So you've finally done it, and are now the proud owner of a Yorkshire terrier. You spent months researching all the facts on Yorkshire terriers you could find, selected the breeder from whom you bought your puppy with the greatest care, and read volumes about Yorkshire terrier training and Yorkshire terrier grooming. You could write an award-winning essay on the topic of "How do I give a Yorkshire terrier a haircut?"

So you should be as capable as any new Yorkie owner of handling the little adjustments which come when introducing a new dog into one's life. But one thing for which your months of conscientious study did not prepare you was how to handle a Yorkie who is plagued with dry skin.

Yorkshire terrier dry skin can be caused by any of several factors, and before you can fix the problem you need to know which of the causes is responsible for it. First, ask yourself if your Yorkshire terrier seems to be scratching a particular area, because dry skin accompanied by itching can mean either an allergy or an infestation of fleas or other parasites. The causes of itchy Yorkshire terrier dry skin really should be diagnosed by a vet, because a parasitic infection can cause serious health problems in addition to dry itchy skin.

If your dog has flaking skin, but doesn't seem bothered by an itch, stop and assess your grooming practices. Perhaps the shampoo or coat conditioner you have chosen is the culprit, and the condition will clear up as soon as you make a switch. An oatmeal-based shampoo can do wonders for Yorkshire terrier dry skin! If Your Yorkie's dry skin seems confined to only one small area, you can try alleviating it with a topical ointment.

Yorkshire terrier dry skin can also be caused by a diet deficient in the right kinds of fatty acids. All dogs need adequate amounts of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which can be found in cold water fish. By adding a fatty acid supplement to your Yorkie's food, you will eliminate the dry skin and be rewarded with an exceptionally glossy coat as well!