The Best Shampoo for Yorkies with Sensitive Skin
Unlike other dogs, your little Yorkie has hair and not fur. The difference between hair and fur is that hair is softer, it does not stop growing and you have to take care of it on a regular basis. However, most Yorkshire Terriers have dry and sensitive skin, so you need to pick the right cleaning products if you don’t want to make the situation even worse.
According to the groomers, the top 4 qualities that you need to pay close attention to when choosing a shampoo for your Yorkies are:
- The ability to extract excessive body oils
- The right pH balance
- Good moisturizing qualities
- Optional: neutral / natural smell
Each of these qualities are equally important and let me explain to you why…
#1 Ability to extract body oils
The best shampoo should be able to extract or remove body oils from your Yorkshire Terrier’s hair.
Yorkies tend to produce natural body oils and these oils act as natural moisturizers as well as skin protectors. The oil produced does not evaporate and tend to accumulate over time. Moreover, it’s pretty difficult to remove these oils using water only, so you need to use the right shampoo. The right shampoo for Yorkies is the one that can easily extract these body oils away and moisture the hair. Even though most shampoo brandsstate that they have moisturizing abilities I would strongly suggest using hair conditioner. You will find more information about hair conditioners for Yorkies below.
#2 Suitable pH balance
All shampoos irrespective of their price tag have a pH balance. Whether it is good shampoo or bad shampoo you can tell by the pH value.
The right pH balance for a good shampoo is ranging between 6.5 and 7.5. It means that this shampoo is neutral.
Check your shampoo’s pH balance now, because if the pH balance fails to fall within the range of 6.5-7.5 it can cause skin irritation, peeling, or rashes. Furthermore, it might mutilate the hair follicles thus leading to the coat vulnerability to harsh weather conditions.
#3 Moisturizing qualities
Yorkie’s skin is more delicate than human skin and so are the hairs that make up the coat.
It is essential that any shampoo that you use has the necessary componentsto properly moisturize the skin. From my own experience, aloe and almond oil are the ingredients that moisturize the skin the most. It is easy to get fooled because some shampoos often feel moist and oily, but after you use them on your dog, those features tend to disappear and make the skin dry.
#4 Smell & fragrance
One of the best things about Yorkshire Terrier skin and hair is that it does not smell like other dogs. However, if you (or your Yorkshire terrier) are sensitive to smells, choose the shampoo that has a neutral smell. Some shampoos have natural fragrances like peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree oil that has a pretty neutral smell.
3 Ingredients that you need to avoid in Yorkie’s shampoo & conditioner
There are many ingredients that you should avoid, but these 3 ingredients are the most harmful ones:
- ⛔️ Petroleum – you might think that there is no way that you can find petroleum in your dog’s shampoo but believe me it is very common! And yes, it’s the same petroleum that makes gasoline. Why it’s so important to avoid it? Petroleum blocks your dog’s pores and disrupts your Yorkie’s natural ability to moisturize his hair and skin.
- ⛔️ Parabens – the worst thing that parabens does for your dog is that it can cause cancer.
- ⛔️ Sodium laureth sulfate
Top 5 Shampoos for Yorkies
Here is the quick list of my top 5 shampoos for Yorkies. If you would like to see the in-depth review, read below this table
#1 Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Pet Shampoo
If you are looking for a professional shampoo that is the number 1 choice for professional groomers, you should definitely get this shampoo. Professionals love it for its capabilities to clean, add texture, and leave awonderful long-lasting fragrance. It is enriched with Aloe Vera, Vitamins, and Silk Proteins which enhanceits conditioning power, leaving the hair more manageable and with a brilliant sheen.Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Pet Shampoo is specially designed for the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
PROS
I love this shampoo because it’s a shampoo that my Yorkie’s groomer use + it has really nice smell. When I wash my dog with this shampoo it reminds me of the smell when my dog comes back from the groomer.
Check this shampoo on Amazon >>>
#2All Natural and Hypoallergenic 4-Legger Shampoo
My number two choice is 4 Legger shampoo that is made from all organic ingredients (oatmeal). It is non-GMO oatmeal and it’s not chemically altered. This shampoo has anti-itch, moisturizing, and anti-irritant qualities. Moreover, it contains aloe vera, coconut, jojoba, and olive oils. All the necessary ingredients to make your Yorkies hair and skin moisturized.
PROS
I love this shampoo for its natural ingredients. It’s detergent-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free. It’s one of the best shampoos for Yorkies!
Check this shampoo on Amazon >>>
#3 Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner
This Pro Pet Works shampoo is my choice number three. The same as 4 Legger shampoo it’s made from oatmeal and all organic ingredients. It has no added colors, alcohol, or harsh chemicals. It contains aloe vera and almonds oil to make your dog’s hair shiny and smooth.
PROS
If you or your dog are smell sensitive, you should consider this shampoo. It has no fragrance at all! Moreover, Pro Pet Works shampoo has the right PH balance for your Yorkie’s sensitive skin. This is the best shampoo for Yorkies with sensitive skin.
Check this shampoo on Amazon >>>
#4Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
To be honest, I haven’t tried this shampoo yet, but I’ve heard good responses from people who did. It doesn’t contain any perfumes, harsh chemicals, or DEA. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is made from oatmeal and has really good moisturizing qualities!
PROS
According to the information that the manufacturer provides, this shampoo treats oily hair and heals irritable itching. If you tried this shampoo, please leave a comment below!
Check this shampoo on Amazon >>>
#5Paws & Pals Natural Dog-Shampoo And Conditioner
This shampoo is quite popular among Yorkie owners. I haven’t used this shampoo but I’ve heard really good reviews from people who used it. The manufacturer claims that this shampoo has a tear-free soapless formula, that does not irritate your dog’s eyes or nose.
If your Yorkie has sensitive eyes area, I would recommend trying this shampoo.
Check this shampoo on Amazon >>>
In addition to shampoo, it’s necessary to use hair conditioner
The right conditioner will easily blend with the shampoo, providing the same restorative and soothing benefits gained during a wash. Furthermore, the best hair conditioner for Yorkies has to have the ability to be adequately washed away when rinsed. Some cheap hair conditioners stick to the dog even after properly rinsing it with lots of water and are produced with cheap oily ingredients. Though using these conditioners will make your Yorkie look good for a couple of days, it will block the proper flow of air around the coat thereby covering the natural shine. Below are the best hair conditioners for Yorkies that me and my friends use:
Benefits of Using Quality Leave-in Coat Sprays
One outstanding product that is most often ignored by a good number of dog owners is a quality leave-in-spritz. Most often these products are packed with lots of elements that are of great benefit to a Yorkie all year round.
After bathing your dog, applying an outstanding shampoo and conditioner is one proper way to offer a healthy foundation. However, what happens to those 3 weeks in between, what is the best way to take care of the coat and skin?
Well, this happens to be where the use of a leave-in coat product becomes handy.
A good coat spray will provide the following benefits:
1. Safeguard the Yorkie against dry air during winter
During winters, the dry air associated with the prolonged cold weather could have some adverse effects on the Yorkie. Its skin can become very dry with its hair losing its moisture. Using spirits would be a perfect idea as it has the ability to fight against such damaging effects all through winter.
2. Provide protection during summer.
Despite the fact that it is advisable to take your Yorkie out for regular exercise, frequent exposure of its skin to the sun could damage its skin and also create black spots. Hence, it’s advisable to make use of any suitable basic coat spray, as it will add a protective layer to its skin.
3. Aids in protecting the coat against friction, spilt ends, static.
Each time something comes in contact with the coat, there is an addition of a layer which most often leads to the separation or breakage of the hair strands. A good spritz should be able to prevent these damages.
4. Work hand-in-hand when brushing.
Avoid brushing a Yorkie’s coat dry; rather make use of a light mist of a leave-in for proper grooming.
5. Add shine.
Though a coat spray will be capable of providing all the above-mentioned benefits, it will also create a healthier coat.
6. Extras of a fresh scent
When you apply a good leave-in on your Yorkie, it will be able to perceive that it has just been shampooed. Hence, you should endeavor to go for products with a clean fragrance.
7. Thwart mats.
Am pretty certain you would understand the benefits attached to the prevention of tangles if your Yorkie has a medium long coat. Hence a good leave-in will certainly keep the hairs from knotting.
8. Aid in repulsing dirt and debris
Fine particles are always picked up by the coat. Some of these elements include pollen, grass, dirt, lint and carpet fibers. The leave-in will act as an obstacle thereby preventing these elements from sticking to the coat.
9. Perfect for all coat lengths
Irrespective of your Yorkie’s hair length, a leave-in is essential. If your Yorkie has little or no hair, a leave-in spirtz is important as it will aid in maintaining proper strength and health of the coat.
You might also be interested in my article:How to bathe a yorkie?
Approved Shampoo and Conditioner for the Yorkshire Terrier
They do not contain any DEA, phosphates, synthetic dyes, parabens or perfumes. I’ve tried all of them and I can honestly recommend it to your yorkie:
FAQs
What is the best shampoo to use on my Yorkie? ›
- Bobbi Panter Soothing Dog Shampoo.
- Oliver's Choice Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal and Aloe.
- TropiClean Shampoos for Pets.
- Pro Pet Works All Natural & Organic Oatmeal Shampoo + Conditioner.
- Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Totally Natural Pet Shampoo.
- Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs.
One of the easiest wins when it comes to bathing a Yorkie puppy is using a high-quality shampoo. You will find this not only gets your pup cleaner but will also be far gentler on Yorkie skin, reduce dryness and irritation, and will leave the coat softer and healthier looking.
Should I use conditioner on my Yorkie? ›If your dog has a longer coat (breeds like Maltese, Yorkie, and Afghan Hounds), then it may be prone to matting and tangles. Using a conditioner will not only make your dog's coat healthier, it will also make removing matting and tangles a lot easier so that the after-bath brush out will be a breeze.
Can I use Dawn dish soap to wash my Yorkie? ›"Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice to bathe your dog in rare circumstances, but it is not recommended as a regular shampoo." Your dog's skin can be sensitive to allergies, have different coat conditions, and even different pH levels than human skin, so this strong soap can be very irritating to their skin.
Can you wash a Yorkie with Dawn dish soap? ›The quick answer is no, it's not safe to wash your dog with dish soap. Risius Family Veterinary Service, a vet clinic in Eldridge, Iowa, warns that “bathing in dish soap often leads to a skin infection.” “Skin infections in pets can be very itchy and painful,” the vet clinic adds.
Why does my Yorkie stink even after a bath? ›External irritants, allergens, burns, or bacterial/viral/parasitic/fungal infections can all be present. If your dog still smells after a bath, is excessively scratching or licking, has a lot of scaling, or is rubbing his/herself on the carpet, take them to a vet as soon as possible.
How often should a Yorkie be groomed? ›“Keeping the coat clean is key to growing a healthy, long coat.” Yorkies should be trimmed every four to six weeks, either by a professional groomer or this can be taken care of by owners themselves.
Can I give my Yorkie a bath every week? ›This means that they should be bathed regularly. Usually for small breeds, once per week to once every 3 weeks is enough, depending on how long and how dirty their coat gets.
Do Yorkies need special shampoo? ›All shampoos (from cheap to fantastic) have a pH balance. And if the pH balance does not match what your Yorkie needs, it can be damaging to both skin and coat. Canines have a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. And finding a shampoo that matches this is vitally important for breeds like the Yorkie that have coats of hair.
How do you dry a Yorkie after a bath? ›...
Hairdryer
- Use your dryer on its lowest setting.
- Keep the nozzle a couple of inches away from your dog's fur.
- Always keep the nozzle in motion to avoid concentrating the heat in one spot on your canine.
How do you keep a Yorkies hair clean? ›
- Give a bath every 3 weeks using a quality shampoo that effectively removes body oils while being gentle on the skin and coat.
- Do body touch-ups with a grooming wipe.
- Regularly brush your Yorkie, no matter the coat length.
- Use a leave-in spritz when you brush.
- Wipe your Yorkie's face daily.
Bathe for Beauty
Brush your dog before bathing to remove any tangles in the coat. Use a good shampoo made for dogs and bathe in lukewarm water, never hot or cold. Follow with a canine conditioner made for Yorkie hair and thoroughly rinse the dog with warm water.
When you brush your Yorkie, massage their skin with the brush while you are pulling it through their coat. By doing this, you stimulate their hair follicles, which is what gets dirt off the skin and really adds shine to their coat. You could get a brush with boar bristles, too.
Is baby shampoo good for dogs? ›Often, baby shampoo is the perfect alternative to dog shampoo, especially if your pup has sensitive skin. While dog-tors often do not recommend people shampoo for pooches, baby shampoo is designed with a gentle formula that is mild and safe for your dog.
What can I wash my dog with if I don't have dog shampoo? ›- Human baby shampoo is probably the most popular dog shampoo substitute. ...
- Dish soap is a common dog shampoo substitute. ...
- White vinegar is a great way to get rid of any lingering odors on your dog. ...
- Baking soda can be used to freshen up your dog's coat.
Baby shampoo is generally a better option than regular shampoo as it is clear, odourless and gentle. If your dog has particularly sensitive skin, baby shampoo can be a good choice to combat this as it contains milder ingredients than regular shampoos.
Can I wash my dog with Johnson's baby shampoo? ›Baby shampoo, such as Johnson and Johnson, may be used on dogs. Baby shampoo is typically gentle and free from harsh and irritating ingredients. It also has the added benefit of being “tear free,” meaning it will not damage a dog's eyes if a small amount is inadvertently splashed into them.
Can I wash my dog with baking soda and vinegar? ›Baking soda works to remove odors from your dog's skin and fur. The baking soda paste should be applied before the shampoo and can be washed off as you lather homemade dog shampoo and then rinse both items off the dog with warm water. In a big spray bottle, put 2 cups of warm water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Should I use dawn on my dog? ›Dawn is not the best shampoo product for dogs with bacterial skin infections, and it's not labeled for canine or feline use, he says. Instead, you should opt for a product designed specifically for pets, says Dr. Reeder.
How often should Yorkies be bathed? ›That also doesn't take into consideration those Yorkies that have skin allergies or sensitive skin. In addition, frequent bathing can make their skin feel itchy, dry, and overall irritated. Therefore, it's best to stick to bathing your Yorkie no more than twice a month.
What can I give my Yorkie for itchy skin? ›
Antihistamines and corticosteroids are commonly given to reduce inflammation and itchiness. Furthermore, sometimes they recommend topical sprays, i.e. cyclosporine, when irritation is widespread and fast relief is crucial.
Do Yorkies drink lots of water? ›The amount of water that a Yorkie needs will vary depending on his activity level, health status, how much water is present in the food that he eats and the temperature of his environment. With this said, the general guideline for toy breed dogs is 1 to 1.5 ounces for each pound of body weight.
Do you have to walk a Yorkie everyday? ›A Yorkshire Terrier should be taken for a walk at least 1 time per day. Taking two walks per day is best; with one in the morning and one in the early evening. It does not matter at what time during the day an owner chooses to do this, however it is best if the walks are taken at the same time each day.
At what age is a Yorkie considered a senior? ›The Senior. There is no steadfast rule or official age that a Yorkie is considered to be a senior. However, for toy breed dogs, the age will be some time between 8 and 10 years old.
Can you bathe a Yorkie every week? ›This means that they should be bathed regularly. Usually for small breeds, once per week to once every 3 weeks is enough, depending on how long and how dirty their coat gets.