Yorkshire Terrier Grooming Tips: How to Properly Care for Your Pet

The Yorkshire terrier or Yorkie can be an adorable dog and taking good care of their coat is very important to keep your pet healthy. Fortunately, it is very easy to groom your Yorkie as compared to other dog breeds. Proper grooming should include bathing, brushing, combing, nail care, and trimming. Top knots are good options if your pet has long hair as these keep your Yorkshire terrier looking good.

Bathing

Be careful not to bathe your pet too often as this will dry out the skin which is very sensitive. It is recommended to bathe your pet once every three weeks.

For a beautiful coat:

• Do not use human shampoo, instead use a gentle hypo-allergenic dog shampoo and conditioner, wiping away dirt with a soft wash cloth
• Rinse properly to remove all the shampoo and conditioner. Use luke warm water as cold water closes the pores and hot water harms the sensitive skin
• Wipe dry with a soft cloth. Wipe off urine that collects on the coat with a warm damp cloth before bedtime
• Wipe around the eyes and ears daily to prevent yeast infection
• If your pet has long hair, brush daily to keep the coat tangle free. If their coat is short, brush every two days
• Spritz your pet's hair with water and conditioner before brushing, as brushing dry hair will cause it to break
• Remove the tangles with your fingers and work gently so as not to break the hair. If matting does not untangle then clip it off
• Use a flea comb carefully under the eyes and around the ears
• Trim the hair over the top of the ears to help the ears stand
• Trim around the rectum for hygiene purposes
• Trim hair underneath of the paw so there are no stray growth in between the pads

Nails

• Trim nails once every two or three months. Check for in-growing nails which may become painful
• Don't cut too low or cut the ‘quick' vein that runs down the center of each nail. Keep styptic pencil or silver nitrate available to stop bleeding in case you cut by mistake and it bleeds
• It is easier to trim nails right after a bath as the nails are wet and softer

Top Knots and Bows

• Top knots are good options for Yorkshire terriers with long hair on their head as they can help to keep hair out of their eyes, preventing injury to the eyes

Ears

• Regularly check the ears for any redness, discharge or odor
• Any signs of infection should be treated immediately by the vet
• Remove the hair in the inner ear canal by plucking it so as to keep the ear passage free and prevent infection and wax buildup

Teeth

• Use a toothbrush and toothpaste, and brush for one minute to prevent plaque buildup

Grooming a Yorkshire terrier becomes easier as your pet becomes familiar with the routine. Grooming keeps your pet healthy and gives them a better quality of life as it helps to keep infections at bay.