What Do I Need to Know About Yorkie Puppies?

Yorkshire terriers are common pets because many pet owners find them to be adorable trainable. Yorkshire terriers are so-named because they originated in Yorkshire, England. Yorkies are companion dogs, and most of them are small. Yorkie puppies require special care and attention so that they grow and develop properly.

  1. Nutrition

    • A Yorkie puppy's diet should consist of premium dry food specific to the early growing stage. Look for puppy food that indicates on the label that ingredients are inspected and approved by the USDA. Yorkie puppies should never be given any wet dog food or scraps from the table. Feed your puppy three times a day. If you give milk bones, count a milk bone as a meal. Restrict treats, giving no more than 1 tbsp. at a time. If your puppy receives too many treats, he may not eat his food and his diet will be unbalanced.

    Hypoglycemia and Allergies

    • Yorkie puppies can acquire hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia develops as a result of stress, improper nutrition, over-strenuous exercise or insufficient shelter. Yorkie puppies are particularly vulnerable to this condition between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks, because their livers are not yet developed enough to store energy for a long period. Signs of hypoglycemia include melancholy and depression, reduced energy levels and weak appetite. If your puppy has hypoglycemia, your veterinarian likely will prescribe a small dose of karo syrup, which is administered intravenously. Yorkie puppies also can have allergic reactions to materials, foods and insect bites. If you notice your puppy has redness, swelling, irregular breathing or severe rubbing or scratching, consult your veterinarian.

    Sleeping

    • Young Yorkies should take regular naps. Consult a veterinarian if your Yorkie is not able to rest for more than an hour at a time or if your Yorkie has trouble sleeping through the night. It is also important your puppy learn to sleep in a cage, kennel or other confined space. Train him to do so from the beginning, before he adjusts to sleeping in bed with you or in a different location.

    Vaccinations

    • Yorkie puppies are born with natural immunities to protect them against diseases and illness in the early weeks of life. However, their natural immunities deteriorate after 6 to 8 weeks of age, after which they require regular vaccinations. Yorkie puppies also may need a series of booster shots, depending on their collistum and titer levels, for which your veterinarian will test. After 6 months of age, your puppy will likely only require yearly vaccinations.

    Teeth

    • Yorkie puppies tend to retain puppy teeth, particularly the canines. When your puppy is around 5 months of age, closely monitor his teeth. Ensure that your puppy chews properly. Look for overlapping or misaligned teeth, which may indicate bacteria or tarter build-up. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect that your puppy experiences discomfort or pain from teeth, such as wincing or moaning when eating. Other signs include lack of appetite, spitting food out or chewing on one side of the mouth.

    Potty Training

    • Yorkie puppies are hard to potty train. Their small kidneys do not develop until after 5 or 6 months of age. Before this time, accidents should not be punished. Do not give your puppy full range of the house or he may find secret or hidden areas in which to use the bathroom. Give a small treat to your puppy when he urinates or poops outside in the appropriate place.