Yorkshire Terrier Face and Eye Area Cleaning
Purpose:
For hygiene purposes and to keep the eye area free from tiny debris that could cause irritation.
Frequency:
As needed, usually at least once per day.
Needed Supplies:
This can be done with a thin , soft, damp washcloth (if so, be sure to dry the face very well afterward) or canine facial grooming wipes like Earthbath Hypo-allergenic Facial Wipes, which are gentle with soothing cucumber and Vitamin E, clean facial hairs while deodorizing, and are ideal for all ages.
Instructions:
- Gently hold your Yorkie’s head steady.
- Do 3 main swipes: From the inner corner of the eye up and over. From the inner corner of the eye down and over. And from the inner corner of the eye and down. Please refer to the diagram below.
- Use 1 wipe per eye; never re-use a soiled wipe.
See Also: Yorkshire Terrier Eyes for an overview of color, appearance, care, cleaning & eye-related health conditions.
Brushing and Combing a Yorkshire Terrier’s Coat
Purposes:
- To clean the coat of tiny debris and irritants (like allergens), pull out dead hairs, stimulate hair follicles, distribute natural body oils, and keep hairs free of tangles.
- Brushing is your opportunity to use a coat spray which has the many benefits of protecting a Yorkie’s skin and coat from UV rays, adding a barrier from irritants and allergens, protect hairs from contact friction, help moisture skin and coat and help your Yorkie smell nice.
- For medium to long haircuts, it's important to brush the coat before bathing to identify and eliminate any knots, as wetting the coat can make tangles harder to remove.
Frequency:
An ideal brushing schedule for Yorkshire Terriers is daily for long show coats, every 2 days for medium-length coats, every 3 days for short coats and at least once a week for shaved coats.
Needed Supplies:
The type of supplies you need for grooming a Yorkie’s coat depends on the length.
Please note: Due to Yorkshire Terriers having a single coat of silky hair, as opposed to fur, using the wrong type of brush (like those designed for breeds with fur) can ruin the coat and cause serious damage to the skin; never use an under-rake brush, slicker brush, de-shedding tool, or any other brush meant for dogs with thick fur coats.
A Pin Brush: This is the best type of brush to use on Yorkies that have medium to long coats. Either 16 or 20 mm spacing will allow the pins to glide through the hairs. One that we recommend is the Chris Christensen 20 mm Tiny Tot Wooden Pin Brush which is a gentle yet effective way to groom Yorkies, is ideally sized nicely and has a great grip.
A Body Comb: For medium to long coats, a comb for the body is essential for detangling and ensuring a sleek finish. It's especially useful for the face's delicate areas, offering precision for fine hairs. One to consider is the Smalldog Official Tangles Be Gone Steel Metal Dog Comb, which is durable with rounded teeth for comfort.
A Face Comb: This is usually a small tool, designed to comb in the small areas of the face including around the eyes which can be a lot trickier with a larger comb or brush. One that we like is the SmallDog Official Fine Tooth Metal Comb which is a small tool without a handle, designed with rounded tips.
Spot Cleaning a Yorkshire Terrier
Purpose:
Utilizing grooming wipes to clean your Yorkshire Terrier between baths is a simple yet effective method to maintain their cleanliness and appearance. Canine body wipes are useful for clearing away urine splashes, traces of feces, dirt, debris and allergens. A good wipe can also reduce excess body oils and help in eliminating unpleasant odors, ensuring your Yorkie stays smelling fresh.
Frequency:
Most Yorkies can do with a little refresh via wipes every couple of days. But with quality wipes, spot-cleaning can be done daily.
Needed Supplies:
All you need are high-quality canine grooming wipes formulated for dogs with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. We recommend Earthbath Grooming Wipes, available in several varieties to suit different needs: puppy-specific, green tea, vanilla & almond, and mango tango for odor control, as well as a fragrance-free option. Each type is equally effective and safe for Yorkies.
Instructions:
- Gently unfold the wipe to cover the palm of your hand.
- Start at the head, avoiding direct contact with the eyes and ears.
- Use gentle strokes to clean the face, moving towards the body. Pay special attention to areas prone to dirt accumulation, like under the chin.
- Proceed to wipe down the body, legs, and tail, using separate wipes as necessary to ensure cleanliness.
- Focus on the paws and between the toes, areas that often collect debris and dirt.
- For areas soiled with urine or feces, use additional wipes to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Finish by using a dry towel to pat any damp areas gently, ensuring the coat is not left overly moist.
- Dispose of the wipes properly, and wash your hands after the cleaning session.
Paw Care and Cleaning
Purpose:
Yorkshire Terrier paws endure various challenges, from navigating different terrains to coping with extreme temperatures. Hot pavements in summer and icy conditions in winter can harm their paws. Snowballing, where snow accumulates and refreezes between the toes, causing skin splits, is another concern. Regular application of paw wax is essential for protection and part of a comprehensive grooming routine.
Frequency:
Rinse paws as needed. Apply paw wax every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on exposure to conditions and frequency of walking outside.
Needed Supplies:
Most pet parents find it easiest to rinse their Yorkie's paws in a sink. For paw, look for one that is breathable while offering effective protection. We like Musher's Secret, known for its protective qualities, healing benefits, and enhancement of traction.
Instructions:
- Apply at night, before your Yorkie goes to sleep.
- Clean your Yorkie's paws thoroughly to remove any debris or dirt.
- Dry the paws completely before applying wax to ensure it adheres properly.
- Take a small amount of paw wax with your fingers.
- Gently rub the wax into the paw pads, covering the entire area, including between the toes.
- Allow a few moments for the wax to absorb and form a protective layer.
- Repeat the process for each paw, ensuring even coverage.
Nose Care and Cleaning
Purpose:
A Yorkie's nose is exposed to various environmental factors, enduring the sun's intensity in summer and the risk of chapping in winter. The use of a nose balm can prevent or treat dryness, chapping, and peeling, ensuring the nose remains healthy and comfortable.
Frequency:
Apply as needed. This is often used proactively in the winter and year-round when signs of dryness or chapping appear.
Needed Supplies:
Choose a high-quality, all-natural nose balm. Some holistic ingredients that can work very well include rosemary oil, chamomile, jojoba oil, shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E, almond oil, and/or calendula. One that we like is Natural Dog Company's Snout Soother, known for its protective and healing properties.
Instructions:
- Ensure your Yorkie's nose is clean and free from dirt. Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth if necessary.
- If the nose balm comes in a jar, use your fingertip to scoop a small amount. If it's packaged like a Chapstick, twist the bottom to elevate the balm slightly.
- Apply the balm directly onto the nose, covering the entire area
- Reapply the balm as often as needed, monitoring the nose's condition, and adjusting the frequency of application accordingly.
Yorkshire Terrier Nail Trimming
Purpose:
Regular nail trimming is crucial for a Yorkshire Terrier's comfort and mobility. Nails that are too long can curve inward, causing pain and potentially leading to other issues. Some pet parents prefer clip the nails at home and some choose to have a groomer or the vet do this task.
Frequency:
Typically, nails are trimmed every 6 weeks, though this can vary based on your dog's exposure to hard surfaces that may wear down nails naturally.
Needed Supplies:
A standard dog nail clipper tool and styptic powder.
Instructions:
- Prepare a calm, well-lit space to help keep your Yorkie at ease.
- Securely but gently hold your dog's paw to minimize movement.
- Aim to trim or file the nails up to the 'nail hook,' the point where the nail starts to curve. Proceed with small increments, removing only about 2 millimeters at a time to avoid cutting the quick (the pink part inside the nail).
- Exercise caution with electronic filers, as they remove nail material quickly.
- After each trim or file, pause to inspect the nail. Continue gradually until you notice a gray or pinkish oval within the nail structure, indicating it's time to stop.
- In case of accidentally clipping the quick, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stem any bleeding.
- Reward your Yorkie post-trimming to foster a positive experience.
Cleaning a Yorkshire Terrier’s Ear Flaps & Ear Canals
Regularly cleaning a Yorkie’s ear flaps can help remove excess wax and debris, preventing accumulation that can lead to discomfort or infections. And cleaning the ear canals helps remove excessive wax from the ear canal and can help prevent infections. The frequency depends on how much excess wax develops and a Yorkie's tendency to get ear infections.
Since this involves quite a few details, please see Yorkshire Terrier Ear Care and Cleaning for full instructions and details.
Yorkshire Terrier Coat Trims
Yorkshire Terriers generally receive their first haircut around the 4 to 6-month mark, blending grooming needs with their growth stage. This initial grooming focuses on trimming around the eyes, mouth, and ears to keep these areas clear and clean, while also getting the puppy used to the grooming process for less stressful future sessions.
On average, Yorkies need trimming every four to six weeks due to their hair's continuous growth. However, individual grooming needs may vary based on the dog's coat type, growth rate, and lifestyle, requiring some to have more frequent haircuts. This approach ensures both the puppy's comfort and hygiene from an early age, setting a foundation for regular grooming habits.
