Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems - Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Like all purebred dogs, Yorkshire terriers are predisposed to inheriting certain genetic diseases and defects.

One of these is tracheal collapse in little dogs, and knowing how to take care of a pup means learning to cope not only with tracheal collapse, but other Yorkshire terrier health problems.

Most reputable breeders will avoid mating these pups which have genes for these kind of miniature pups health problems, and some of these genetic defects can be tested for in advance of a mating.

Good breeders will also see to it that their pregnant females get the best of prenatal care, and that the newborn puppies receive the best nutrition and medical attention before they are sent to their permanent homes. But even with all the precautions, tracheal collapse in these pups still occurs, even when it is not inherited. Why?

Because of its tiny size the trachea, or windpipe, of a little pup tends to suffer from weakened cartilage as the animal ages.

Once this happens, the rings of cartilage which make up the trachea become flaccid, causing tracheal collapse in pups and obstructing their air intake. The first indication that a pup is suffering from a collapsed trachea will be a deep, "honking" cough which develops after the dog has been exercising, but may become nearly constant if the condition is left untreated.

Collapsed tracheas can sometimes lead to other Yorkshire terrier health problems.

The effort to breathe around the collapsed tissue, for instance, may lead a dog to develop chronic lung disease. Treating the collapsed trachea as early as possible, if it can be done, is always advised. Tracheal collapse in pups can sometimes e corrected surgically, but at the very least an affected dog can be prescribed cough suppressants.

If you have an overweight pup, you can expect its tracheal collapse to create more severe discomfort than one of normal weight.

Knowing how to take care of a little dog properly will prevent your dog from becoming too heavy, so if you're not sure what you your dog should be eating nor how active he or she should be, it's time to consult with your vet!

Below you will find more articles discussing Yorkie Health Info.

• Yorkie Dogs Health Issues - Allergies
• Dealing With Your Yorkshire Terrier's Anal Sacs
• Important Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
• About Yorkies And Some Very Important Health Issues
• Choosing A Vet For Your Yorkshire Terrier - What You Need To Know
• Yorkie Health Info How to Manage Yorkshire terrier Hypoglycemia
• Understanding Kennel Cough in your Yorkshire Terrier
• Common Yorkshire Terriers Illnesses And What You Need To Know
• Taking Good Care of your Yorkie to Prevent Health Problems
• The Yorkie's Heat Cycle and the Yorkshire Terrier Newborn Puppy
• Luxating Patellas In Yorkshire Terriers : Serious Or Not?
• Evaluating the Medical Concerns of the Yorkie Dog
• The Most Common Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems!