Yorkshire Terrier Allergy Information

Overview

Allergies are one of the more frustrating health concerns for Yorkshire Terriers, with roughly 1 in 5 affected at some point. These allergies can show up in many different ways, from skin irritation to breathing issues, and often come and go without clear cause. While full allergy resolution can take time and a bit of detective work, the right approach can bring your Yorkie real, lasting comfort.



This guide covers everything you need to know, from common signs and types of allergies to diagnosis methods and a 3-part plan for getting your Yorkie’s symptoms under control. Whether your little guy or gal has occasional itching or more severe symptoms, this is your starting point to help them feel better fast.

Also please note: If you’re looking for specific treatment options like allergy sprays or soothing shampoos, feel free to scroll down to Step #2: Treatments to Soothe Allergy Symptoms. But for long-term relief, we recommend reading through the causes (Step #1) and prevention tips (Step #3) as well.

Signs That Your Yorkie May Have Allergies

Allergy symptoms can be subtle or severe, and they may come and go. You might notice only one issue at first, or a full cluster of them. Here’s what to watch for:

• Itchy, flaky, or dry skin
• Red or irritated patches
• Skin sores, hot spots, rashes and/or hives
• Hair thinning or bald patches
• Chronic ear infections or frequent head shaking
• Red or watery eyes
• Runny nose, sneezing, or coughing
• Breathing difficulty (especially during activity)
• Stomach upset or vomiting (more often linked to food issues)
• Persistent scratching, licking, chewing (especially paws), or rubbing against furniture or carpet



In some cases, a Yorkie’s discomfort can also cause mood or behavior changes. You might notice restlessness, anxiety, or a change in energy levels, especially if itching or breathing problems interfere with sleep.

Common Types of Allergies in Yorkies

Yorkshire Terriers can develop several different kinds of allergies, and it’s common for more than one to overlap. Understanding the type of allergy your Yorkie has is essential for choosing the right treatment and prevention plan.

1. Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

This is the most common type of allergy in Yorkies. It’s caused by allergens in the air or surroundings, like pollen, mold, dust mites, or even grass. Symptoms often appear seasonally, but indoor allergens can make them year-round. Yorkies may show red skin, frequent scratching, or paw licking, especially after being outside.

2. Contact Allergies

These happen when your Yorkie’s skin touches something irritating, like a cleaning product, shampoo, fabric softener, or even a specific material in bedding or clothing. Unlike environmental allergies, contact reactions tend to show up in specific spots, often the belly, paws, or chin.

3. Food Allergies

Food allergies typically manifest as chronic skin problems, repeated ear infections, or digestive upset. Common triggers include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, or artificial additives. It’s important to know that a true food allergy is different from food intolerance (which causes gas, bloating, or loose stools without an immune response).

4. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Yorkies with flea allergy dermatitis react to proteins in flea saliva. This means that just one bite can cause days or even weeks of intense itching, often focused near the tail base, back legs, or inner thighs. In these cases, controlling fleas becomes even more critical than normal.

5. Medication or Vaccine Reactions

Though rare, Yorkies can have allergic responses to certain medications or vaccines. Symptoms usually appear quickly (within hours) and may include swelling, hives, breathing issues, or gastrointestinal problems. If this ever happens, it’s a veterinary emergency.

3-Step Plan to Help Your Yorkie Beat Allergies for Good

If your Yorkie is struggling with allergies, the only way to bring lasting relief is to approach it in the right order, with 3 important steps that address both the cause and the symptoms.

Quick Links - You can jump ahead if needed:

Step 1: Remove or Reduce Allergy Triggers

Step 2: Treatments to Soothe Allergy Symptoms

Step 3: Long-Term Prevention and Maintenance

Step #1: Identify and Eliminate Allergy Triggers

Yorkshire Terriers can develop allergies to many things in their environment, diet, or daily routine. And while treating symptoms can offer temporary relief, the most important step is to find and remove the underlying cause. To do this effectively, we’ll break the process into a few parts:

• Take a look at meals and snacks
• Clear the environment
• Remove contact triggers

Together, these actions can make a life-changing difference for your Yorkie’s health and comfort.

1. Take a Look at Meals and Snacks

Food allergies are one of the most common culprits behind a Yorkie’s itchy skin, chronic ear issues, or digestive upset. The challenge is that the symptoms often overlap with other types of allergies, so food should always be the first thing you examine.

Start by switching to a high-quality limited-ingredient food. Look for one that avoids wheat, soy, artificial colors, and chemical preservatives. Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E blends) are preferred.

Also avoid vague meat descriptions like "animal by-product" or "meat meal." Instead, choose a food with clearly listed protein sources like turkey, lamb, duck, or salmon.

If your Yorkie is currently eating a chicken-based or beef-based food and still showing symptoms, consider switching to a novel protein (such as fish, duck or rabbit) for at least 8 to 12 weeks to evaluate improvement. Be sure to replace all snacks and training treats during this period, too.

A fish recipe is a good choice since the natural omega will be a boost for skin health, and can work to relieve itching. One that we recommend is Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Salmon Recipe. This contains salmon, sweet potatoes, and peas, and is grain-free. This also has excellent levels glucosamine and antioxidants. 

Even water can play a role. Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and trace contaminants. Consider switching to bottled spring water or use a high-performance pitcher filter to remove potential irritants.

2. Clear the Environment

Environmental allergens can sneak in through windows, settle on floors, or cling to your Yorkie’s coat. And because Yorkies are low to the ground (and some have long hair), they’re particularly exposed to allergens like pollen, dust mites, and cleaning product residue. Here’s how to tackle it:

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which traps tiny allergens that standard vacuums miss. Run it throughout the house, even in rooms your Yorkie doesn’t visit often.

Wash washable fabrics weekly in hot water; this includes bedding, throw pillows, and rugs.

Wet-dust the house. To help reduce dust mites (a common trigger for allergies in both dogs and humans) dust your home weekly using a damp cloth or gentle spray cleaner. Note that dry dusting can actually stir up particles instead of eliminating them.

Filter the air in your home. If you have central air, upgrade to a HEPA or high-MERV filter. Otherwise, a good standalone air purifier in the main living space can help. One that we like a lot is the Levoit HEPA Air Purifier, which has a rating of 153 CFM for dust and 167 CFM for pollen; which means it has powerful airflow, able to filter 153 cubic feet of air per minute for dust and 167 for pollen, ideal for reducing triggers in your Yorkie’s space.

Wipe your Yorkie down after each walk using gentle canine grooming wipes like Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Wipes, which cleans and soothes at the same time. This will remove pollen and grass from their coat and can help stop outdoor allergens from being deposited on their bed and other areas of the house.

Rinse paws after walks. Since pollen, grass, and irritants can find their way into the tiny crevices of a Yorkie’s paws, even if you’re using a paw wax, a quick rinse in the sink or via a doggie paw cleaning device like the small MudBuster for Dogs can ensure the paws do not track any triggers into the home.

Brush regularly. A Yorkie’s coat can trap allergens, especially if kept long. Aim to brush 3 to 5 times per week to keep buildup at bay.

Limit the use of air fresheners, strong chemical sprays, and scented carpet powders. Yorkies are small, and the particles from these products can be overwhelming.

3. Remove Contact Triggers

Some allergies come from everyday contact with materials or surfaces. Yorkies may react to plastic bowls, carpet fibers, laundry detergent, or certain toys. Here are some simple swaps to try:

Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls, not plastic (even BPA-free plastic can cause reactions).

Switch to unscented, dye-free laundry detergent for all items your Yorkie touches, including your own blankets if they nap on your bed.

Inspect toys for cheap plastic or strong coloring dyes. Remove anything that seems suspicious and replace it with trusted brands made for sensitive dogs.

Cover carpeting in your Yorkie’s favorite rest spots with washable blankets. These can be cleaned regularly to reduce lingering allergens.

Summary of Step #1:

To eliminate allergy triggers for your Yorkshire Terrier:

• Choose a clean, limited-ingredient diet and remove all potential food-based irritants.
• Create an allergy-friendly home by vacuuming, filtering air, wiping paws, and brushing regularly.
• Remove possible contact allergens like plastic bowls, chemical cleaners, or irritating fabrics.

Once these changes are in place, many Yorkies begin to show improvement within 2 to 12 weeks. With that in place, for Yorkies who need fast relief now, it’s time to move on to Step #2: Treatments to soothe Allergy Symptoms, which we’ll cover next.

Step #2: Treatments to Soothe Allergy Symptoms

Once you've begun cutting out possible allergens, your Yorkie may still need help. Even if you're on the right track with food changes or home adjustments, allergy symptoms can linger for weeks. That’s why direct relief: soothing the skin, calming the itch, and easing inflammation is such an important second step.

To help relieve allergy symptoms, your Yorkie may need a combination of at-home care and support from your vet. In many cases, removing allergens and using gentle treatments at home can lead to noticeable improvement. But for more severe allergies, your little guy or gal may require bloodwork, allergy testing, or prescription medication to get things under control.

Let's look at both types of assistance and treatment.

The Best At-Home Treatments for Allergy Symptoms

1. Topical Allergy Sprays

Topical sprays are one of the quickest ways to ease itching or inflamed skin, especially when used on common hotspots like the paws, groin, belly, and underarms. This type of home treatment can bring fast relief and is easy to apply directly to the affected areas without needing to rub it in, which could further irritate the skin. 

Medicated anti-itch sprays that contain hydrocortisone and/or lidocaine are ideal when symptoms like itching, rashes, or hot spots are moderate to severe and your Yorkie is clearly uncomfortable. Hydrocortisone helps calm inflamed skin, while lidocaine acts as a numbing agent to relieve both itching and pain.

Our top recommended allergy spray for Yorkies with both hydrocortisone and lidocaine is SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Spray. This also has allantoin, which helps to moisture and restore skin health. It works very well to quickly offer relief for intense allergic reactions involving sensitive skin.

And, if you feel that your Yorkshire Terrier only needs one with hydrocortisone, we recommend Pet King's Zymox Spray with Hydrocortisone. 

Note: Never use any spray (even natural) on open wounds. And if your Yorkie is likely to lick the area, consider using a cone temporarily.

2. Allergy Lotion

While sprays are quick and convenient, creams or lotions can offer deeper relief for allergy-related itching. They’re typically more moisturizing, stay on the skin longer, and can be highly soothing. Creams are also ideal for treating larger zones and give you more control during application. Many contain ingredients that calm the skin, like aloe or shea butter, which also help repair the skin barrier over time. So, choosing an allergy lotion can be a smart choice when your Yorkie needs both fast relief and lasting healing.

Our top recommended lotion is ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment and this works for itching, rash, and/or hot spots. And, this can even promote hair growth after follicles have been affected by poor skin health and the coat has thinned. 

This is a top-end product that contains a super-soothing and restorative blend of Manuka honey, aloe vera, coconut, hemp seed oil, olive oil, shea butter, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. This can be used everywhere, including a dog's paws. 

3. Allergy Shampoo

Bathing your Yorkie with an allergy-relief shampoo is an excellent way to treat the entire body all at once, including crevices and hard-to-reach areas that sprays or lotions might miss. It’s often most effective when used alongside a targeted spray or cream (which can be applied in between baths to specific trouble spots). Avoid harsh medicated formulas made for mange or infections, as those can irritate sensitive skin.  

For allergies and accompanying hotspots and itchiness, one of the best options is Earthbath’s Hot Spot Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Shampoo. It uses a gentle, coconut-based cleanser with soothing aloe and melaleuca (tea tree oil) to calm irritation, itching, and dry patches. Bathe your Yorkie 2 to 3 times per week, massaging the shampoo in and allowing it to sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. For added moisture and skin support, follow with Earthbath’s Oatmeal & Aloe Conditioner. Afterward, pat your pup dry rather than rubbing the coat.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Adding omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), can be a helpful part of managing your Yorkie’s allergies. These healthy fats support skin hydration, reduce inflammation, encourage a healthier coat, and can even promote new hair growth in areas affected by itching. While flaxseed contains ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), it's the DHA and EPA found in cold-water fish and shellfish that offer the most benefit. Omega-3s should be viewed as a supplemental aid, not a standalone solution.

If you're thinking about using fish oil as part of your Yorkie’s allergy plan, be sure to choose one made from wild-caught fish. This matters because farm-raised fish often contain added vegetable oils that may dilute the omega-3 content.

We recommend Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. It’s a liquid formula sourced from wild Alaskan salmon and comes with a simple pump top. Just add ½ to 1 full pump (based on your dog’s weight) to one meal per day. Be sure to stir it in thoroughly so your Yorkie doesn’t try to pick out the pieces of kibble without the fish flavor.

Remedies to Avoid (or Use with Caution)

Allergy shots (immunotherapy): While sometimes helpful and needed in severe cases, they require identifying the exact allergen (which isn’t always possible) and can often take months to show results.

Oral antihistamines like Benadryl: Some vets allow it, but dosing must be exact. Small dogs like Yorkies are more prone to side effects like grogginess, low blood pressure, or paradoxical excitement.

Over-the-counter creams for humans: Many contain ingredients that are toxic if licked; never apply human medication unless your vet approves it.

When to See the Vet

It’s always wise to contact your vet if your Yorkie has:

• Raw, oozing skin
• Open sores or scabs that aren’t healing
• Frequent ear infections or head shaking
• Persistent licking that causes hair loss
• Wheezing, coughing, or red, watery eyes
• Allergy symptoms are not improving after elimination of triggers and using home treatments

A vet can prescribe strong medications that might be necessary for short-term relief, especially if your Yorkie is in distress or has a secondary infection from scratching. This may include prednisone or hydroxyzine. These can ease inflammation and itching, but they’re typically only used short-term due to possible side effects like increased thirst, appetite changes, or a higher risk of infections. If your Yorkie’s skin is extremely dry or cracked, a topical antibiotic ointment may also be needed.

But long-term, a goal can be to minimize dependence on prescriptions by eliminating allergens and using gentler, targeted treatments at home.

Step 3: Long-Term Prevention and Maintenance

Once your Yorkie’s symptoms have calmed and they're no longer dealing with constant itching, irritation, or inflammation, the focus shifts to keeping those allergies from returning. A few smart habits can go a long way:

Stay alert all year long. Allergies in dogs can shift with the seasons, and your little guy or gal may react to different things throughout the year: grass in spring, mold in summer, ragweed in fall, and dust mites in winter. Also, it’s not uncommon for sensitivities to change over time, so even if your Yorkie seems allergy-free, keep an eye out for early signs.

Don’t let your guard down at home. When a dog is clearly suffering, most pet parents work hard to remove triggers like dust, pollen, and chemicals. But once things improve, it’s easy to forget a vacuuming day or run out of grooming wipes. Try to stick with a routine. Changing air filters, wiping down paws, and keeping bedding clean should be ongoing habits, not just short-term fixes.

Keep your Yorkie’s skin, coat, and paws healthy. A strong barrier helps protect against future flare-ups. Use gentle, nourishing products that include natural ingredients like aloe or oatmeal, and skip anything with sulfates or parabens. Stay on schedule with baths (every 3 weeks for most Yorkies), and follow seasonal care tips: protect the paws in winter, prevent sun exposure in summer, and always rinse off any outdoor allergens after walks.

Final Thoughts: A Clearer Path Forward

Yorkies may have been bred as tough little ratters, but today’s companions face an onslaught of modern allergy triggers, from food additives to environmental irritants, and their sensitive skin often pays the price.

When their skin flares up, paws get red, or they seem constantly uncomfortable, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with the right plan, there’s a lot you can do to help.

Remember, the most successful results come from combining efforts: reducing exposure to allergens, using targeted treatments, and staying consistent with care. It may take some time to figure out what’s triggering your Yorkie’s symptoms, but even small changes can lead to real improvements.