Yorkshire Terrier Grooming Basics

Because grooming is an essential part of a Yorkie’s care, get your puppy used to the grooming procedures while it is young in order to avoid having problems later. Since your Yorkie is likely to strongly resist at first, have a second person help you by keeping a firm hand on the dog.

Properly grooming a Yorkshire terrier involves more than just brushing and washing its hair. It also includes inspecting and caring for your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, and feet. If done regularly and consistently, these actions will do more than make your Yorkie beautiful. Proper grooming, along with a balanced diet, is the most effective way of preventing disease and parasites.

Basic grooming equipment

Only purchase dog care products that are especially designed for the needs of a Yorkshire terrier. Many kennel club newsletters or websites contain ads for mail-order companies or information centers that can give you good advice.

Basic equipment to keep on hand includes:

• an air-cushioned wire-bristle brush without nubs
• a bone comb because metal will pull out the hair
• a special moisturizing shampoo
• a conditioning rinse that is used after the shampoo
• a mink-oil or jojoba-based grooming spray
• a hair dryer or a small warm-air fan heater
• barrettes and small, coated rubber bands
• a nail file and nail clippers
• scissors with rounded tips
• small clippers and shearer
• ear lotion and calcium carbonate (consult your veterinarian)

Taking care of the eyes

Get into the habit of regularly checking your dog’s eyes for sticky matter that collects in the corners, especially after sleeping. The sticky substance can be removed carefully with a warm, dampened soft towel. Also, check daily for grass seeds or hair that may have gotten stuck in your little friend’s eyes. If so, they need to be removed with a damp cloth to prevent irritation and inflammation.

Don’t confuse normal mucous with eye discharge, which should receive veterinary attention. Occasionally, you may notice some mucous-like substance forming in the corner’s of your dog’s eyes. This happens to dogs of all breeds and really isn’t anything to worry about. Gently wipe the matter out with a soft tissue.

It’s important to check your dog’s eyes often and always have eye inflammation treated by a veterinarian. Early detection of eye problems can mean a successful medical outcome.

Taking care of the ears

If the outer part of your Yorkie’s ear is very dirty, clean it with a cloth to which ear lotion has been applied. Do not attempt to clean the sensitive inner ear canals. That job needs to be done by a veterinarian.

Often times, ear wax and dirt cause the hairs inside the ear to stick together, and bacteria to form there. To remedy this problem, you need to pluck hairs growing in the outer ear area with tweezers about every three months. It is best to have your veterinarian show you how to properly remove ear hair the first time.

Taking care of the teeth

Get your Yorkie used to regular dental care while it is still a puppy. Neglecting your dog’s teeth can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss at an early age. The prerequisite for healthy teeth is proper nutrition. Frequently give your Yorkie small rawhide bones to chew on. Once a week, apply some softened calcium carbonate to a soft cloth, and rub the cloth over our dog’s teeth.

During the teething phase, which is between the fifth and seventh month, check your puppy’s teeth regularly. Since some Yorkies’ “baby” teeth do not fall out by themselves, they may need to be pulled by a veterinarian.

A diet of overly soft foods will place tartar, a hard brownish deposit, on the teeth, which has to be removed by the veterinarian.