The Yorkshire Terrier is the Barbie Doll in the dog world. This lively, yappy and affectionate small dog weighs only about 7 pounds and stands approximately 7 inches. Yorkies are noted for their long silky coats that grow continuously similar to human hair. The tan and blond coloring of the coat that is usually mixed with black or gray gives the coat a tan or a steel blue appearance. This type of coat that is shed lightly makes Yorkies a popular breed. Yorkshire Terriers though have delicate skins thus this breed is prone to skin disorders. This dog’s skin is so delicate so that hair loss would occur at the site of injection. Allergies, hot spots and hair loss are the most common concerns of Yorkshire Terrier owners. Although other dog breeds suffer from dry and itchy skin too, these skin disorders are most common in this breed. The dog may already be suffering from itchy and dry skin but because of the long hair, the owner will not notice until the dog’s coat would have bald spots.

The skin problems of the dog can be treated but it would be necessary to determine the cause. It would be important as well to know if dry skin is localized or affects the whole body of the dog. The red and itchy dry skin can be due to allergies. The dog may have an allergic reaction to the food or to grooming products such as shampoos and soaps. Human shampoos or harsh dog shampoos can strip the skin of its natural oils. Dry skin can be the result of too frequent bathing. The plants and grass in the dog’s environment can be the cause of the skin irritations. External parasites are bad news to dogs especially to Yorkshire Terriers noted to have delicate skin. Incessant biting and scratching of the flea bitten area will result to reddened and inflamed skin that can become infected.

It would be easier to administer treatment once the cause of the dry skin is determined and eliminated. So how would you eliminate the conditions that cause dry skin in your Yorkie? A vet consultation would be necessary to deal with the dog’s external parasite infestation. Once the fleas have fled, the itchiness that causes the dog to scratch will be eliminated as well. Yorkshire Terriers are usually inside pets. As such owners tend to bathe the dog frequently. Make sure that your dog is bathed not more than once every ten days so as not to remove the natural oils that moisturize the skin. Using human shampoos and soaps is a big NO for this breed. Human shampoos would be too harsh for the delicate skin of the dog. To lessen the doggie odor you can use powder in between baths. Take a look at the dog’s environment. Did you notice the dog scratching after playing in the yard or in the garden? It is possible that the dog’s itchy skin is an allergic reaction to some plants. Prevent the dog from playing in these areas if you cannot remove the plants. Once the causes of dry skin are eliminated, the topical medications will be more effective in treating the dry skin of the pet. The dog’s diet may have something to do with the skin problem. Make sure that your dog’s diet contains the fatty acids necessary in the maintenance of healthy skin. Dietary supplements that provide fatty acids can be added to the dog’s commercial food. Skin irritations can be prevented by regularly grooming the dog. Daily brushing will maintain the health of the skin as the oil production is enhanced.