Planning On Getting a Yorkie? Here Are Your Options

Do you consider yourself to be a canine lover? If you do, there is a high possibility that you have already considered purchasing this special companion for yourself. However, here are different dogs for different requirements. There are guardian dogs for protection, companion dogs for the lonely, luxury dogs for the elite, and energy-filled dogs for the ones looking for zest in their everyday life. When it comes to getting an energy filled partner, the most popular option would be a Yorkie, obviously.

Known for their petite body shape, big button eyes, and fluffy body, it is easy to get deceived by this innocent looking dog. But, do not get fooled by what you see, because this dog will make sure you are off your feet! Just like many other dogs, this dog is also an example of loyalty and friendship. Looking after them can be a little time consuming, which is why it is important for you to consider a few things before purchasing this fun-loving, energetic dog for yourself.

Although the standard Yorkie is a combination of three core colors: black, blue, and gold/tan, there are many variations of this specific dog breed—all of which have uniquely placed colors on their exterior and have a big heart on the interior. 

Here are the different Yorkie breeds you should know about before getting yourself one:

Parti Yorkie

A regular Yorkie is normally a combination of black gold, black tan, tan blue, and blue gold colors on the outside, but parti Yorkies are the ultra blend of these trio colors. This Yorkie breed possesses the same small body but a unique color mixed coat. It has a tan or gold head complemented on a white body with exotically placed black patches all over. Looking from afar, you rest your eyes on a dog that flaunts a gorgeous, silky coat of its three standard colors.

People that consider themselves as “authentic dog lovers” typically argue that parti Yorkies should not be considered purebred Yorkies, for whatever the reasons may be. However, as a dog owner, you should know that your parti Yorkie will be energetic, fun-loving, and healthy just like a normal Yorkie.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terrier is the original dog of their breed and is known as the breeding provider for all the other Yorkie hybrids. Yorkshire terriers came into existence when it was bred with the Paisley Terrier and Clydestale Terrier (they are both extinct now). The breeding of these two dogs resulted in the soft tan coat base and the steel-blue highlights that set this dog apart from all the others. Yorkshire terriers originate from a place called Yorkshire in England, hence its name. Yorkshire terriers have been given recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1885 as an “official dog breed.”

Biewer Yorkshire Terrier

Biewer Yorkshire terriers are the closest –in terms of color- to the original Yorkshire terrier. However, when you look closely, the different markings on the puppy’s exterior distinguish it from the original. The original Yorkie has a tan or gold color palette on the upper half while its body has black marks, whereas the Biewer has the standard Yorkie colors artistically placed on with white marks on its body. There were speculations on this dog for being a purebred or not, but after much research, it has been declared as a purebred.

Teacup Yorkie

Yorkie puppies and dogs are already considered as small mammals, but a teacup Yorkie puppy and the dog fall in a category even under. This Yorkie breed is a purebred according to the American Kennel Club, which is why they are allowed to be walked at dog shows. The most a teacup Yorkie can grow is 8 to 9 inches tall and weigh 7 pounds maximum. They can live up from up to 12 to 15 years.

Since this dog is so fragile insight and weight, it has a few health issues such as dental issues, hypoglycemia, liver shunts, patellar luxation, and collapsing trachea. Teacup Yorkies have weak bones, which is why they can be injured very easily. With the right amount care, medical checkups and maintenance, this dog can be as healthy as can ever be!

“Designer” Yorkie

The “designer” Yorkie is 100% a mix breed Yorkie. To get this Yorkie breed, Yorkshire terriers are commonly paired with breeds like Maltese or Chihuahuas to produce Morkies or Chorkies. There is no doubt in saying that this dog breed is yet another beauty to look at, but because it is not a purebred, it does not have a name that would be a variation on the Yorkie name. Unfortunately, this dog does not have much value because of its mixed breed; it is not eligible to participate at dog shows.

In addition, when getting a dog that is not a purebred, it is important to know that the dog can have physical, health and mental issues. It also affects the lifespan of the dog and it does not allow the dog to perform to its highest potential.

Black Yorkie

An overall black colored coat is a rare sight on an energy-filled yorkie. When black Yorkies are born, they have a tan black coat, but as they grow older, the color changes from tan black to blue black. The color of the coat fur begins to change when the yorkie turns 6 months old and the color transformation happens for up to 3 years. Most of the time, these dogs are not purebreds because a yorkie breeding with a Yorkie cannot produce all black fur. There is a high chance that a Yorkie was breeding with another breed to produce this color fur.

These are the most common yorkie breeds that any soon-to-be owner should know about. Despite how it’s been bred, a yorkie is a dog that guarantees non-stop fun and it will add the right amount of zest in your life. Therefore, there is no holding back on getting this fun-loving dog!

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cat Probiotics

Like humans, a cat’s immunity is in the digestive tract; it must be kept in balance through good bacteria so the cat stays healthy and strong. Introducing probiotics into the diet of your cat is one way you can do that since friendly bacteria will regulate its digestive health. The best thing about these living microorganisms is that they are known for preventing and treating various diseases and illnesses, particularly the ones that affect the gastrointestinal system.

However, should you really be giving your probiotics to your cat? What type of probiotics should you purchase? How often should your cat be given probiotics? If you’ve got questions about cat probiotics, and want to learn more about them, you have come to the right place.

Advantages of Cat Probiotics

Cat probiotics are advocated by many veterinarians, as they allow the feline to maintain normal gut health, and avoid digestive problems like stool changes, diarrhea, vomiting or decreased appetite. The best part about these probiotics is that they also improve immune system health, and the immunity of a cat is connected to its digestive health. If the digestive tract of a cat is not in great health, the digestive system can suffer from ailments such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and cats ingesting things they shouldn’t.

Cats can ingest things when they’re grooming themselves since hair can be ingested and cat probiotics help ensure that the cat doesn’t suffer from poor gut health. One of the most common conditions that affect cats is inflammatory bowel disease, especially when they get older. It’s hard to tell what causes cats to suffer from IBD but commercial pet foods are believed to play a role. 

For example, Kibble doesn’t exist in nature and cats shouldn’t be eating it. This means they could develop serious problems if they’re eating something, which doesn’t agree with their digestive system. It could give the cat diarrhea, or it may start vomiting or not eating food.

Apart from helping treat IBD, probiotics have been known to help with diarrhea, boost the overall immune system, improve digestion, and allow good bacteria in the gut.

What’s the Difference between Cat & Dog Probiotics?

Dogs and cats have wildly contrasting digestive systems. For example, the small intestine of a cat is shorter than a dog’s, which allows for quicker digestion time. The WALTHAM Center for Pet Nutrition found that cats have a smaller cecum than dogs; they also have different gastric mucosa. Another difference is that dogs are omnivores, while cats are carnivorous. This means that cats need to survive off fat and protein, while dogs can eat anything including fruits, vegetables, protein, and meat.

Digestion begins in the mouth, and if you compare the teeth of cats and dogs, the dog has molars that help chop plant material, while cats don’t have these teeth. The differences in diet, physiology, and anatomy are the reason why most veterinarians believe that probiotics benefit cats more than they benefit dogs.

Can Human Probiotics be Given to Cats?

There aren’t any studies that highlight the dangers of giving human probiotic supplements to cats. However, it is recommended by veterinarians that you should only give your cats products that are designed for it. The large and small intestine of a cat has microflora, which is vastly different from humans. This is why you shouldn’t think that cats will benefit from human probiotics.

The Types of Cat Probiotics

Various types of cat probiotics are available in pill and powder form so they can be mixed into treats. If you want to achieve the biggest benefits out of cat probiotic supplements, you should choose the highest CFU that is available. You should also get different types, so that you have an extensive range of probiotics, and aren’t relying on only one bacteria type.

The probiotic strains that are most beneficial to cats are those that come from the Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium families. The Bifidobacterium lives inside the small intestine, while enterococcus tends to live in the colon. So, every strain tends to have a different function for promoting health. Enterococcus helps in maintaining colonic health and normal feces formation, while Bifidobacterium helps with digestion.

You’ll benefit a lot by buying products that have additional bacterial strains, but there can be about five different types of Enterococcus or Bifidobacterium around.

Risks Associated with Cat Probiotics

There are rarely any adverse effects in cats that have consumed probiotics. However, cat owners should still select probiotic brands carefully. There are hardly any regulations in the supplement industry, and since there isn’t any governing agency, which demands that a company prove its label claims for strains and amounts, you must be careful about what you buy for your cat.

More oversight is required for manufacturers of human supplements obviously when compared to veterinary supplements. However, oversight is provided by one veterinary organization, National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). If you’re buying cat probiotics, you should buy one that comes with the NASC label or buy from an organization that is already producing human foods and supplements, to ensure higher quality.

At the end of the day, it’s mostly about what gives your pet the greatest benefit, because there are a lot of things that are still unknown about normal flora population and probiotics in animals. Every animal will react differently to a product which is why you should try out different kinds of probiotics and watch for the results to take full advantage.

Picking Probiotics for Your Cat

When it comes to picking cat probiotics, there is no magic formula that will help you make the right choice. However, it’s also not about trial and error since you can seriously endanger the life of your pet by giving them the wrong kind of supplement. Therefore, it is important that you read up about cat flora and learn about probiotics for cats. To help you make the right choice, here are some of the things you must keep in mind when picking probiotics for your cat:

• Buy human-grade probiotics

• Search for various bacterial strains

• Choose an enteric-coated capsule probiotic

• Choose an alternative approach if your pet is suffering from chronic digestive issues

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Caring for Your Senior Dog

As a responsible pet owner, looking after your dog properly through every stage of his or her life is part of the job description. As our dogs start to age, they tend to slow down and usually face issues with their health. This can be a sad and distressing situation, but luckily for you, there are many ways we can help our canine companions age gracefully. To help you along your journey, we have highlighted some of the main things you need to consider when you are caring for a senior dog. Just because they are old, it doesn’t mean that they have changed. Deep down, they are still the young pup you first fell in love with. When looked after well, you will still be able to see that playful, cheeky side to your pet; he/she may be a little slower and more gray, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t happy.

Diet Alterations

No matter how old your dog is, having a healthy diet is very important for their health. During their lifetime, you will learn what they like and dislike and how they store and retain their weight. As dogs get older, they slow down, can’t exercise as much, and their metabolism will slow down. This can lead to your dog gaining weight, which comes with a range of health issues. However, your dog’s eating habits can go the opposite way. Some dogs become fussier and less willing to eat with age. This can be due to bad or lack of teeth, being uncomfortable or just losing their appetite due to a bit of confusion or dementia. So, make sure you adjust your dog’s diet as they age, as it is important for their weight as well as other health conditions.

Exercise

Exercising your dog is essential for good health. As your pet ages, the amount of exercise they can participate in will change. You should avoid hard, long walks on uneven surfaces as this can cause joint pain and stiffness. Dogs are very good at hiding pain, so you need to make sure you are careful not to push them too hard as they age. The best way to exercise your senior dog is to take them on short walks around 3-4 times a day. This keeps the weight off, allows them to rest in between outings, and keeps their joints from seizing up.

Regular Trips to the Vets

Even if your dog hates the vet, making sure you visit them at least every six months is a vital habit you should develop as your dog gets older. Regular health screens are crucial for detecting disease or illness early enough to treat it effectively. Routine tests will help your vet know what the normal levels are for your dog, which will make it easier for them to spot changes that may need treatment. As mentioned previously, many dogs are professionals at hiding their pain, but a vet will know whether they need treatment and they will also be able to advise you on ways to make them age more comfortably.

Oral Health

Increasing the amount of attention that you pay to your dog’s dental care is necessary as they age. This is another reason you need to see your vet often because they will be able to detect early development of dental disease and will be able to recommend ways for you to either stop it or improve it. The best way to improve your dog’s dental health is to provide them with raw, natural bones to chomp on. Not only is this a nice treat, but it is a very effective way to clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath.

Supplements

There is a range of supplements available to help with the aging process of your dog. They help support joint mobility and flexibility and the function of your pet’s circulatory and digestive system. Although supplements aren’t essential, they are highly advised. They can have a great impact on your pet’s health and can ultimately lengthen their lifespan and make them more comfortable for longer. There are many natural products on the market that help to keep your dog calm, reduce inflammation, and support heart and brain health. One of these products is hemp dog treats. There are many other supplements in a treat, paste, and tablet form. To know what is best for your dog, speak to your vet.

Regular Grooming

The cute, puppy-like appearance of many dogs comes with long fur that needs to be maintained regularly. You should always make sure that your senior dog is well groomed. Not only will it make them more content, but it reduces the amount of time it takes during a grooming session. Also, dogs can become smelly in their old age. Grooming sessions can make older dogs uncomfortable due to having to stand for long periods of time and they can be stressful for some pets. Bathing your dog every 4 weeks, getting long-haired dogs fully groomed every 8 weeks, alongside brushing them on a daily/weekly basis is the best way to keep your dog well-groomed and comfortable. If you worry about a professional grooming your senior pet, you can try to take on the job yourself. If you decide to take that route, then make sure you do a lot of research and ask a professional for tips to reduce hurting your pet or ruining their coat.

TLC

Patience and showing compassion towards your older pet should not be underestimated as they age. With old age comes hearing difficulties, sight loss, and bathroom accidents. Senior dogs are especially attuned to their owners and will treasure their touch and presence. Having your voice, touch, and presence for their emotional well-being and mental health is essential. So, be patient and give them as much love as you possibly can. To summarize, you need to make sure you are sensitive to all changes that you will come across as your pet gets older. Even the most subtle change can indicate a significant health problem. So, be alert and speak to your vet if you are worried. Whatever you do, make sure you are there for them during the time they need you the most.

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