Is your Yorkie scratching constantly? There are many different things that could be causing this. In this article we’ll go through some of the most likely reasons of the scratching for your pup.
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Table of Contents
Fleas, Ticks and Mites
I realize I’m not breaking any news with this possibility. This is the most obvious cause so we’ll get it out of the way first.
Just because this is the most obvious reason doesn’t mean it’s serious. If your dog has fleas it’s important to get a plan in place to resolve the issue.
Food Allergies
Food allergies can cause scratching in a big way for your Yorkie. The most common food allergen for Yorkies, and all dogs, is proteins. Here are where the allergens can come from:
- Meat: Beef, chicken, lamb, and pork are common triggers.
- Dairy: Some dogs are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products.
- Eggs: Eggs can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
- Grains: Wheat, corn, and soy are often implicated in food allergies, though true grain allergies are less common than meat allergies.
- Gluten: Some Yorkies may have gluten sensitivities, though this is less common.
In order to figure out what food your pooch is allergic to there are some different paths you can take:
- Elimination Diet: The most reliable method for diagnosing food allergies. This involves feeding your Yorkie a simplified diet of foods they have never eaten before (a “novel” protein and carbohydrate source) for a certain period, usually 8-12 weeks. If symptoms improve, the original diet is reintroduced to see if symptoms recur, confirming a food allergy.
- Veterinary Consultation: Always involve a vet in the diagnosis and management of food allergies to ensure your Yorkie gets a balanced diet and to rule out other causes of symptoms.
- Allergy Test: This is something I have long considered, but never done. You send your dog’s hair away and it’s tested in a lab and you receive the results back. If we move forward with this I will share the data on it.
Environmental Allergies
Yorkshire Terriers with environmental allergies, or atopic dermatitis, may suffer from symptoms like persistent itching and red skin due to sensitivities to pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. Management includes regular baths with hypoallergenic shampoos and possibly medications to control symptoms. Advanced treatments, such as immunotherapy, can also help by desensitizing the dog’s immune system to allergens.
Allergic Reaction to Shampoo or Flea Treatments
Yorkies can sometimes experience allergic reactions to certain shampoos or flea treatments. These reactions may manifest as skin irritation, redness, excessive scratching, or hair loss shortly after application. Given their petite size and specific skin needs, Yorkies require careful selection of grooming and flea control products.
Hypoallergenic or natural ingredient-based shampoos and vet-recommended flea treatments that are specifically formulated for small breeds can help mitigate the risk of allergic reactions. If a Yorkie does show signs of an allergic reaction, it’s crucial to rinse off any product immediately and consult a veterinarian for appropriate care and alternative options.
Psychological Issues
Psychological issues, such as anxiety, stress, or boredom, can lead to excessive scratching in Yorkshire Terriers. These small dogs are known for their lively personalities but can become easily stressed due to changes in their environment, separation from their owners, or lack of mental and physical stimulation.
This stress can manifest physically as compulsive behaviors like itching, licking, or biting their skin even in the absence of medical issues like parasites or allergies. Addressing the root cause of the psychological stress is key; this may involve providing more social interaction, mental stimulation through toys and puzzles, or creating a more structured routine.
In some cases, consulting with a veterinary behaviorist may be necessary to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavior modification techniques and, if needed, appropriate medications to help manage anxiety and reduce the compulsive scratching.
Other Possibilities
Here are some other possibilities for your Yorkie scratching:
- Skin infections: Bacteriral or fungal infections.
- Dry skin: This can be caused by dry air, bathing too frequently or lack of fatty acids in diet, among other things.
- Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can lead to skin issues and itching.
- Physical irritants: There are times when it can be something as simple as a burr caught in the fur or a tight collar can cause a dog to scratch.