Knowing the average Teacup Yorkie life expectancy – and what to do to provide the best life for your dog – will help you be a good Yorkie parent.
It is an important topic for anyone considering bringing a dog into their home. Prospective pet owners need to realize the level of responsibility that they are assuming and for how long they can expect to care for their new pet. This article will discuss Teacup Yorkie life expectancy and how your care of them can affect this.
What is the Average Life Expectancy of a Teacup Yorkie?
The average Teacup Yorkie lives for 10-12 years. This is longer than most bigger dogs are expected to live. In 2011, The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine published their findings after 20 years of studying the cause of death for nearly 75,000 dogs. They cataloged the age, size, breed, and health of each dog and determined the patterns observed. For smaller dogs, endocrine health tends to be a leading cause of death.
While sources differ on the specific number of years, Teacup Yorkies tend to have a slightly shorter lifespan than a Standard Yorkie (commonly expected to be 13-16 years). The Teacup Yorkies’ small size puts them at a greater risk of the health problems and physical weaknesses that their full-size counterparts.
What Factors Affect Teacup Yorkie Life Expectancy?
There are several factors that will influence the life expectancy of a Teacup Yorkie. Some of the factors are modifiable (such as diet and exercise levels) and some are not (such as genetics).
Modifiable factors include:
- diet and nutrition
- exercise and activity levels
- veterinary care and preventive measures
A Teacup Yorkie that eats too much or too fast may develop health problems that can shorten his life. Improper nutrition can also negatively impact a Teacup Yorkie’s life expectancy.
Exercise and activity level plays a big part in keeping your Teacup Yorkie healthy and healthy dogs tend to live longer. Because of their small size, Teacup Yorkies do not require a large area to be active, but they are fragile and need a safe, controlled environment to play in.
Perhaps one of the biggest factors that would impact your Teacup Yorkie’s life expectancy is regular veterinary care and appropriate preventative health to catch and treat any physical issues early before they become life-threatening.
Nonmodifiable Factors include:
- Genetics
- Size
Genetics and size can also impact a Teacup Yorkie’s life expectancy. Unfortunately there’s nothing you can do about those, but taking them into consideration can help you make decisions that will be the most beneficial for your Teacup Yorkie.
Genetics: what inheritable diseases, if any, did your Yorkie receive from his parents?
Size: Given their small size, Teacup Yorkies have an increased chance of trauma. Falling, being caught under something, stepped on, or sat on is, unfortunately, a concern with small dogs.
How Can I Help Increase My Teacup Yorkies’ Life Expectancy?
Remember those modifiable factors we talked about earlier? You as a pet owner play a big role in helping your Teacup Yorkie live a long, healthy life. Nutrition, exercise, preventative healthcare, monitoring medical conditions, and ensuring that your Teacup Yorkie has been bred responsibly all contribute to a longer, stronger, life expectancy.
Nutrition: Consistently feed your Teacup Yorkie food that is healthy and all-natural with high nutrient value. Avoid feeding him table scraps and excessive treats. Choose a dog food that is designed for smaller dogs and provide the appropriate amount each day based on your dog’s weight. Provide small meals throughout the day rather than one or two bigger meals and don’t forget to keep clean water available throughout the day as well. If you have questions about the best food for your Teacup Yorkie, consult with your vet.
Exercise: Exercise is also important for your Teacup Yorkies’ health. This exercise should take place in an area that is free of hazards. Mental stimulation such as games and safe areas to explore also helps keep a Teacup Yorkie young. Safety is key here. Trauma is a leading cause of death for any small dog. Make sure that your Teacup Yorkie does not jump down from chairs or couches. Pay close attention when your dog is interacting with small children and teach children to be gentle with these small dogs. Their joints and bones are more fragile than that of larger dogs.
Preventative Healthcare: Perhaps the most important factor in prolonging a Teacup Yorkies’ life is regular visits to the vet. These visits not only ensure that your dog is up to date with the shots and medications needed to prevent diseases, but also gives your vet an opportunity to catch health problems early -problems that would become more serious or even life-threatening if left untreated for just a few years.
Common health concerns for Teacup Yorkies include:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Respiratory difficulties
- Heart defects
- Dental issues
- Collapsing trachea
- Joint disorders (especially kneecaps)
Responsibly Bred: Before purchasing your new dog, check that your Teacup Yorkie has been bred responsibly. Unfortunately, some breeders care more about lining their pockets than caring for their dogs. A dog’s health and proper care after birth is vital. Breeders who chose dogs solely for the income often neglect the dog’s physical needs. This results in liters that are cute, but have many health problems. The best way to ensure that you are working with a reputable breeder is to ask a lot of questions. Find out if their parents have been genetic tested. Find out if the parents and puppies live in the breeders home. Ask to speak with other people who have purchased a puppy from the breeder.
Any caring pet owner will ask “this question “What is the average Teacup Yorkie life expectancy? And it’s not a bad question. But, keep in mind that a long life does not always correlate with a healthy and comfortable life. If you sense that your Teacup Yorkie is in pain or otherwise physically struggling, have an honest conversation with your veterinarian about the most humane steps to take to care for your Teacup Yorkie.
As you consider a Teacup Yorkie, bear in mind these facts and choose the dog that will be best for you and your family. A Teacup Yorkies’ life expectancy is an important factor and you as the dog owner can play a major role in helping your pet live a long, happy, and healthy life.
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