How Long Do Yorkies Live: 8 Things To Consider
Yorkies are among the longest-living breeds of small dogs so let’s discuss the question of how long do Yorkie live.
This is a very common question among dog lovers, and I will be discussing some common factors that influence how long a Yorkie can live.
There are many factors that influence the life expectancy of Yorkies some of which are beyond human control while others can be remedied.
So…
How Long Do Yorkies Live
On average, a healthy Yorkie will live around 11 to 15 years or longer with a consistent regular medical check-up, a healthy diet, and basic care, all of which have an influence on how long a Yorkie lives.
For your Yorkie to live longer you also have a huge role to play in performing some activities.
This set of activities which I will highlight at the end of this post help ensures your Yorkie lives as long as they can.
Before we go any further, let me quickly discuss some factors that influence the life expectancy of Yorkies.
Factors that influence Yorkies life span
The following are some of the most prevalent factors that influence the lifespan of a Yorkie:
1. Stress, depression, or anxiety
High levels of stress, depression, and anxiety can affect the life span of Yorkie especially Yorkies with separation anxiety.
Loud noises, other animals, humans they despise, and a variety of other things can all play a role.
While it is unlikely that you will be able to take your Yorkie to completely stress-free places, you can teach them to cope with worry.
Give them toys, make sure they receive enough sleep and be present in situations when they may be concerned.
Positive hormones are released when Yorkies are happy or calm, and these hormones help Yorkies live longer.
2. Living environment
Yorkies on the loose are in more danger than Yorkies housed in their homes in a healthy and sanitary environment.
There are a number of reasons why you should never let your Yorkie outside unattended.
Outside hazards, such as traffic accidents, pollution, parasites, diseases, and animal attacks, have an effect on how long they survive.
Allowing your Yorkie to spend too much time outside without supervision might endanger him or her.
They may be bitten by dogs or other animals, consume poison, or get other ailments that shorten their lifespan.
3. Poor diet
A Yorkie’s lifetime is significantly shortened if he or she is fed a poor diet.
As a result, we urge that you communicate with your veterinarian so that you can get the proper diet.
It’s important to remember that the food you feed your Yorkie puppies is not the same as the food you feed an adult or senior cat.
Every stage of life demands the use of a specific food, which should be prescribed by a veterinarian.
In reality, a bad diet leads Yorkies to acquire unfavorable health concerns, which may result in their lives being cut short.
4. Genetics
Yorkie’s lifespan, like that of other live creatures, is influenced in part by hereditary factors.
If the Yorkie’s parents live to be old, the puppy will very certainly do the same.
Unfortunately, diseases such as heart disease and asthma, as well as heredity, can be passed on to pups.
These diseases, which are passed on from parents to pups, have a significant influence on the lifespan of a Yorkie.
This is why we recommend getting a Yorkie from a reputable breeder, either to buy or to adopt.
5. Hormonal fluctuations
A Yorkie that has been neutered is more likely to enjoy a healthy and happy life, which may contribute to an increased lifespan.
This is correct since a non-neutered Yorkie has more hormonal changes than a neutered Yorkie.
A Yorkie’s reproductive need is satisfied by neutering them, which eliminates any complications linked with reproduction that might limit their lives.
6. Poor health checkups
When Yorkies are sick, they are unable to communicate. Yorkies, on the other hand, are known for their ability to conceal negative feelings.
It is often too late to aid a Yorkie owner who senses anything is amiss with their dog.
Yorkies, in particular, need to see the vet on a frequent basis.
This provides you the best chance of detecting any problems early enough to address them properly.
Make sure your Yorkie is up to date on all of his or her vaccines.
Make your pet’s annual checkups a high priority. This aids in the early diagnosis of possible problems and the provision of preventative treatment.
7. Diseases
Yorkies are known to have a number of health issues, most of which will cause them to live shorter lifetimes.
The most prevalent health problems include progressive retinal degeneration, urinary tract infections, Polycystic Kidney Disease, and other ailments.
This breed suffers from gastrointestinal and neoplastic problems, as well as urinary tract illness and gum disease.
8. Breed
Purebred Yorkies, on average, enjoy longer, healthier, and happier lives than crossbred Yorkies.
Because of years of selective breeding, they are more sensitive to illnesses.
A purebred Yorkie will outlive a mixed-breed Yorkie by a long shot.
This is why you should only get a Yorkie from a reputable breeder who has a track record of producing healthy Yorkies.
Always get your Yorkie from a reputable breeder to avoid unnecessary health challenges associated with mixed breed.
Ways to help Yorkies live longer
Here are some common strategies for prolonging a Yorkie’s life:
1. Provide dental care
Dental care is sometimes overlooked in Yorkie care, and the responsibility for this lies completely on the shoulders of most owners, despite the fact that it may improve your Yorkie’s quality of life.
Poor dental hygiene causes periodontal disease, and dental problems are common in Yorkies.
In Yorkies, periodontal disease causes heart disease and organ damage, which has a direct impact on how long they live.
Brushing your teeth 1-2 times per week and providing proper chew toys can assist to prevent these problems.
2. Provide high-quality dog food
Providing Yorkies with high-quality food is a simple way to help them live longer lives.
Nutritional food is vital for your Yorkie since inadequate nutrition is one of the primary causes of health issues in dogs.
Ascertain that they consume a protein, vitamin, and mineral-rich diet. At any age, you may always contact your veterinarian for advice on the best food for you.
You may feed both dry and wet food to your Yorkie since they are both nutritious.
3. Schedule regular medical check-ups
When you initially got your Yorkie, make sure he had all of the necessary vaccines and was up to date.
Make your pet’s annual checkups a high priority. This aids in the early diagnosis of possible problems and the provision of preventative treatment.
The best method to be informed about your Yorkie’s health is to take her to the veterinarian for regular exams.
Regular medical examinations will assist in the early detection of any potential health issues, allowing your Yorkie to enjoy a longer life.
4. Lookout for early sick symptoms
A range of ailments affect Yorkies, many of which have early warning symptoms.
So, if your Yorkie cat begins to act abnormally, take him to the vet as soon as possible.
Keeping a watch on your unwell symptoms can aid you in detecting any potential problems.
You may handle an illness in your Yorkie before it becomes too late if you predict it in advance by paying attention to your Yorkie.
Yorkie shaking and trembling should never be ignored.
5. Provide mental stimulation
Your Yorkie will live longer if he or she eats a well-balanced diet and exercises regularly as well as having enough mental stimulation.
Yorkies’ cardiac muscles pump more efficiently with regular activity.
Yorkies benefit from exercise because it decreases stress, boosts endorphins, and helps to keep their emotions in check.
6. Provide a dog-friendly environment
The type of diseases your Yorkie gets is heavily influenced by the environment he lives in.
If you keep an unclean environment, pests or worms that are harmful to your Yorkie’s health might be passed.
Infected mosquito bites, for example, can cause worms in your Yorkie, and this insect can spawn on stalled or potted water logs surrounding your home.
To assist your Yorkie in living longer by providing a healthy and clean surroundings as well as hygiene routines.
7. Avoid dehydration
Dehydration can shorten your Yorkie’s lifetime by causing health problems that can be avoided.
To ensure that your Yorkie has access to clean water, place it where he or she can see it.
Dehydration can lead to shedding, internal organ damage, and dry skin, all of which are preventable health issues.
8. Avoid certain human foods
Yorkies are regularly fed off their owners’ plates without their knowledge.
While this is a thoughtful gesture, not all meals are appropriate for your Yorkie.
Excessive eating of human food may create gastrointestinal problems in your Yorkie, reducing its lifetime.
Follow the feeding plan set forth by a knowledgeable veterinarian to the letter.
Your Yorkie need regular grooming and a well-balanced diet.
If you notice your Yorkie has a health condition, address it as soon as possible.
9. Avoid anxiety and stress
Yorkies are devoted companions that like spending time with their owners.
If a Yorkie is left alone for an extended period of time, he or she may grow depressed or develop separation anxiety.
Because of stress and unhappiness, your Yorkie’s life may be cut short.
As a result, by doing these easy steps, you may be able to extend the life of your Yorkie.
Always remember to love and care for your pets to keep them happy and active.
By giving your Yorkie proper care and attention, you may help them live longer.
What usually kills Yorkies
While Yorkies are a generally healthy dog breed that lives longer than many other breeds, they usually die from health issues including:
- Distemper
- Trauma
- Leptospirosis
- Respiratory Issues
- Cancer
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Parvovirus
- Hypoglycemia
- Collapsed Trachea
How do I know if my Yorkie is dying
The most typical indicators that your Yorkie is dying include decreased mobility, changes in behavior, considerable weight loss, decreased breathing rate, lack of interest in anything, loss of food, and lastly increased self-isolation.
Read more about signs your Yorkie is dying.
