Yorkshire Terrier Diarrhea: 

Causes, Home Remedies & When to Call the Vet

Overview: When Your Yorkie Has Diarrhea

A sudden case of diarrhea can be alarming, especially when it comes from a tiny dog like a Yorkshire Terrier. Because of their small size and sensitive digestive systems, even a brief bout of diarrhea can leave a Yorkie feeling drained, dehydrated, and uncomfortable.

The good news is that most cases are short-lived and resolve with rest and simple home care. But it’s important to know when loose stool is just a passing issue and when it’s a sign of something more serious.

This guide walks you through what causes diarrhea in Yorkies, what you can safely do at home, when to contact your vet, and how to help prevent it in the first place.

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What Is Diarrhea in Yorkies?

Diarrhea in Yorkies is defined as loose, watery, or unusually frequent stools. You might also notice urgency, straining, or accidents in the house. It’s often the body’s way of quickly flushing out something irritating or foreign.

A healthy Yorkie typically has one to two well-formed bowel movements per day. When stool becomes runny, unformed, or unusually frequent, especially if it’s paired with discomfort or other symptoms, it’s considered diarrhea.

Common signs of diarrhea in Yorkies include:

• Sudden loose or watery stool
• More frequent bathroom trips than usual
• Urgency to poop
• Whimpering or pacing before going
• Small accidents in the house
• Mucus or streaks of blood in stool (requires vet attention)

A single loose stool isn't always cause for concern, but if it persists beyond a day, it’s time to pay closer attention.

Other symptoms may also appear alongside diarrhea, depending on the cause. These can include:

• Flatulence or excessive gas
• Mild bloating
• Gurgling stomach sounds
• Decreased appetite
• Mild lethargy or clinginess

These signs aren’t always serious on their own—but when combined with ongoing diarrhea, they suggest the gut is under stress and may need more support. However, if your Yorkie shows signs of pain, refuses food, becomes unusually tired, or if there’s blood in the stool, it's best to contact your vet right away.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Yorkies

Yorkies have delicate digestive systems, and even small changes can trigger a flare-up. Here are the most common reasons for runny stool:

• Dietary indiscretion. Eating something new, rich, or inappropriate (like table scraps, trash, or new treats) is one of the top causes.
• Food intolerance or sensitivity. Yorkies may react to certain proteins (like beef or chicken), dairy, certain grains, or additives in their food.
• Sudden diet changes. Switching foods too quickly, even between two high-quality brands, can throw off gut balance.
• Stress or anxiety. New environments, visitors, or changes in routine can upset digestion in emotionally sensitive toy breeds like Yorkies.
• Bacterial or viral infections. Exposure to contaminated water, spoiled food, or another sick dog can cause infection-related diarrhea.
• Parasites. Intestinal parasites like giardia or worms can lead to chronic loose stool, especially in puppies.
• Medication side effects. Antibiotics, pain meds, and even some supplements can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
• Underlying illness. Chronic or recurring diarrhea can be linked to pancreatitis, liver issues, or inflammatory bowel disease, especially if it doesn’t resolve with basic care.

Even if you are unable to pinpoint the exact cause of your Yorkie’s diarrhea, most mild to moderate cases will resolve on their own, especially if you follow the steps below. 

At-Home Remedies for Mild Yorkie Diarrhea

If your Yorkshire Terrier is still active, eating, and acting mostly normal, and the diarrhea is mild or just beginning, there are several gentle steps you can take at home to support recovery. These remedies are best suited for short-term or early-stage diarrhea, not for ongoing or severe cases with red-flag symptoms (as seen ahead in ‘When to Call the Vet’).

Offer a short fasting period

For adult Yorkies, withholding food for 8 to 12 hours can give the digestive system a chance to reset. This short fast helps reduce intestinal irritation and allows the body to clear whatever may have triggered the episode. Always continue to offer plenty of fresh water, and watch closely for signs of fatigue or worsening symptoms.

Important: Puppies should never be fasted without veterinary supervision, as they are more prone to hypoglycemia.

Introduce a bland diet

After the fasting period, transition to small, frequent meals of a bland, easily digestible diet. Good options include plain boiled chicken breast with white rice, or lean ground turkey with plain sweet potato. Feed two to three small portions spread out over the day. Avoid adding any seasoning, oil, or extras; this is meant to be as gentle as possible. 



If your Yorkie shows improvement, continue this diet for 1 to 2 days before slowly reintroducing their regular food.

Add plain canned pumpkin

Plain pumpkin is high in soluble fiber, which helps bulk up loose stool and soothe inflammation in the gut. For small Yorkies, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of 100% canned pumpkin to each bland meal. Be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pie filling or anything with added spices or sugar.

Encourage hydration

Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, and dehydration can happen quickly in small dogs. Be sure your Yorkie drinks enough water by keeping fresh water available at all times. You can encourage drinking by adding a splash of low-sodium bone broth to the bowl. If your Yorkie is reluctant to drink, offer broth ice cubes or spoon small amounts of liquid into their mouth throughout the day.

In more stubborn cases, your vet may recommend a dog-safe electrolyte solution or very diluted, unflavored Pedialyte. While some veterinarians approve of Pedialyte in small amounts for dogs, it’s not ideal for every situation, especially without guidance. Avoid flavored varieties and only use under supervision if your Yorkie is already showing signs of dehydration.

Offer a probiotic

Probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria and support faster recovery. They’re especially useful if the diarrhea was triggered by stress, antibiotics, or a sudden change in diet. Choose a dog-specific probiotic made for sensitive stomachs and give it per the instructions (usually with meals or as a snack). You can continue probiotics even after your Yorkie recovers to support long-term gut health.

One that we highly recommend is Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites. They come in a soft, breakable chew that’s easy to portion, and include a clinically studied probiotic strain (DE111) that survives stomach acid to support gut health. The formula also contains pumpkin and papaya for added digestive support, and it’s made in the USA without artificial flavors or preservative. So, it is a gentle, effective option for daily use.

Limit treats and extras

During recovery, keep the diet simple. Skip treats, chews, flavored supplements, or anything that isn’t part of the bland meal plan. Even small extras can re-irritate the gut and prolong symptoms.



If your Yorkie’s stool starts to return to normal within 24 hours, you can begin mixing their regular food back in with the bland meals over 2 to 3 days. Watch for any return of symptoms as you transition, and scale back again if needed.

When to Call the Veterinarian

While mild diarrhea isn’t unusual in Yorkshire Terriers, some signs require immediate veterinary attention, especially due to their small size and risk of dehydration due to their low body weight and fluid reserves.

In fact, even a moderate case of diarrhea can lead to noticeable dehydration within 12 to 24 hours. Puppies and senior Yorkies are at even higher risk, and if diarrhea is combined with vomiting or refusal to eat, hypoglycemia (a dangerous drop in blood sugar) can also become a concern. 

Call the vet if you notice any of the following:

• Diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours
• Lethargy or listlessness
• Vomiting along with diarrhea
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Signs of abdominal pain or bloating
• Diarrhea in a puppy, senior, or dog with a medical condition

Watch for signs of pancreatitis:



Yorkies are genetically prone to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas often triggered by fatty foods or underlying conditions. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and even fever. If your Yorkie shows these signs (especially after eating rich treats or table scraps) seek veterinary care promptly. Left untreated, pancreatitis can become life-threatening.

How the vet can help:

Your Yorkie’s veterinarian may recommend bringing in a fresh stool sample to check for parasites, bacteria, or signs of inflammation. In some cases, they may also run bloodwork to rule out underlying issues like pancreatitis, liver imbalances, or chronic digestive conditions. 

If your Yorkie is dehydrated, the vet might administer subcutaneous fluids (under the skin) or intravenous fluids to restore hydration quickly. Depending on the cause, they may prescribe anti-diarrheal medications, antibiotics for infection, or a short course of prescription gastrointestinal food designed to be easy on the stomach. 

Yorkies with recurring diarrhea may also benefit from longer-term digestive support plans, including probiotics, dietary changes, or more advanced diagnostics like an abdominal ultrasound.

How to Help Prevent Diarrhea in the Future

While not every case of diarrhea is preventable, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the chances of it happening again. These simple habits support a healthier gut and can help keep your Yorkie’s digestion on track over the long term.

Introduce new foods slowly

Any change to your Yorkie’s diet should happen gradually over 7 to 10 days. Start by mixing just a small amount of the new food with their current food, increasing the portion slowly. Sudden dietary shifts are one of the most common causes of diarrhea in small dogs.

Avoid table scraps and high-fat treats

Human foods like bacon, sausage, fatty meat, or buttery leftovers can overwhelm a Yorkie’s digestive system and lead to sudden loose stool or even pancreatitis. Even small bites can cause big problems for a dog under 10 pounds.

Stick to a routine

Yorkies thrive on consistency. Feeding, walking, and sleep routines help regulate digestion and reduce stress, which can also play a big role in GI flare-ups. Try to feed and walk your little guy or gal around the same times each day.

Keep chew items clean and safe

Unsafe chews or damaged toys can pose a risk of choking or intestinal blockage, but they may also cause irritation in the gut lining, especially if small bits are swallowed. For Yorkies with sensitive stomachs, this irritation could lead to mild diarrhea or mucus in the stool. Choose chews designed for toy breeds, inspect them regularly for signs of splintering, and wash plush toys frequently to prevent bacteria buildup.

Limit exposure to shared water bowls and mystery puddles

At dog parks or public places, shared bowls or standing water can expose your Yorkie to bacteria like giardia or campylobacter. Bring your own travel bowl and discourage drinking from outdoor puddles or communal water sources.

Consider daily probiotics

Adding a high-quality, canine-specific probiotic to your Yorkie’s routine can help maintain a stable, healthy gut environment, especially for dogs with sensitive digestion or a history of GI upset. As mentioned earlier under ‘Treatment: Offer a probiotic’, look for one formulated for small breeds and give it daily with meals. 

Watch for ingredient stacking in treats

Even healthy-looking treats can contain multiple protein sources, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Feeding too many treats with different ingredients (e.g., duck in one, lamb in another) can overwhelm a Yorkie’s sensitive system. Stick to limited-ingredient treats during recovery or for dogs prone to loose stool.

Tip: See our guide on the Best Snacks for Yorkies with Sensitive Stomachs for some super-healthy and extra-tasty options.

Provide stress relief during changes

Yorkies are naturally sensitive, and many are prone to nervousness—which makes them more likely to develop stress-related diarrhea. Travel, boarding, house guests, loud noises, or even minor changes in routine can trigger digestive upset. Creating a calm, safe space can go a long way. Offer a cozy den-like area where your Yorkie feels secure, stick to familiar schedules, and avoid overstimulation during transitions.

If your sweetie is especially prone to nervous belly issues, using calming tools consistently can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups. One option is calming chews. For this, we like Advanced Calming Chews by StrellaLab, which combine gentle ingredients like hemp, melatonin, and chamomile to promote relaxation without grogginess. 

Another option worth considering is a calming spray, which can be used directly on your Yorkie’s bedding, blanket, or favorite resting spot. Bodhi Dog Natural Calming Spray for Dogs is a popular choice because it uses a gentle blend of essential oils: lavender, chamomile, and rosemary, which are all known for their soothing properties. These ingredients work together to create a calming atmosphere without overwhelming your dog’s senses.

Keep a poop journal during flare-ups

While not a technically a preventative, it’s one of the most helpful long-term tools. Tracking your Yorkie’s food, treats, poop consistency, and timing during episodes helps identify patterns you can proactively avoid in the future.

Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive issues seen in Yorkshire Terriers, and while it can be concerning, it isn’t always a sign of something serious. In many cases, it’s your dog’s natural way of clearing out a mild irritant or reacting to a sudden change. With the right care, and a little patience, most mild cases resolve within a day or two.

That said, Yorkies are small and sensitive, which means they can lose fluids quickly and become dehydrated faster than larger breeds. Acting early, understanding what to watch for, and knowing when to involve your vet can make all the difference. With a few smart habits and a little support, you’ll be well equipped to keep your Yorkie’s digestion steady, balanced, and healthy in the long run.

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