Best Shampoo for Yorkies

Moisturize

It is also important to keep your Yorkie’s hair and skin as moisturized as possible. Yorkie’s skin can become dry easily, which makes using products that lock in moisture important.

Limiting how often your Yorkie is bathed in important in maintaining healthy skin and a healthy coat. While bathing your Yorkie is crucial, especially since they need to be bathed more frequently than most other breeds, it is still important to be mindful of how often your dog is bathed. Bathing your pup too often will cause dry skin and possible skin irritation.

How often you bathe your Yorkie depends on your dog’s particular hair. It is important to take recommendations from others into consideration, but ultimately, you know your dog and his or her needs best.

Nutrition

Just like humans, a Yorkie’s diet is important in promoting good overall health. In addition to meeting appropriate daily calorie and protein intake, there are specific nutrients that are important in keeping your Yorkie’s skin and coat healthy.

The essential nutrients to ensure that your Yorkie consumes daily include healthy fasts (unsaturated), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, and E.

These nutrients can be found in most dog foods, which is an easy way to ensure that your dog consumes these daily. Your dog’s vet can also recommend supplements if your dog is not consuming enough of any nutrient.

Can I Shampoo my Yorkie Myself?

Yes! You can absolutely wash, shampoo, and groom your Yorkie at home. All you need are some supplies (which will be outlined later on) and some kind of tub with water.

Pros

While many prefer to hire dog groomers to provide hair and skin care for their Yorkies, there are several pros of completing this task yourself.

First, this can be a more cost-effective method because you are not paying a dog groomer. Since Yorkies require more frequent and involved grooming care than other dog breeds, consistently bringing your pup to a groomer can be expensive.

Also, many dogs are fearful of going to the groomer. Bathing in the comfort of your Yorkie’s home can decrease stress around grooming, for both the dog and you.

Cons

There are also a few cons of bathing and grooming your dog at home.

First, this comes with the requirement of selecting and purchasing an appropriate shampoo and conditioner to use (more on that later). Since groomers care for dogs’ hair and skin care for a living, they are equipped with the most optimal kinds of products for dogs of all breeds. While you can choose an acceptable type to use, many need to be ordered and shipped.

How Often

Like all dogs, Yorkies need to be groomed regularly to maintain healthy skin and coat. However, Yorkies should not be washed and groomed as often as their humans. A typical timeframe is a wash and groom every three to four weeks. If Yorkies are washed too often, the wash may dry out their skin due to removing the skin’s natural oils.

However, this also depends on the length and type of hair. If you keep your Yorkie’s hair longer, he or she will need more washes than those with short hair. You can bring your Yorkie to a groomer or wash him or her at home.

TIP: If you notice that your Yorkie’s skin is becoming dry, consider allowing more time in between baths so that the skin has time to replenish moisture.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Overview, Types, and Things to Consider

Overview

Yorkies typically have sensitive skin that need tender love and care when grooming. However, specific skin and hair types can vary Yorkie to Yorkie, which is why it is important to learn your dog’s specific skin and hair type in order to best meet his or her needs.

Since Yorkies have sensitive skin and a unique coat compared to other dogs, it is important to choose the right shampoo, conditioner, and other products when grooming your Yorkie.

In general, the best kind of products to use are those that support a healthy pH balance in the skin and meet additional specific needs of your Yorkie, such as extra sensitive skin or allergies. If the wrong kind is used, it may lead to unhealthy skin and your Yorkie being uncomfortable.

Why Choosing the Right Shampoo & Other Products Matters.

There are many reasons why it is so important to pick the shampoo, conditioner, and other grooming products that are right for your Yorkie. It is important to be mindful of these reasons so you can ensure that the product you choose will keep your Yorkie healthy and clean.

The shampoo products that you use on your Yorkie should have:

• Ability to Successfully Abstract Body Oils

Dogs secrete body oils as a natural way to keep their skin healthy. While dogs do not sweat as much as humans, oils are still released from their glands, and can build up if not rinsed properly.

While oils are healthy for your dog, properly cleansing and rinsing the coat consistently is important to prevent build-up that can lead to infections, sores, and pimples on the skin. Therefore, it is important to select a shampoo that contains strong cleansing agents to eliminate oils effectively.

• Dog- Appropriate pH Level

It is also important to choose a dog shampoo that has the appropriate pH level. Since most dogs have a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, it is strongly recommended to choose a shampoo that also has a pH level within this range.

This is an important feature to take into account because using a shampoo with a pH that does not match your dog’s pH can lead to damage of hair follicles and dry, itchy skin.

• Moisturizing Ingredients

Shampoos with ingredients that act as natural moisturizes is important to keep your Yorkie’s skin healthy. Shampoos that contain ingredients such as oatmeal, coconut oil, aloe, and almond oil all do the trick.

Different Types of Yorkie Shampoo

As previously described, while Yorkies tend to have sensitive skin across the board, skin and hair type do vary dog to dog. Shampoos can also be used to combat specific medical conditions.

Below are some of the most common types of shampoos and other products based on skin and hair type, as well as specific medical conditions that your Yorkie may be experiencing.

Sensitive Skin

Overall, dog shampoos for sensitive skin are the most common type of shampoo to use on Yorkies, since most Yorkies suffer from sensitive and dry skin. This kind of shampoo contains agents that not only moisturize, but lock in the moisture to reduce dry skin.

TIP: when shopping for shampoo, look for ingredients such as oatmeal or coconut oil, as these are the primary ingredients used in sensitive skin shampoos.

Anti-fungal & Anti-bacterial

While yeast infections should be looked at by a veterinarian, shampoos that contain specific anti-fungal agents can be used at home to treat yeast and other fungal and bacterial infections.

Shedding

Yorkies are a breed that shed minimally due to the nature of their coats. However, if your Yorkie is shedding more than usual, and the veterinarian has ruled out any medical issues, a shampoo that focuses on controlling shedding can be used.

Dandruff

Dogs can experience dandruff, most commonly caused by dry skin. If you begin to notice an appearance of dandruff, dandruff shampoo may help.

Also, routinely using moisturizing shampoo can help prevent dandruff in the future, as this kind of shampoo helps to reduce dry skin.

Deodorizing

Medicated Shampoo

Believe it or not, skin conditions of various kinds are more common in dogs than you may think. You may need to use a medicated shampoo on your Yorkie (under the direction of the veterinarian).

These shampoos are specifically made to relieve symptoms of skin conditions and aid in helping the conditions heal.

There are many conditions that medicated shampoos can help treat. These include fleas, yeast infections, hot spots, bacterial infections, and allergies (food and environmental).

Depending on the condition, medicated shampoos can be obtained over the counter. Others may need a prescription from the veterinarian.

2 in 1 (Shampoo and Conditioner)

Combination shampoo and conditioner options are also available to use on your Yorkie. These products are cost-effective and allow you to clean and moisturize your Yorkie’s hair in just one step!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use human shampoo on my Yorkie?
  

NO! As tempting as it may be, especially since Yorkie hair can appear similar to ours, do not use the shampoo that you use on yourself on your Yorkie. Because Yorkie hair and skin are much more sensitive than ours, and because Yorkie’s need to maintain a specific pH balance, human shampoo would not meet your Yorkie’s hair needs. Human shampoo can actually significantly dry out your Yorkie’s scalp.

Human shampoo is also frequently infused with ingredients and scents that would be too sensitive for Yorkie’s. It is best to stick with dog-specific shampoo and other products.

• How can I make my Yorkie smell better? Can I use scented products on my Yorkie?

To eliminate odor, deodorizing dog shampoos can be purchased. The scents in these shampoos are appropriate for dogs, whereas other generic shampoos may use fragrance that are too strong.

• Is there dry shampoo for Yorkies?
  

Like human hair, Yorkie hair can benefit from a variety of products, dry shampoo included! There are many different brands and types of dry shampoo, all of which can be applied in between washes to keep the hair clean and detangled.

Some popular dry shampoos include Wahl Waterless Shampoo and Bert’s Bees Waterless Shampoo.

• If there are, are they healthy to use?
  

Dry shampoos are very safe and healthy to use. In fact, many Yorkie owners swear by them to keep their Yorkie’s skin and hair clean in between baths.

If you want to ensure that you are using the healthiest dry shampoo for your dog, check to make sure that the bottle specifies an appropriate pH balance for dogs, is non-toxic, and uses as many natural ingredients as possible, such as oatmeal and lavender.

• Can I use a leave-in conditioner on my Yorkie?
  

Yes, you can! For many Yorkie owners, leave-in conditioner or coat sprays is actually considered a necessity when caring for your pet. There are many reasons why, including:

• Form of protection from the sun
• Locking moisture to prevent dry skin and hair
• Makes the hair shiny and stronger
• Prevents knots in the hair
• Keeps dust and dirt away, which can build up and cause skin irritation

Leave-in products can be applied to your Yorkie’s coat in between baths to maintain hair and skin health, and to avoid having to bathe frequently, which can lead to skin problems.

• What about tear stain removers?
  

All dogs experience tear stains at some point. Tear stains appear to be exactly as they sound: clumps of goop that collect near the dog’s eyes. These can occur as a result of an infection or allergies.

It is perfectly safe to use tear stain remover on your Yorkie. Typically, these products are marketed as hypo-allergenic grooming wipes. These products are safe to use and will not hurt your dog’s eyes.

TIP: if your Yorkie has long hair, face combs are available for purchase that help keep your Yorkie’s hair out of his or her face and eye goop-free.

• Are there alternatives to shampooing your Yorkie?
  

In order to keep your Yorkie’s skin and hair clean and healthy, shampooing is the ultimate option. While frequency and intensity of washing and grooming varies Yorkie to Yorkie, your Yorkie requires a shampoo in some capacity.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Yorkie Shampoos

Here are some harmful ingredients to avoid:

1. Parabens

Using products that contain parabens can increase changes of hormone issues in your Yorkie. Parabens are also linked to certain cancers.

2. Artificial Fragrances

While these can be tricky to identify, as they can be listed as hundreds of different ingredients, it is important to stay away from shampoos that use artificial fragrances as much as possible. The reason for this is because these can be toxic to various bodily systems and increases the risk of cancer.

3. Artificial Colors

These are what makes certain products more visually appealing. However, because they are typically mixed with various toxic chemicals, exposure to these can cause a variety of health problems in your Yorkie, such as cancer, allergic reactions, and damage to organs and bodily systems.

4. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil can block your dog’s pores, prohibiting the production and release of natural oils to cleanse the skin. This can lead to skin irritation.

5. SD Alcohol 40

Finally, it is recommended to avoid any grooming products that contain SD Alcohol 40. This ingredient can significantly dry out skin.

Home Grooming: Getting Started

If you have never bathed your dog at home before, it can seem a little overwhelming in terms of what you need and how to bathe your Yorkie the best, especially if your pup is not a fan of water.

Materials/ Resources

If you choose to bathe and groom your Yorkie at home, there are several required supplies you will need.

Before you begin bathing your Yorkie, the required supplies you will need are: dog shampoo, conditioner, and leave in spray, a comb and brush, towels, ear-cleaning supplies (like cotton swabs), and nail clippers.

**If you simply want to focus on your dog’s coat, clippers are not needed, but are recommended if you are bathing your dog anyway.

Bath Set-up

Once you have collected all the supplies you need, the first step is to quickly run a brush through your Yorkie’s hair to get rid of any excess hair.

Next, it is recommended that you place a towel or mat on the bottom of the tub so that your Yorkie does not slide. Groomers often attached a leash to the tub to teach the dog that it is necessary to stay, but this is not necessary when bathing at home.

TIP: while a small grooming tub is suggested, especially for small dogs like Yorkies because they keep them contained, a regular bathtub works just fine as well.

Then, fill the tub with enough warm water so that you have enough water to use, but not too much, as Yorkies are short in stature. Also, it is important to be mindful of the water temperature. Water too hot or too cold can create discomfort for your pup, as they only have a single coat to protect them from drastic temperatures.

Finally, the cotton swabs can be used in your Yorkie’s ears so that they do not fill with water during rinse.

Bathing: Best Practice & Tips

When the tub is filled, lift your Yorkie and place him or her onto the mat or towel that you laid in the tub for stability.

TIP: even if your dog enjoys baths, it is helpful to keep one hand or arm around your Yorkie for the duration of the bath to eliminate a mess and allow for thorough cleaning.

Next, gently rinse your Yorkie with water so that the hair becomes wet.

Then, rinse the shampoo off as best you can, and then perform the same actions with the conditioner.

TIP: groomers typically use shower nozzles to effectively rinse and wash dogs. These can be purchased and attached to your shower or sink. However, if you do not own one, fear not; a cup or bowl can be used for rinsing.

To wash your Yorkie’s face, you can use a wet towel or cloth.

Once your pup is nice and clean, use towels to dry off. After briefing drying your Yorkie, you can apply additional leave-in spray on the coat for lasting cleanliness, if you so choose.

Combing & Brushing: Steps & Recommendations

In general, there are three key steps to follow when brushing your Yorkie:

1. Combing

Combing is an important first step because the comb is able to find and detangle any mats in the coat. Combing first makes brushing easier and faster.

TIP: a two-level comb is recommended to use on Yorkie’s. This means that there are different widths between the teeth of the comb, allowing for maximum effect.

2. Brushing
   

After combing through your Yorkie’s coat, the next step is to brush. Using the right brush for your Yorkie helps to adequately distribute body oils and stimulates growth of hair follicles, resulting in a shiny, healthy-looking coat.

BRUSHES FOR SHORT HAIR: if your Yorkie has a shorter coat, a brush with boar bristles is recommended.

BRUSHES FOR MEDIUM TO LONG HAIR: for Yorkies with longer coats, a pin brush with comfort tips is the way to go. This kind of brush is gentle on hair and reduces risk of skin irritation.

3. Leave-In Spray

Finally, it is recommended to use a leave-in spray on your Yorkie to enhance hair and skin health.

Leave-in spray, which is also referred to as a leave-in conditioner (as described earlier in the article) should ideally be used both during brushing and after brushing to keep your Yorkie’s hair healthy in between shampoos.

To use while brushing, simply spray a dap onto your hand and gently work into your Yorkie’s coat as you brush.

8 Shampoos and/or Conditioners for Yorkies

There are numerous types and brands of shampoos, conditioners, and other products for Yorkies. Below are descriptions of 8 of the many types and brands available for purchase.

Premium Pet Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner (2 in 1!)

Why this Product?

This product is convenient, affordable, and universal.

Facts about this Product & Benefits

This is a stand-out product to use with Yorkies as the primary shampoo and conditioner. Not only is this product affordable and convenient due to its 2 in 1 design, but the combination of ingredients treats a variety of skin types and conditions.

The formula is comprised of oatmeal, aloe, coconut oil, and baking soda. This combination moisturizes skin and provides a lasting pleasant odor, making it sensitive skin and deodorizing product simultaneously.

In addition, this product also contains anti-fungal agents, which help reduce symptoms of fungal skin infections and prevent new ones from occurring.

Finally, this product is also hypoallergenic and uses all-natural ingredients.

Tips

This shampoo is recommended as a primary shampoo and conditioner for Yorkies due to its ability to meet numerous needs in one. One tip is to use this product whenever your Yorkie is bathed to receive optimal benefits.

Problems & Things to Watch Out For

This shampoo is ideal for Yorkies with dry skin. However, if your dog tends to have more oily skin, this product may not be recommended, as the moisturizing agents may make your dog’s skin even more oily.

Conclusion

If you are seeking a product to use to keep your Yorkie’s hair and skin as healthy as possible, Premium Pet Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner is an ideal choice. With its soothing, natural ingredients and reasonable price, you can be reassured that you Yorkie is receiving optimal grooming care within your budget.

Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo

Why this Product?

This product provides relief from dry, itchy skin.

Facts about this Product & Benefits

This product is a top choice when seeking a shampoo for itchy skin. The formula is comprised of entirely natural ingredients, including oatmeal, tea tree oil, lavender, and aloe that work to soothe itchy skin, send moisture back into the skin, and leave a pleasing fragrance.

This shampoo is an excellent choice for Yorkies who suffer from dry skin or are experiencing dry skin as a symptom of allergies or skin infections.

Tips

When applying this shampoo during bathing, it is important to lather the shampoo into your dog’s coat and leave on for up to five minutes so that the product has sufficient time to work properly. After five minutes, rinse off with warm water.

Problems & Things to Watch Out For

While this product can be used as often as needed, it is important to note that you should not use this product on your dog more than two times in a 24- hour period.

Conclusion

This product is ideal for Yorkies who struggle with dry, itchy skin, as a result from a variety of conditions and causes. The natural ingredients help soothe symptoms quickly, bringing your dog’s skin back to prime health.

Fresh n Clean Scented Shampoo

Why this Product?

This product is highly cost-effective.

Check Carefully because…

This product does not use the most common and effective ingredients that treat dry skin, such as oatmeal or coconut oil. This product also contains an unspecified fragrance, which could potentially irritate a Yorkie’s sensitive skin.

Facts about this Product & Benefits

This is a simple yet rich product that infused aloe and vitamin E into your Yorkie to keep his or her coat soft and soothed.

In addition, the added fragrance promotes a long-lasting refreshing scent, which is advertised to last up to two weeks.

Tips

This shampoo can be paired with the Fresh n Clean Scented Conditioner and Cream Rinse to create long-lasting effects.

Problems & Things to Watch Out For

While this product may provide soothing qualities for your Yorkie’s coat, the ingredients in this product may not be strong enough to provide long-lasting symptom relief.

If your dog is in need of high intensity anti-itch agents, it is recommended to use a product with ingredients such as oatmeal or coconut oil.

Conclusion

This product meets your dog’s basic hair and skin care needs at a low cost. However, it is important to consider your dog’s specific health, as this product may not meet all of your dog’s specific conditions effectively due to its ingredients.

Fresh n Clean Cream Rinse

Why this Product?

This product is affordable and works in conjunction with Fresh n Clean’s shampoo and conditioner to achieve maximum hair and skin health.

Check Carefully because…

This product is NOT a shampoo or conditioner. It should be used alongside other shampoo and conditioner products.

Facts about this Product & Benefits

This low- cost product helps to get rid of pesky tangles and mats in the coat. It also uses a pleasant-smelling fragrance that leaves your Yorkie smelling fresh and clean up until the next wash.

In addition, this product contains aloe, which helps lock in moisture and heal dry skin.

Tips

This product is best used by applying to wet hair, lathering sufficiently, and then rinsing until clean. This product can also be used in conjunction with the Fresh n Clean Shampoo and Conditioner for a highly effective grooming regimen.

Conclusion

This is a safe and affordable product to maximize your Yorkie’s hair and skin health. The ingredients used not only treat dry skin but create a long-lasting fragrance.

Dechra Miconahex & Triz Pet Shampoo

Why this Product?

This shampoo treats fungal and bacterial infections on the skin.

Check Carefully because…

This is a medicated shampoo and should only be used under the direction of your Yorkie’s veterinarian.

Facts about this Product & Benefits

Not only does this product relieve symptoms of fungal and bacterial infections, but it contains specific moisturizing ingredients, such as ceramides, that help bring moisture back into the skin and repair dry, itchy skin.

Also, this product continues to moisturize and treat symptoms of infections even after rinsing during baths, creating long-lasting effects.

Tips

One tip when using this product is to leave the shampoo lathered into your Yorkie’s coat for about five to ten minutes before rinsing.

Problems & Things to Watch Out For

An important aspect of this product is that it should be used no more than four times per week, unless otherwise instructed by your pet’s veterinarian.

Conclusion

While this product is on the more expensive side, it is an excellent choice of medicated shampoo to treat topical skin infections. Its properties soothe the skin and create long-lasting effects.

Pro Pet Works Shampoo

Why this Product?

This product is organic and uses all-natural ingredients to provide relief from itchy skin.

Facts about this Product & Benefits