Last Updated on August 29, 2021 by Marco C.
A Yorkshire terrier has characteristic silky, straight, glossy hair so yorkies hair loss is considered a problem that needs treatment. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it can be a sign of another relying disease. Yorkies are sensitive, hypoallergenic dogs because they do not shed a lot. If you noticed your yorkie losing hair, go immediately to the vet to discover the reasons and possible solutions. Keep reading to discover more about reasons and solutions for yorkies hair loss.
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Causes Of Yorkies Hair Loss
There are many reasons that may eventually lead to a bald yorkie including allergy, certain infections, weak immune system, or genetic.
Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)
Color dilution alopecia is a genetic disorder that causes yorkie hair loss on back. Symptoms of CDA do not appear until 6 months or maybe later at 2 or 3 years of age. Yorkies could experience hair loss, dry and scaly skin, itchy skin, and a bluish pigmentation of the lips, eyelids, and noses. In CDA, there is a disorder in the hair follicles of the dog leading to their destruction. Although treatments are limited, doctors found progress from using certain antibiotics, moisturizers, and shampoo. Also, high doses of essential fatty acids and vitamin A supplements would be beneficial along with apple cider vinegar, fish oil, and melatonin.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is caused by dysfunction in adrenal or pituitary glands leading to overproduction of cortisol hormone. Adrenal or pituitary tumors can cause this disorder. Symptoms of Cushing’s disease include hair loss, increased thirst, urination, appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of this disorder includes some medications used to correct the hormonal overproduction and you should keep regular visits to the vet in order to monitor the case as it is a lifelong condition. Also, doctors can remove the tumor surgically but this procedure is limited because of its health risks.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the increased production of thyroid hormone due to thyroid gland tumors or certain raw diets. Signs of the condition are increased metabolic rate of your Yorkie, weight, and hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The vet can diagnose the condition through blood tests and treat it using medications that will return the hormone to its normal range. If there are tumors, radioactive iodine therapy is the best choice.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is an allergic condition in which your dog’s skin is inflamed. Grass, mold spores, house dust mites, or other harmless environmental allergens cause the condition. Atopic dermatitis makes yorkie scratching and losing hair along with the presence of greasy, redness, or tough skin. By visiting the veterinarian, he/she will detect the allergen causing the condition to remove it from your dog’s environment. Also, the vet will prescribe medications to address the inflamed dry skin.
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Parasites
Every dog is vulnerable to infection with ticks, mites, and fleas causing yorkie losing hair. The most common parasitic infections are ear mites and mange. Ear mites lead to irritation of the ear making the yorkie scratching and losing hair. Mites living within the dog’s hair follicles or under the skin lead to mange. Mange has the ability to damage your Yorkie’s coat so do not underestimate it and go immediately to the vet to prescribe the right treatment. My advice is to improve your dog’s immunity because it helps a lot in defending against these parasites along with the medications.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection in which the fungus lives and grows within the outer layer of the skin and hair follicles. You will see the ringworm as circular areas of hair loss throughout the body, scabby, inflamed skin, and dry, brittle hair. Treatment of the condition includes topical therapy, oral medications, and environmental decontamination. Although it is easy to treat ringworm, the condition is contagious so be careful.
Pyoderma
Pyoderma refers to the presence of pus in the skin that is usually caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms of pyoderma are red, pimple-like rashes, itchy patches of skin, and temporary hair loss. Treatment includes oral antibiotics for several weeks, topical spray, and steroids just in case of severe inflammation.
How To Prevent Yorkies Hair Loss?
I recommend you to follow the following tips to prevent yorkies hair loss. These tips won’t only prevent yorkie losing hair but also will help in treating the condition and improving Yorkie’s immunity and overall health.
Keep Your Eye On Your Yorkie
Always check its skin and hair for any signs of irritation or early hair loss. Don’t neglect the condition till your friend become a bald yorkie so keep regular visits to the vet. Clean the environment frequently and use a high-quality air purifier to remove allergens. Wash your pup’s bedding every week to eliminate mites. Opt for a non-carpeted/hard surface bed because mites love carpeting.
Use Natural Skin Products
Pick natural skin products like shampoos, oils, and perfumes that are free from chemicals and additives. Most of the products in the market contain chemicals that would irritate the skin making yorkie scratching and losing hair. Natural products keep the dog’s skin pH levels stable and skin biome healthy, this makes it less vulnerable to skin diseases. Many pet owners recommended using coconut oil as a conditioner because of its good benefits to the dog’s skin. It is natural with no side effects and has an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effect.
Pick Nutritious High-Quality Food
A diet rich in all essential nutrients will keep your pet healthy and less vulnerable to diseases. Also, it makes the coat looks shiny and decreases hair loss chances. Make sure its diet contains Omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid, zinc, and biotin.
Get Your Yorkie Enough Exercises
Exercising is important for us so as your dog. It has great benefits such as improving blood circulation, metabolism, and muscles. Also, it keeps your dog away from depression and obesity so ensure exercising regularly.
Final Thoughts
Hair loss is a common condition that every dog experiences especially the beautiful long hair Yorkie. It has many reasons but, don’t panic as solutions are there. The early diagnosis, the good prognosis so don’t ignore the early signs and go to the vet to discuss the best solution.
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