How Often Do You Have to Groom a Yorkie?

Grooming your Yorkshire Terrier can be a bonding experience between you and your pet, and is an important part of caring for your dog. In addition, when you groom your Yorkie, you will be able to examine his skin to identify any unusual conditions (such as lumps) that may indicate a more serious medical problem.

  1. Grooming Schedule

    • You should brush your Yorkie on a daily basis, bathe her at least biweekly, and trim her hair at least every other month. Each time you perform one of these activities, check your dog̵7;s ears for dirt or wax, and check her nails to see if they need trimming.

    Brushing

    • Brushing your Yorkie is one of the easiest ways to bond with your pet and keep him looking his best. Use a light wire bristle bush, sometimes known as a slicker brush, to remove any loose fur, knots or tangles. You may also need to carefully remove more heavily knotted or matted fur using scissors.

    Bathing

    • You should bathe your Yorkie biweekly, or weekly if she enjoys getting dirty. Draw a bath of lukewarm water reaching slightly below the dog's chest. With your dog in the tub, use a mug or glass to pour water over him. After he is wet, use dog shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your dog before rinsing. Work dog conditioner into her skin and rinse. It is important to use specially formulated dog products, as the pH balance in human products can irritate your dog̵7;s skin. After bathing, use a hair dryer on the low setting or a towel dry your Yorkie thoroughly.

    Trimming

    • A Yorkie should be trimmed at least every other month, depending on the length of his coat. You should take your Yorkie to a professional groomer for a full trimming, although there are some trimming tasks that are easy to perform at home. You should cut any excess hair from around your dog̵7;s feet once a month. You should also regularly trim the hair around your dog̵7;s anus.

    Nails

    • Regularly check your Yorkie̵7;s nails to prevent problems. Yorkies have black nails that can make the quick difficult to see. You can use dog nail trimmers to cut the edge of each nail or enlist the services of a professional groomer. A styptic stick, available at any pet store, can be used to stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick.

    Ears and Teeth

    • Each time you groom your dog, check his ears for potential signs of trouble. Trim any excess hair around your dog̵7;s ears, and use a cotton ball dampened with ear-cleaning solution to remove any dirt or earwax buildup from the ear. Older dogs frequently have plaque on their teeth and are at risk for gum disease. Regular cleaning of your dog̵7;s teeth can help prevent these problems. Dog toothpaste and toothbrushes are available at any pet store. Your veterinarian will also offer a professional tooth brushing, as well as more extensive teeth cleaning services.