Many Yorkshire Terrier owners groom their dogs themselves. With time and experience, you will find that grooming your Yorkie is very easy to do. Using the right tools (comb, brush, etc.) and simple techniques can help you complete this task without too much trouble.
Read More:
- How to Take Care of a Yorkie Puppy
- 10 Dog Grooming Mistakes to Avoid for New Owners
- How To Cut A Dog’s Nails Without Clippers
- 4 Surprising Easy Ways to Make Your Dog Healthier Today
- These 5 Tips Will Keep Your Dog’s Coat Healthy
Grooming your dog yourself also has its benefits; it’s less expensive for one. It also allows you to bond with your dog. Dogs love the attention that all dogs seem to adore, and grooming can give both of you some time together. This is also an opportunity for you to check your dog’s skin and coat for any problems or other issues that may need your veterinary care.
Tips To Groom Your Yorkie
There are several tips to keep in mind when grooming Yorkies. Here is a list of some to get you started.
Trim The Nails With Care
Trimming your Yorkie’s nails can be another scary experience if they aren’t used to having this type of attention paid to them. Many people mistake cutting their nails too short, which ends up hurting them and causing bleeding. Luckily there are some great nail clippers for Yorkie’s nails out there specifically designed with safety in mind, so make sure you purchase one before doing any clipping on your own. If you have done this before with other breeds of dogs, start by cutting just the tip-off first. Then go back and cut more if needed until you can easily place your dog’s foot down when finished.
Use The Proper Shampoo
There are several different shampoos, so what matters most when choosing a shampoo is whether it is good for Yorkshire Terriers and suitable for their skin type. Pet stores usually have several brands to choose from, or you can ask a groomer. To keep your Yorkie’s hair shiny and smooth, try to avoid shampoos that contain almond oils, avocado oil, or other types of essential oils because they will leave the coat dull-looking.
Clean His Ears After Each Bath
One simple tip to remember while grooming your dog is to clean his ears after each bath. When water gets in the ears, it can cause ear infections which are very painful for dogs. If you notice that your dog’s head tilts or he shakes his head often, this may be a sign that he has an ear infection and should see the veterinarian right away. This is another crucial reason why it’s best to avoid using people’s shampoo on your Yorkie because they have different pH levels, which could irritate their skin. In addition to cleaning out water from the ears, there are some shampoos that you can use that will help dry up any excess fluid inside of them as well.
Brush His Teeth Daily
It is essential to brush them daily to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Dogs, like humans, have more bacteria in their mouth than anywhere else on their body which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. If you don’t have time to brush your dog’s teeth all on your own, there are some weekly or monthly dental treatments offered by many veterinarians that will get the job done for you. This way, you can avoid having to go to a veterinarian every few months because of all the money you have spent on expensive dental cleaning bills.
Use A Good Brush-On His Coat
Brushing is another crucial aspect of grooming that many people forget about. There are special brushes out there designed specifically for dogs like Yorkies, so make sure you find one that works best with their hair type. While most people think they need to invest in an expensive dog brush, you can always try using a soft bristle brush first because it’s gentle on all types of coats, including Yorkie’s hair. If this doesn’t do the trick, try using a metal comb or wooden brush to work much better.
Check For Fleas and Ticks
It’s essential to check your Yorkie daily for signs of fleas or ticks. An easy way to do this is by parting the hair in several different areas and looking at their skin to see if you can spot any small black dots, which are insects hiding in the hair. If you notice anything, make sure you get rid of them right away because it could lead to serious health problems later on down the road. Fleas are prevalent in Yorkies because they love to lay around outside and catch them by jumping on other dogs carrying the flea eggs.
Eliminate Tangles And Mats With Care
While removing mats and tangles may seem like an easy task at first, this process can be challenging for Yorkies. This is because they do not have the type of hair which allows you to comb it out and find those tangles before cutting them out with scissors. If you use this method, you could end up cutting off a big part of their hair and making them look funny for a few weeks until it grows back in again. What’s worse than having someone clip their hair short? Taking the time to brush through their coat and cut out each mat or tangle as they go along can be very painful for your dog if you’re not careful about how much pressure you apply while doing so.
Visit A Groomer At Least Once A Month
Yorkies require grooming regularly, so one of the best tips anyone can give you is to visit a professional groomer once every month or two. When visiting a groomer, they will be able to tell if there are any suspicious lumps or bumps on the skin that could signify a bigger problem. Plus, they will also trim away any excess hair around the feet, bottom, and belly, which you probably haven’t been able to cut with regular scissors at home.
Remember, a healthy and happy Yorkie is an excellent-looking Yorkie. That’s why it’s essential to do all the necessary grooming tips for Yorkshire Terriers. Your dog will appreciate the care and time you spend with them. They will show their appreciation by being one of the best pets in this world. You may also find that particular breeds do not require as much grooming because their hair is shorter or shed less; these would be great dogs to consider if you’re not up to the challenge of Yorkie grooming.
