Why Do Yorkies Shed and What You Can Do About It

If you’re a proud owner of a Yorkshire terrier, you might have noticed that your furry friend tends to shed a lot. You might wonder why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.

When it comes to Yorkies, one common complaint is that they shed too much. While it’s true that all dogs shed some fur, Yorkies seem to shed more than most.

Disclaimer: The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Read more.

Why Do Yorkies Shed?

Yorkies are known for their long, silky hair that can grow up to several inches. Unlike most dogs, Yorkies have a single coat of hair, not a double coat of fur.

This means that they don’t have an undercoat that sheds seasonally, but they do lose hair constantly, just like humans do. The amount of hair loss depends on several factors, such as genetics, diet, health, grooming, and stress.

Some Yorkies are more prone to shedding than others, depending on their type of hair. There are four types of Yorkie hair: fine and silky, fine and cottony, coarse and wiry, and coarse and cottony.

The fine and silky type is the most desirable and the easiest to maintain, as it doesn’t tangle or mat easily. The fine and cottony type is also soft and shiny, but it tends to mat more often and requires more brushing.

The coarse and wiry type is less common and more difficult to groom, as it can be curly or wavy and prone to knots. The coarse and cottony type is the rarest and the most challenging to care for, as it is very thick and fluffy and needs frequent trimming.

One reason your Yorkie may be shedding more than usual is because of the time of year. In the spring and fall, many animals (including dogs) shed their winter coat in preparation for the warmer or cooler months ahead.

If you notice your Yorkie shedding more during these seasons, it’s likely due to this natural process and nothing to worry about.

If you’re wondering why your Yorkie is shedding so much and what you can do about it, read on for some tips on how to keep their coat healthy and beautiful.

So, what can you do to reduce your Yorkie’s shedding and keep their hair healthy?

Here are some tips:

Brush your Yorkie’s hair regularly, at least once a day. This will remove any loose or dead hair and prevent mats and tangles. Use a soft-bristled brush or a comb with wide teeth and gently work your way from the ends to the roots. Avoid pulling or yanking on the hair, as this can cause pain and damage the hair follicles.
Bathe your Yorkie once a month or as needed. Use a mild shampoo formulated for dogs and rinse thoroughly. Avoid using human shampoo or conditioner, as they can dry out or irritate your Yorkie’s skin. You can also try using a shedding shampoo or conditioner specifically designed for dogs that shed a lot. These products can help to loosen and remove dead fur, which can help to cut down on shedding. Be sure to use these products as directed, as using too much can actually cause more shedding.
Trim your Yorkie’s hair every 6 to 8 weeks or as needed. You can take your Yorkie to a professional groomer or do it yourself at home with scissors or clippers. Make sure to trim the hair around the eyes, ears, mouth, paws, and anus for hygiene and comfort. You can also choose to give your Yorkie a shorter haircut, such as a puppy cut or a teddy bear cut, which will reduce the amount of shedding and make grooming easier.
Feed your Yorkie a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Choose a high-quality dog food that contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients will help your Yorkie’s hair grow strong and shiny and prevent excessive shedding. You can also supplement your Yorkie’s diet with fish oil or flaxseed oil capsules, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Check your Yorkie’s health regularly and consult your vet if you notice any signs of illness or infection. Some health conditions that can cause excessive shedding in Yorkies are allergies, parasites, fungal infections, hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, kidney problems, liver problems, cancer, etc. Your vet can diagnose the cause of your Yorkie’s shedding and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Reduce your Yorkie’s stress levels as much as possible. Stress can trigger hair loss in dogs as well as humans. Some common sources of stress for Yorkies are loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, changes in routine or environment, separation anxiety, etc. You can help your Yorkie cope with stress by providing them with a safe and comfortable space where they can relax, giving them plenty of exercise and playtime, socializing them with other dogs and people, training them with positive reinforcement methods, etc.

Finally, some dogs simply shed more than others. While there’s no way to completely eliminate shedding, there are some things you can do to reduce it.

If you’re concerned about your Yorkie’s shedding, talk to your veterinarian. They can help to rule out any underlying health problems that could be causing the shedding and give you some tips on how to reduce it.

Yorkies are wonderful companions that deserve our love and care. By following these tips, you can help your Yorkie shed less and have a healthy and beautiful coat.