Thinning Hair in Yorkies

Celebrities like Paris Hilton have made small dogs that are easy to carry around into must-have accessories. Yorkies, a nickname for the Yorkshire terrier, are one of these "toy" breeds, which range in size from 4 to 7 lbs. They are most recognized for their glossy, long, blue and tan coats. Since its hair is the Yorkie's most unique and outstanding feature, it is important for owners to be aware of what types of conditions this breed can be susceptible to that cause thinning hair.

  1. Acantosis Nigricans

    • This condition mainly affects the Dachshund breed and is very rare in Yorkies. It causes an abnormal darkening of the skin and hair loss. It is caused by either hormonal imbalances, friction from obesity or hypersensitivities. Treatment can entail Vitamin E supplementation or steroids.

    Allergic Dermatitis

    • Allergies are caused by a variety of external irritants like dog shampoo, powders, detergents and foods. In addition to hair loss, the dog can suffer from persistent itching, red sores, blisters or scaly, rough patches of skin. The first treatment will often be a patch allergy test by the veterinarian to find out the exact cause. Once that is determined, the owner must remove the irritant from the dog's environment. In more severe cases, steroid treatment may be administered.

    Alopecia

    • This condition is most likely an autoimmune disorder where the Yorkie's hair will thin and then grow back. Hair loss usually occurs in patches on the head, neck and body. Most of the times the thinning hair will be the only symptom with no itching present. Alopecia often resolves itself after the body fights off its internal attacker. Therefore, there is usually no other treatment needed except time and patience.

    Hyperthyroidism

    • The first symptoms of this condition are often a dry coat, weight gain and general weakness in the dog, followed by the thinning of the hair. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an underactive or sluggish thyroid that produces less hormones. A simple thyroid level test performed by a veterinarian can confirm the hyperthyroid diagnosis. Medication is often needed for treatment. The Yorkie may be on medication on and off for its entire life, but the outlook is often positive and the dog can lead a normal existence and lifespan.