Yorkshire Terrier Summer Care

The arrival of warmer weather necessitates careful attention to Yorkshire Terriers of all ages. This season’s heat and strong sun can make things tricky for this breed with its single coat of silky hair and their diminutive size. For both new and experienced Yorkie owners, understanding how to adapt care routines for the summer months is essential. This article covers the top 10 most important summer care tips, as well as a frequently asked questions section that addresses common concerns during the summertime. 

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Hydration is critical for your Yorkshire Terrier's health, particularly during the hot summer months. On average, canines need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day, but this requirement increases with the temperature and during periods of increased activity. 

As you plan outdoor activities, including walks, it's essential to bring along water to meet these elevated needs. A canine travel water bottle like the KONG H2O Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle is a convenient way to ensure your Yorkie has access to fresh, cool water at all times, helping to prevent dehydration.

An additional way to offer a reprieve from the heat is to offer frozen treats like ice cubes, frozen low-sodium broth (made in an ice tray), or ice cubes made with fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, and apples (without the seeds), which can be pureed or mixed with water and then frozen. 

Tip #3: Offer playtime in water for cooling fun.

Introducing your Yorkshire Terrier to water activities can be a delightful and effective way to beat the summer heat. Setting up a kiddie pool in a shaded area provides a safe, controlled environment for your Yorkie to splash and cool off. Ensure the water is shallow enough for them to stand comfortably, and always supervise their time in the pool to ensure safety. Adding floating water toys can make the experience more interactive and fun.



Setting up a sprinkler is another fun way to help lower a dog's body temperature while also providing some exercise. The moving water adds an element of excitement and encourages playful behavior.

Summer Care Tip #4: Shield your Yorkshire Terrier from the sun’s strong rays 

Yorkshire Terriers are particularly susceptible to UV ray skin damage due to their single layer of silky hair, leading to conditions like dry, itchy skin or sunburns, especially if their coat is short or unprotected. To ensure your Yorkie enjoys outdoor activities safely, consider a coat spray with UV protection, such as Bodhi Dog Sunscreen with SPF 30, applied lightly 15 to 20 minutes before an outing in strong sun.

A product like this can also be used on a Yorkie's body areas most prone to sunburn (inside ear flaps, nose, and belly). This is particularly important near water, with up to 30% of sun's rays reflecting upward, or at beaches where up to 18% can bounce off dry sand. Please note that you should never use human sunscreen on your puppy or dog; many contain ingredients that are toxic to canines.

Properly managing your Yorkie's coat length plays a role in this as well. Avoid extremes like a close shave or leaving the coat too long. Opting for a 'puppy cut' or moderate length ensures comfort and protection. The shorter the coat, the more crucial the use of sun protection measures becomes.

Summer Care Tip #5: Help your Yorkie stay cool indoors and out.

To keep your Yorkshire Terrier comfortable in summer, it's key to manage their environment both inside and outside. Air conditioning (AC) is essential for indoor cooling, but maintaining a balanced temperature is crucial to avoid making your Yorkie too cold. Veterinarians recommend setting indoor temperatures between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C) to ensure a cool, comfortable environment without the chill, especially when coming in from outdoor heat.

To enhance your Yorkie's comfort, consider using a cooling mat. Designed with heat transfer technology, these mats activate under a dog’s weight. As your Yorkie settles on it, the gel inside the mat absorbs and then dissipates the heat into the air. This creates a cool, soothing surface for rest without needing refrigeration or electricity, offering an ideal way to maintain a Yorkshire Terrier’s comfort.

Cooling mats are particularly useful for times when the AC might not be on, or when you're looking for a more energy-efficient way to keep your Yorkie cool. They can also be placed in playpens, on beds, taken outdoors or brought to areas you visit to provide a cool surface on hot days. One that we like a lot is the Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat; the extra-small is perfect for dogs 8 lbs. and under. 

Summer Care Tip #6: Use natural insect protection.

Protecting your Yorkie from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes is crucial for their health and well-being. Mosquitoes are carriers of heartworm larvae, a potentially fatal condition for dogs if left untreated. Fleas can cause intense itching, allergic reactions, and even lead to tapeworm infections, while ticks are notorious for transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease, which can have serious health implications for dogs. 



Given the sensitivity of small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers to chemical products, including those containing DEET, consider the use of natural repellents. These are not as strong but will help prevent bad reactions. Ingredients such as cedarwood, geranium, citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, and eugenol are known for their pest-repelling properties and offer a safer alternative for keeping these harmful insects at bay. 

For ticks and mosquitoes, we like 3 Moms Organics Tick Wise All-Natural Spray; it works via a blend of cedarwood, geranium, citronella, peppermint rosemary, and lemongrass. Note that oversaturation with natural oils can cause some skin irritation, so keep it at a light spray.

And for flea prevention, we like the Natural Cedar Oil Insect Repellent by Cedercide, which works via cedarwood oil, a known, natural repellent. 

Summer Care Tip #7: Opt for a carry method.

One of the wonderful things about having a toy breed is that you can implement strategies that just aren't possible with larger dogs. And one of them is to transport your Yorkshire Terrier as opposed to having them walk, if the goal is to traverse a long distance on foot in hot weather.

So, if you're taking your Yorkie somewhere where there will be lots of walking in the sun or heat, consider allowing your Yorkie to ride. A pet stroller is great for this, since it also keeps a dog shaded. Something like the Pet Gear Travel Lite Pet Stroller is made specifically for small dogs (those under 15 pounds) and offers dogs an excellent view while being protected from the sun. 

Another option is a carry sling or bag that allows your Yorkie to see what's going on, but keeps them up by your hip. Many dogs love this due to the rhythmic rocking motion that occurs while their humans walk. The CUBY Dog Sling Carrier for Small Dogs is a functional, comfortable one; it has the important feature of an inner safety buckle that clips to your Yorkie's harness.

Summer Care Tip #8: Know the signs of heat stress and how to react to it.

Summer's arrival often heralds thunderstorms and fireworks, both of which can be especially unsettling for dogs. Not only do the loud noises and bright flashes of light trigger their instinct to flee from perceived threats, but dogs are also sensitive to changes in air pressure associated with thunderstorms, which can further heighten their anxiety. 

To mitigate your Yorkshire Terrier's stress during these events, ensuring they have a calm and secure environment is crucial. Designate a quiet space, like a room away from windows, where they can seek refuge. White noise can help drown out the intimidating sounds, while anxiety-reducing products like dog thunder vests offer additional comfort. One that we like that fits even tiny Yorkies is the ThunderShirt Dog Anxiety Vest; the double-extra small fits dogs under 7 pounds. Keep an eye on weather reports and upcoming firework events, so you can place the vest on your little guy or gal in advance. 

Summer Care Tip #10: Keep the car cool and comfortable.

During the summer months, ensuring your Yorkshire Terrier's safety and comfort during car rides is paramount. Start your vehicle and allow the air conditioning to cool the interior before placing your Yorkie inside. This practice helps prevent the shock and stress associated with entering a stiflingly hot car, providing a more comfortable transition. 

To further ensure a pleasant journey, there are measures you can take to prevent car sickness, which can be more common in dogs during hot weather. Keep the car cool and well-ventilated, and consider using sunshades on windows like the Kinder Fluff Car Window Shades to maintain a lower temperature and prevent strong sun glare. Limit your Yorkie's food intake before travel, offer a small dye-free jelly bean right before getting in the car, and ensure they have access to water to stay hydrated. Small, frequent breaks during long trips can also help, giving them a chance to stretch and relax outside the car.

Most importantly, never leave your Yorkshire Terrier alone in the car. On a warm day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to dangerous levels in just minutes. Studies regarding how cars heat up in the summer have shown that on a day with an outside temperature of 75 F (24 C), the interior of a car can reach 100 F (38 C) in just 10 minutes and climb to 120 F (49 C) within 30 minutes. This rapid increase can lead to heatstroke and potentially fatal conditions for a dog. 

Summertime FAQ

Can Yorkshire Terriers swim? 

Yorkshire Terriers can swim, but not all of them will naturally take to water. Given their small size, they might feel overwhelmed or frightened by large bodies of water. If you wish to introduce your Yorkshire Terrier to swimming, start in shallow, calm water and gradually build their confidence. Always supervise their water activities closely for safety. Use positive reinforcement to encourage them, and consider a doggy life jacket for extra buoyancy and security. If your puppy or dog has been in chlorinated water, be sure to thoroughly bathe them afterward with shampoo and conditioner.

Can Yorkies go in salt water / ocean water? 

Yorkies can go into salt water or ocean water, but there are precautions you should take. Rinse them off with fresh water after they've been in the salt water to prevent skin irritation or drying out their coat. Also, be mindful of strong currents and waves that could pose a risk to a small dog. Ensure they drink plenty of fresh water, as any accidental ingestion of salt water can lead to dehydration or salt poisoning.

How do I remove a tick from my Yorkshire Terrier? 

To safely remove a tick from your dog or yourself, use a tick removal tool (or fine-tipped tweezers if you do not have the tool on hand). Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin. 

After removal, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water. 

It's a prudent measure to save the tick after removal if possible, especially in areas where Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses are prevalent. Placing the tick in a sealed bag or container with a damp piece of paper towel can help preserve it for testing. This can be valuable for a doctor or veterinarian to identify the type of tick and assess the risk of disease transmission. 



If symptoms of Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness appear, having the tick available for testing could assist in making a timely and accurate diagnosis.

Do Yorkshire Terriers eat less in the summer? 

Yorkshire Terriers, like many dogs, may eat less in the summer. Higher temperatures can reduce their appetite as their bodies require less energy to maintain their internal temperature. But fluctuations in appetite can be influenced by various factors, including activity level, age, and health. If there's a significant change in your dog's eating habits, it's wise to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.



If your Yorkie seems less interested in eating in the summer, ensure they stay hydrated and offer them smaller, more frequent meals.

Is it normal for Yorkies to get black spots on their belly in the summer? 

The development of black spots on a Yorkie's belly during the summer can be normal, often due to increased sun exposure which can darken the skin (hyperpigmentation). However, if the spots are raised, causing irritation, or there are other changes in the skin, it's wise to consult a veterinarian to rule out any health issues.

Yorkie Dos and Don'ts - A helpful list of the most important dos and the most vital don'ts for this breed. Is applicable for all ages, puppy through adulthood.