8 Common Health Issues in Yorkies (And How to Spot Them Early!)
So, you’ve got a Yorkie. Congrats! You now own a tiny, sass-filled fluff ball that thinks they run the world. And, honestly? They kind of do.
But here’s the deal—Yorkies are adorable, but they’re also walking health magnets. Their small size, delicate build, and purebred status mean they’re prone to a bunch of health issues. Some are just minor annoyances, while others? Well, they can get serious fast.
The good news? If you know what to look for, you can catch these problems before they turn into expensive (and scary) vet visits. So, let’s break down the eight most common health problems in Yorkies.
1. Luxating Patella – When Their Kneecaps Play Hide-and-Seek
Ever seen your Yorkie suddenly skip a step while walking? Like they’re hopping on three legs for a second, then walking normally again? That’s probably luxating patella, a fancy term for slipping kneecaps.
🚨 Why It Happens:
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- It can be genetic or caused by injury (because Yorkies have zero chill when jumping off furniture).
🛑 What to Do:
- If it’s mild, they might just need joint supplements and weight management.
- Severe cases? Surgery might be the only fix.
2. Collapsed Trachea – The Infamous “Honking” Cough
Does your Yorkie make a sound that belongs more in a goose than a dog? That weird honking cough isn’t normal—it’s a sign of a collapsed trachea.
🚨 What It Is:
- The trachea (windpipe) gets weak and flattens, making it hard to breathe.
- Toy breeds, like Yorkies, are super prone to it.
🛑 What to Do:
- Use a harness, NOT a collar (collars put pressure on their fragile throat).
- Keep them at a healthy weight (extra pounds make it worse).
- If the cough gets worse, your vet might suggest meds or surgery.
3. Hypoglycemia – Tiny Dogs, Big Blood Sugar Problems
If your Yorkie ever seems weak, shaky, or even disoriented, you might be dealing with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). And no, they’re not just being dramatic—this can be dangerous.
🚨 Why It Happens:
- Yorkies burn through energy fast, especially as puppies.
- Skipping meals? Too much play? Stress? Boom—sugar crash.
🛑 What to Do:
- If they seem weak or wobbly, give them a tiny bit of honey or corn syrup on their gums.
- Make sure they eat small, frequent meals (because Yorkies don’t handle fasting well).
- Severe cases? Straight to the vet.
4. Dental Disease – Because Yorkie Teeth Are a Nightmare
Let’s be real—Yorkie mouths are a disaster waiting to happen. Their tiny jaws cram in too many teeth, which makes them prone to plaque, gum disease, and tooth loss.
🚨 Signs of Trouble:
- Bad breath (and we mean BAD).
- Red, swollen gums.
- Trouble eating or pawing at their mouth.
🛑 What to Do:
- Brush their teeth. Yes, really. Daily if possible, but at least a few times a week.
- Get professional cleanings once a year.
- Avoid soft, sticky foods—they make plaque worse.
5. Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease – The “Why Is My Yorkie Limping?” Mystery
If your Yorkie starts limping for no obvious reason, they might have Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease—a fancy name for hip joint deterioration.
🚨 What Happens?
- The blood supply to the hip joint decreases, causing the bone to weaken and die (yikes).
- It usually shows up when they’re still young (4-12 months old).
🛑 What to Do:
- A vet checkup is a must. Mild cases might just need rest and anti-inflammatory meds.
- Severe cases? Surgery may be the only option.
6. Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) – A Liver That Misses the Memo
Yorkies are one of the most common breeds to have a liver shunt, which means their liver doesn’t filter toxins properly.
🚨 Symptoms:
- Lethargy after eating.
- Poor growth.
- Staring into space or acting “off” (like they’re confused).
🛑 What to Do:
- A special diet and meds can help manage it.
- Severe cases need surgery to correct the problem.
7. Eye Problems – Because Yorkies Think They’re Part Owl
Yorkies have big, expressive eyes… that also happen to be super fragile. They’re prone to:
👁 Dry Eye – Not enough tears = red, irritated eyes.
👁 Cataracts – Cloudy eyes that can lead to blindness.
👁 Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A genetic disease that slowly causes vision loss.
🛑 What to Do:
- Check their eyes daily for redness or discharge.
- If their eyes look cloudy, get them checked—early intervention helps!
- Some conditions (like PRA) don’t have a cure, but early diagnosis can slow progression.
8. Sensitive Stomachs – The Pickiest Eaters in the Universe
Yorkies are basically gourmet food critics when it comes to their stomachs. Feed them the wrong thing, and you’ll 100% regret it.
🚨 Common Issues:
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Food allergies.
🛑 What to Do:
- Stick to high-quality dog food with limited ingredients.
- Avoid table scraps—even a little fatty food can cause pancreatitis.
- Introduce new foods slowly (because Yorkies love to rebel against change).
Final Thoughts – Keeping Your Yorkie Healthy and Happy
Yorkies may be tiny, but their health needs? Huge. These little dogs require attention, routine vet care, and a whole lot of love to stay happy and healthy.
🛑 Key Takeaways:
✔ Watch for signs of illness—these dogs won’t always let you know they’re in pain.
✔ Regular vet checkups are non-negotiable.
✔ Prevention is easier than treatment—so stay on top of grooming, diet, and routine care.
Yorkies are feisty, fun, and totally worth it, but they do require extra care. Keep an eye out for these common health problems, and your little boss dog will be running your household (as usual) for years to come. 🐶💖
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
