Yorkshire Terriers are small but bold terriers that often bark at unfamiliar people or noises and may posture toward larger dogs; many are “one‑family” dogs and can be aloof during check‑in. Owners may describe them as very vocal, protective, or “shaky” when stressed, and housetraining challenges can color reports of accidents. Busy lobbies, separation from their person, and close face/feet handling can heighten reactivity—note preferences for a quieter room, limited dog‑to‑dog contact, and owner‑present handling when possible. If a caller mentions collapse, labored breathing, or pale/white gums, treat that as an emergency and alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Many Yorkies are vocal and a bit wary with strangers or other dogs. Would you prefer we take you straight to a quiet room and keep you together during handling? Are there areas your dog dislikes being touched (face, ears, feet) that we should note? If you notice collapse, trouble breathing, or gums that look pale/white at any point, please tell me right away so we can alert the medical team immediately.
Yorkshire Terriers are overrepresented in tracheal collapse among toy breeds (often showing a honking cough and exercise- or excitement‑related breathing effort); sudden blue gums, severe breathing distress, collapse, or fainting are emergencies. They have a strong breed link to congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts and related microvascular dysplasia, which can appear as poor growth, intermittent disorientation or behavior changes after meals, vomiting, or urinary stones. Orthopedic risks seen more often in Yorkies include patellar luxation and Legg–Calvé–Perthes–type hip disease, which may show as skipping steps or hind‑limb lameness in young dogs. As a toy breed, they face early, high rates of periodontal (dental) disease. Puppies can develop hypoglycemia, and adult Yorkies are predisposed to diabetes; tremors, seizures, profound lethargy, or unresponsiveness are urgent signs to flag immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Yorkshire Terrier—this breed is prone to airway (tracheal collapse), liver shunts, knee/hip issues, and early dental disease. If you’re noticing a honking cough with breathing effort, blue or gray gums, collapse, seizures, or odd behavior after meals, please tell me right away—if happening now, this is an emergency and you should go to the nearest veterinary ER. Otherwise, we can arrange a prompt exam and note these breed risks in the chart. We won’t diagnose here at the desk, but we’ll make sure the medical team is prepared.
Yorkshire Terriers are small, long‑lived companions that do well with short daily walks, regular professional grooming, and consistent dental care. Common issues to ask about include honking cough or noisy breathing (toy breeds are prone to tracheal collapse), dental disease/retained baby teeth, loose kneecaps, and congenital liver conditions seen in some Yorkies (portosystemic shunts/microvascular dysplasia). Same‑day attention is recommended for a puppy that’s very sleepy, wobbly, not eating, or has seizures (possible hypoglycemia), or for any Yorkie with breathing effort, collapse, or blue/gray gums—treat breathing distress as an emergency.
Front desk script: Yorkies often need frequent dental care and routine grooming; brief daily walks are usually enough. If you’re calling about a honking cough, trouble breathing, extreme sleepiness or wobbliness in a puppy, seizures, or collapse, we recommend a same‑day exam; if breathing is labored or the gums look blue/gray, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now. Otherwise, I can schedule the next available appointment and note any breed‑specific concerns for the doctor.
Yorkshire Terriers often prompt front‑desk calls for: a dry, “goose‑honk” cough or noisy breathing with excitement or leash pulling (toy‑breed trachea sensitivity); bad breath and visible tartar typical of small breeds; brief “skipping” hind‑limb lameness episodes (kneecap instability risk seen in toy breeds); and persistent itch, red ears, or ear debris consistent with allergic skin/ear disease seen in terriers. Escalate immediately if the dog is struggling to breathe, gums/tongue look blue or gray, or there is collapse/fainting; arrange same‑day care for toy‑breed puppies that are very sleepy or not eating, for repeated vomiting/diarrhea, or for sudden inability to bear weight.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Yorkie—let me ask a few quick triage questions. Is the cough a honking sound, and is your dog having trouble breathing right now? Are the gums pink or turning blue/gray; any fainting, vomiting/diarrhea, appetite or energy changes, or sudden limping (especially in puppies under 6 months)? If breathing is difficult, gums look blue/gray, or your dog collapsed, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now; otherwise we recommend a same‑day exam and can schedule you.
Yorkshire Terriers have a single, fine, silky coat that grows continuously and sheds minimally; without frequent brushing (daily or every 1–2 days) it tangles and mats—especially around ears, armpits, and the sanitary area—so most owners opt for regular professional grooming and shorter pet trims. Keep hair tied or trimmed away from eyes to prevent irritation, and confirm any past sensitivities to shampoos or topical products before services. Front desk should help owners plan routine grooming/bath cycles and hygiene checks. Escalate if red flags arise: sudden hives/facial swelling or breathing changes after a bath/product exposure (emergency), or painful mats with skin sores or foul odor (same-day veterinary evaluation).
Front desk script: Yorkies need frequent home brushing and regular professional grooming; many families schedule every 6–8 weeks or choose a shorter pet trim for easier upkeep. Would you like us to set a recurring groom and note any product sensitivities or coat-length preferences? If you ever see hives, facial swelling, or trouble breathing after a bath/product, go to an emergency hospital now and call us on the way. If there are painful mats or skin sores, we’ll arrange a same-day veterinary exam.
Yorkshire Terriers (toy breed) are frequently routed for: (1) airway concerns—breed-prone tracheal collapse presents as a honking cough or cough with excitement/exercise; (2) congenital liver vascular anomalies (portosystemic shunt/microvascular dysplasia)—young/small dogs may have intermittent disorientation or odd behavior, especially around meals, poor growth, or urinary issues; (3) orthopedic “skipping” rear-limb lameness suggestive of patellar luxation; and (4) earlier dental care needs than large breeds (expect earlier dental evaluations). Front-desk intake should ask age, onset/duration, breathing effort, gum/tongue color, exposure to other dogs (boarding/daycare) for cough, and whether episodes occur after eating; book same-day for cough/honking or concerning neurologic episodes in young Yorkies. Escalate immediately if open-mouth/effortful breathing, blue/pale gums, collapse, or seizures are reported.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Yorkshire Terrier—this breed is prone to airway coughs and some congenital liver issues, so I’ll ask a few quick questions to route you correctly. Is your dog having trouble breathing, blue or pale gums, collapse, or seizures? If yes, that’s an emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now. If no, for honking coughs or concerning episodes in a young Yorkie, we’ll schedule a same-day doctor visit; please bring any videos and a list of foods/medications.
Yorkshire Terriers are long‑lived toy dogs (often 14–16 years), so scheduling needs shift by stage: Puppy (birth–12 months)—book vaccine/parasite visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks, confirm microchip/spay‑neuter timing, and schedule a 6‑month mouth check because small breeds commonly retain baby teeth; Adult (1–9 years)—plan annual wellness with weight and dental checks; owners often ask about routine cleanings, occasional “skipping” hind‑leg gait (patellar luxation) and airway sensitivity (tracheal “honking” cough), so guide to exams as needed; Senior (10+ years)—shift to twice‑yearly visits with recommended screening labs and watch for cough/honking, exercise intolerance, weight or behavior changes. Escalate immediately for any goose‑honk cough with breathing effort, blue/gray gums, collapse, or in puppies any extreme lethargy, wobbly gait, or seizures (possible hypoglycemia)—advise emergency care now.
Front desk script: To get the right plan, may I confirm your Yorkie’s age? For puppies, we schedule booster visits every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks and a 6‑month dental eruption check; adults come yearly, and seniors (10+ years) come every six months with screening labs. If you’re hearing a ‘goose‑honk’ cough with labored breathing, seeing blue gums or collapse, or a puppy is suddenly very weak, wobbly, or seizing, please go to the emergency clinic now and I can alert the team.
Yorkshire Terriers frequently present with small‑airway sensitivity (honking cough/tracheal collapse risk), are overrepresented for congenital liver shunts, are toy‑breed puppies prone to hypoglycemia, and commonly develop significant dental tartar. At check‑in, ask about cough character (honking/worse with excitement), breathing effort at rest, fainting, or blue/pale gums—if any are occurring now, this is an emergency and the client should come in immediately or go to the nearest ER. For puppies or very small adults, confirm time of last meal and screen for wobbliness, tremors, or seizures—treat as an emergency if present. Set expectations that this breed often needs proactive dental evaluation; ask about bad breath, difficulty chewing, or oral pain, and flag for the clinician. If owners report poor growth or neurologic signs around meals (staring, pacing, seizures), alert the doctor for same‑day assessment for possible liver concerns.
Front desk script: “Yorkies can have sensitive airways and are prone to dental buildup. Are you noticing a honking cough, trouble breathing at rest, blue or pale gums, collapse, wobbliness, tremors, or seizures?” If any of those are happening now, this is an emergency—please come in immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency hospital. “For puppies, when was the last meal, and have you noticed low energy or unsteadiness? I’ll note any concerns for the doctor so we can plan today’s exam accordingly.”
Yorkshire Terriers benefit from proactive scheduling for common breed risks: early periodontal disease (book a dental check/cleaning by 1 year and set 6–12 month reminders); airway concerns from tracheal collapse (ask about a “honking” cough or exercise intolerance and flag for sooner evaluation); congenital liver shunt risk in young Yorkies (flag poor growth or odd behavior after meals and confirm if the doctor wants pre-anesthetic liver screening); and patellar luxation (schedule an exam for new skipping/limping). Toy-breed puppies can also have low blood sugar—prefer morning puppy slots and confirm they’ve eaten. If there is trouble breathing, blue/pale gums, collapse, or seizures, direct the client to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Because Yorkies often face early dental, airway, liver-shunt, and kneecap issues, we recommend twice-yearly wellness visits and an early dental cleaning (often by 1 year). For puppies, we’ll book morning appointments and confirm they’ve eaten beforehand. If you notice a honking cough, any breathing trouble, blue/pale gums, collapse, or seizures, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now. For new skipping/limping or unusual behavior after meals in a young Yorkie, request a same-day appointment.
Yorkshire Terriers are bright, affectionate, and often vocal; many are wary in clinics, so use calm, minimal restraint. Handling: avoid neck pressure (prefer a harness over slip leads) and use a non‑slip surface or have the owner hold if anxious. What matters most at intake: airway sensitivity (toy breeds are prone to tracheal collapse—owners may report a dry, “honking” cough or exertional/excitement‑triggered coughing); high dental burden typical of small breeds; breed predisposition to congenital liver shunting/microvascular dysplasia (young, small, poor growth or intermittent neurologic/behavioral episodes); and small‑breed orthopedic issues like patellar luxation or Legg‑Calvé‑Perthes causing intermittent “skipping” lameness. Escalate immediately if blue/gray gums, severe breathing effort, fainting, or in puppies under ~6 months any collapse, seizures, or non‑responsiveness (treat as an emergency).
Front desk script: Thanks for bringing in your Yorkie—we’ll keep handling gentle and avoid any neck pressure while checking in. Have you noticed a honking cough, breathing trouble, dental concerns, poor growth or odd ‘staring’ episodes, or intermittent skipping lameness? If you are seeing blue or pale gums, severe breathing effort, fainting, or a very young pup with tremors or collapse right now, please tell me immediately so we can alert the medical team—this would be an emergency.
Yorkshire Terriers (toy breed) often arrive with dense coats and dental buildup/retained baby teeth, and are predisposed to tracheal collapse (honking cough—use a body harness, avoid neck pressure), patellar luxation (intermittent “skipping” hind‑limb gait), and congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt/microvascular dysplasia (poor growth, dullness or disorientation after meals). Toy puppies may also develop stress‑related hypoglycemia after missed meals. For intake/placement, favor calm homes with gentle handling and regular grooming; book an early wellness and dental check. If you observe labored or rapid breathing, blue/pale gums, seizures, repeated collapse, or persistent vomiting, direct the adopter to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Yorkies are small and can be delicate; if you notice a honking cough, a ‘skipping’ back‑leg gait, or a puppy that seems weak or wobbly, please call us—same‑day evaluation is best. Use a harness instead of a neck collar. If the dog has trouble breathing, shows blue or pale gums, or has a seizure, go to the nearest emergency clinic now. We also recommend scheduling an early post‑adoption wellness and dental check.
Yorkshire Terriers are bright, vocal, and often strongly attached to their person; they may be wary of strangers, bark readily, and can posture toward larger dogs. At check‑in, ask about triggers (other dogs approaching, handling around head/feet) and note any history of honking cough or breathing difficulty; seat them in a low‑traffic area or offer car waiting and move to an exam room promptly. Request a secure harness and short lead (avoid neck pressure) and keep distance from larger dogs. For handoff, communicate observed triggers, tolerance for separation from owner, and whether the pet settled with treats/quiet room. If you observe persistent honking cough, open‑mouth breathing, blue/gray gums, collapse, or marked distress, immediately alert medical staff and route to the treatment area.
Front desk script: Hi! Yorkies can be energetic and a bit vocal around new people and big dogs. Would you prefer a quieter spot or to wait in your car while we prep a room? Please keep them on a secure harness and close to you; we’ll get you into an exam room as soon as it opens. If you notice any honking cough or trouble breathing today, tell me right away so I can alert the medical team.
Yorkshire Terriers are prone to airway collapse, toy-breed hypoglycemia, and congenital portosystemic shunts. Escalate immediately for any breathing distress, harsh “honking” cough with blue/gray gums, collapse, or fainting (treat as an emergency). Escalate immediately for sudden lethargy, wobbliness, tremors, confusion, seizures, or collapse—especially in puppies or if not eating/with vomiting/diarrhea (risk of hypoglycemia). Arrange same-day clinician assessment for episodic neurologic signs after meals, failure to thrive/small stature, or urinary issues suggestive of urate stones (possible liver shunt). Any known or suspected toxin exposure (e.g., xylitol gum, chocolate, human medications) warrants emergency escalation and poison-control/ER direction.
Front desk script: If a Yorkie has trouble breathing, a honking cough with blue/gray gums, collapses, or faints, this is an emergency—advise the client to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now. If a puppy or small adult Yorkie is suddenly lethargic, wobbly, twitching, confused, or seizing—especially if they haven’t eaten or have vomiting/diarrhea—this is an emergency and needs immediate in-hospital care. If a young Yorkie shows neurologic signs after meals or is very small for age, we will schedule a same-day clinician exam. Any suspected toxin ingestion (xylitol, chocolate, human meds) requires immediate ER escalation or APCC guidance.