Mary Allen
Yorkies are generally alert and energetic fellows who like to play and want to be kept busy.
Of course, not every Yorkshire terrier is the same and so there are also calm minds that are less lively.
The behavior of the dogs often changes with age and they become a little more comfortable as seniors.
As an attentive owner, you know your dog’s behavior best and can therefore assess what is normal and what should be classified as unusual.
Every change in behavior should be critically examined and evaluated because it could be a sign of an imminent or already erupting disease. For example, if the dog suddenly sleeps a lot and doesn’t feel like playing games or going for a walk, as usual, this is an alarm signal.
Observation and attentiveness of the owners are therefore the most important prerequisite for recognizing diseases in the Yorkshire Terrier as quickly as possible and acting accordingly.
#1 Which diseases shorten the life of a dog?
There are often minor ailments and illnesses in a dog's life that heal without consequences. However, accidents, serious infectious diseases, or chronic diseases can also affect the Yorkshire Terrier.
However, it is a misconception to think that only serious diseases such as cancer can shorten a dog's lifespan. The fact is that even minor problems can become a real crisis if they go unnoticed or untreated for a long time. A good example of this is parasites.
If the Yorkshire Terrier is infested with fleas or worms, worming and flea treatments will help to get rid of the annoying lodgers quickly. If left untreated, however, malnutrition and being underweight can result. In addition, some parasites transmit serious infectious diseases. Anemia would also be conceivable. In the worst case, the dog dies.
It is therefore important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible at the first sign of illness. It's better to go to the practice once too often than too few. Effective therapy can only be initiated quickly if an illness is recognized quickly. This increases the chances of recovery and sometimes shortens the duration of the disease enormously.
In addition to diseases, however, the keeping and living conditions of the Yorkshire Terrier can also send him over the rainbow bridge early.
The following diseases and living conditions could shorten the life of the Yorkie:
The bad feed of inferior quality.
Contaminated drinking water
Too little exercise has a negative effect on the musculoskeletal system, condition, and fitness.
Overweight.
Allergies that are not treated.
Old age.
Hereditary diseases.
Cancer and tumors.
Untreated parasite infestation.
Housing conditions are unhygienic or not species-appropriate.
Infectious diseases.
Kennel keeping and missing family connections.
#2 When should you take your Yorkshire Terrier to the doctor?
Any unusual behavior from the Yorkie should be taken seriously. Especially when it occurs for the first time.
For a few illnesses with which the owner has already gained experience, therapy at home can also be sought.
Important here, however: If there is no improvement after a few days, medical advice from a specialist is also required.
Never tinker around with your own dog alone for a long period of time. This could do more harm than good. If in doubt, always go to the nearest veterinary clinic or doctor.
Below you will find a list of symptoms in dogs that make a visit to the vet essential:
Cough;
Gagging or vomiting;
Frequent sneezing / runny nose (liquid discharge or thick mucus);
Vomit;
Diarrhea;
Persistent loss of appetite;
Discharge from the eyes;
Injuries (wounds, scrapes, bites from other dogs, cuts);
Increased thirst;
Fatigue/lethargy/lots of sleep;
Bloody feces / bloody urine;
Increased urination;
Lameness;
Bumps and swellings;
Severe itching/bug bites / increased scratching or licking;
Coat changes/shedding / dull coat;
Skin changes/dandruff/redness;
Pain (whining or yelping when touched, relieving posture);
Ear problems (discharge, crusting, head shaking).
It is best to take your dog to a doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear. Unfortunately, many owners are waiting to see how it develops.
However, this carelessness can lead to serious problems and, in the end, significant financial costs. The healing process may be unnecessarily prolonged and, in the worst case, diseases can also become chronic. So don't wait until things get really urgent, act promptly.
#3 Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a fairly common disease and fortunately mostly harmless. The dog has to defecate more frequently than usual and often cannot control the bowel movements properly, which can also lead to mishaps in the apartment.
However, diarrhea should usually subside within a very short time. The appearance and shape of the feces can vary considerably (mushy, liquid, slimy, blood admixture) and often provide information or at least pointers to the cause of the disease.
The Yorkshire Terrier often has a very sensitive digestive system, which is why he can sometimes be prone to diarrhea if he eats something that is not normally on his menu or if the usual food is suddenly changed.
Causes of diarrhea in Yorkshire Terriers:
Wrong diet or food intolerance;
Feed change too quickly;
Parasites in the intestinal tract;
Viral or bacterial diseases;
Stress;
Drug intolerance/side effects of drugs;
Poisoning or spoiled feed;
Genetic or chronic diseases.
Treatment:
The treatment depends of course on the specific cause of the disease and it can take different amounts of time until the diarrhea is cured. If possible, take a stool sample with you to the doctor's appointment.
Fasting the dog for 24-48 hours with plenty of drinking water available to prevent dehydration (especially dangerous for puppies).
After fasting, start bland foods (soggy cooked rice with lean fish or chicken, carrots, cottage cheese, etc.). Distribute small portions throughout the day.
Administer medication only after consultation or after visiting a doctor.
Deworming, antibiotics, charcoal tablets, etc.
If the diarrhea is bloody, very frequent, or very liquid, you should not wait until you are fasting, but go to a veterinarian's office immediately. The same applies to puppies.