Common Yorkie Health Issues

The most talked-about Yorkie health concern, and for good reason. The trachea (windpipe) is made of C-shaped cartilage rings. In Yorkies, these rings can weaken and flatten over time.

Symptoms:

• Honking or goose-like cough, especially when excited
• Coughing after drinking water
• Labored breathing during exercise
• Cough that worsens in heat or humidity

Prevention:

• Always use a harness, never a neck collar. This is non-negotiable for Yorkies.
• Maintain a healthy weight (excess weight puts pressure on the trachea)
• Avoid exposure to smoke, strong perfumes, and household chemicals
• Use a humidifier in dry environments

Management:
Mild cases are managed with cough suppressants, weight management, and avoiding triggers. Severe cases may require a tracheal stent (surgery). Most Yorkies with tracheal issues live full, happy lives with proper management.

Fancy name for a kneecap that slips out of place. Very common in small breeds — affects up to 30% of Yorkies to some degree.

Grades:

Grade	What Happens	Treatment
I	Kneecap slips but pops back on its own	Monitor, keep weight healthy
II	Kneecap slips frequently, sometimes sticks	May need surgery if causing pain
III	Kneecap is out most of the time	Surgery usually recommended
IV	Kneecap is permanently displaced	Surgery required

Signs to Watch:

• Skipping or hopping on one hind leg
• Suddenly holding a leg up while walking, then using it again
• Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
• Sitting with legs splayed sideways

What You Can Do:

• Keep their weight optimal (every extra ounce matters in a 5-7 pound dog)
• Provide joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin) starting around age 2
• Avoid jumping from high surfaces (couch, bed — use ramps)
• Regular, moderate exercise to build muscle around the joint

Yorkies have terrible teeth. Not a judgment — it's genetics. Their small jaws crowd teeth together, creating perfect conditions for plaque, tartar, and gum disease.

The Statistics:
By age 3, approximately 80% of Yorkies show signs of dental disease. By age 5, tooth loss is common without intervention.

Prevention Protocol:

1. Daily brushing — Use a finger brush and enzymatic dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Start as a puppy to build tolerance.
2. Dental chews — Choose size-appropriate options. Avoid anything harder than the tooth itself (no antlers, no bones).
3. Water additives — Not a replacement for brushing, but a helpful supplement.
4. Professional cleanings — Plan for annual dental cleanings under anesthesia starting at age 2-3.

When to Call the Vet:

• Bad breath that's getting worse
• Drooling (not normal for Yorkies)
• Dropping food while eating
• Visible redness or swelling along the gum line
• Loose or discolored teeth

A condition where blood bypasses the liver, preventing proper toxin filtering. Yorkies are genetically predisposed — they have the highest incidence among all breeds.

Symptoms (often subtle at first):

• Stunted growth compared to littermates
• Disorientation or circling after meals (toxins building in blood)
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Bladder stones (urate crystals)
• Poor coat quality
• Seizures (in severe cases)

Diagnosis:

• Blood work showing elevated bile acids
• Ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the shunt
• Often detected in puppies under 1 year

Treatment:

• Mild cases: Special low-protein diet + lactulose + antibiotics to reduce ammonia
• Moderate to severe: Surgery to gradually close the shunt vessel
• Prognosis with treatment: Generally good, especially with early detection

What This Means for You:
Ask your vet about bile acid testing during your Yorkie's first year. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.