hair loss. He will prescribe some medications to treat the main cause. Moreover, he will advise you to feed your Yorkie nutritious food that contains many vitamins and minerals to benefit your Yorkie skin and coat.
Learn more abouy: How To Prevent Yorkies Hair Loss?
Yorkie Dandruff
Dandruff is not just our problem as humans but also Yorkies. Yorkies are one of the most vulnerable breeds to dandruff. The cause of dandruff is the rapid production of the outermost layer of the skin that is the epidermis in a process called Keratinocytes.
Factors Increase Yorkie Dandruff
- Dry skin: if you live in a low-humidity area, your dog may suffer from skin dryness that would exacerbate dandruff to make it worse.
- Certain foods would increase skin dryness and dandruff as well.
- Age: Senior Yorkies are more prone to dandruff than younger ages.
Signs That Are Present Along With Dandruff
- Itching of the skin
- Redness skin because of the itching
- Thinning of the coat would occur if you left the condition without treatment or the Yorkie did not get the proper treatment
- Oily skin and offensive odor
Read more about Yorkies Dry Skin – Thing You Need To Know.
Treatment
Your vet will prescribe antidandruff shampoo that will help correct the case however, it won’t reduce the speed of Keratinocytes. Make sure to groom your Yorkie regularly, feed it non-GMOs food that is free from preservatives, and keep it away from dandruff triggers. Furthermore, keep your Yorkie well hydrated and try to avoid skin dryness as possible.
Black Skin Disease
Black skin disease is a condition that leads to a kind of alopecia. Unfortunately, the cause of black skin is still unknown however, some scientists suggested it may be related to a genetic disorder or hormonal imbalance, or allergies. The diagnosis of the disease depends on the rule of eliminating other possible causes along with the symptoms that do not appear until 2 or 3 years old.
Signs
- Loss of hair color
- Gradual loss of the guard hairs
- Hyper-pigmentation of the skin
- Thirst or change in appetite
Treatment
There is no specific protocol to work on however, the doctor will give medications to help hair growth. Don’t worry, your puppy will stay healthy just the outer appearance will be affected. Additionally, you must spay your Yorkie once you identify the disease in order not to be transmitted to other puppies genetically.
Home Remedies Help In Treatment Of Skin Allergy
The following are some natural oils that you can apply to your puppy skin to help relieve itching. This does not mean that you do not go to the vet however, it helps prevent the condition from getting worse while you are trying to identify the cause with the vet. Before opting for these oils, I suggest you ask your vet first.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural substance with an amazing fragrance that your dog will admire. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that will help treat the skin condition and moisturize it as well. Apply some of the coconut oil to your Yorkie’s body then brush the coat gently.
Aloe Gel
The Aloe gel has antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties that can attack the microbe and help in the healing of wounds. However, make sure your Yorkie won’t ingest it as it may be harmful.
Essential Oils
Many of the essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal options. For instance, oregano, peppermint, calendula flower, lavender, basil, chamomile, and rosemary. Pick any of those oils but make sure to use them under the vet’s supervision.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Yorkie has sensitive skin that is easy to get dryness that would make any skin condition become worse. Yorkies are susceptible to many skin diseases because of allergic reactions, infections, or malnutrition. Do not underestimate any signs, once you notice any signs, take your Yorkie to the vet because early diagnosis leads to a good prognosis. If you have questions, keep me posted in the comments below.