How do I adjust my Yorkshire Terrier's care for changing daylight?
Adjust your Yorkie's care with these 5 steps as daylight changes throughout the year.
Summer Heat
Keep your Yorkie cool during summer with temperatures above 85°F (29°C) being unsafe. Provide shade and fresh water at all times.
Avoid exercising your Yorkie during the hottest parts of the day, which is typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. Opt for early morning or evening walks.
Consider using a cooling mat or a fan to help regulate their body temperature.
Ensure your Yorkie has access to shade and water during outdoor activities, even on cooler days.
- Keep temperatures below 85°F (29°C)
- Provide shade and fresh water
- Avoid midday exercise
- Use cooling mats or fans
- Ensure shade and water during outdoor activities
Winter Temperature and Daylight
In winter, maintain a comfortable indoor temperature of 70°F (21°C) to 75°F (24°C) for your Yorkie. They can be sensitive to cold drafts.
Reduce exercise during extreme cold, as temperatures below freezing can be dangerous. Aim for shorter, indoor walks.
Use a humidifier to combat dry indoor air, which can lead to skin issues.
Consider using a sweater or coat for extra warmth during walks, especially if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).
- Keep indoor temperature between 70°F (21°C) and 75°F (24°C)
- Reduce exercise in extreme cold
- Use a humidifier
- Consider a sweater or coat for walks below 50°F (10°C)
Seasonal Hazards
Be cautious of holiday plants like poinsettias and holly, which can be toxic to dogs. Keep them out of reach.
G guests may bring unfamiliar scents and foods, so supervise your Yorkie closely during holidays.
Fireworks can be terrifying for dogs. Keep your Yorkie indoors during fireworks displays.
Traveling during the holidays can be stressful. Plan for a calm environment and regular routines.
Ensure all holiday decorations are pet-proofed to prevent ingestion or injury.
- Keep holiday plants out of reach
- Supervise guests and their belongings
- Keep Yorkies indoors during fireworks
- Plan for a calm travel environment
- Pet-proof holiday decorations
Seasonal Checklist
Check your Yorkie's coat for signs of matting or tangles, especially after seasonal shedding.
Adjust feeding times if you notice changes in appetite due to daylight changes.
Ensure your Yorkie's vaccination and deworming are up to date, especially before traveling.
Regularly check for fleas and ticks, especially in warmer months.
Consider a professional grooming session during the transition from summer to winter to ensure your Yorkie's coat is in optimal condition.
- Check coat for matting
- Adjust feeding times
- Update vaccinations and deworming
- Check for fleas and ticks
- Professional grooming session
Space and Comfort
Ensure your Yorkie has adequate space to move around, especially during daylight changes. A minimum of 10 square feet (0.9 square meters) is recommended.
Provide comfortable resting areas in different parts of the home to accommodate your Yorkie's need for rest and play.
Consider a dog bed with a raised edge to help your Yorkie stay warm during cooler months.
Regularly clean and sanitize your Yorkie's resting areas to maintain a healthy environment.
- Adequate space: 10 square feet (0.9 square meters)
- Multiple resting areas
- Raised edge dog bed
- Regular cleaning and sanitizing
Keep reading about Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkshire Terrier care sheet
Related questions
How long should I walk my Yorkie in the summer?
Walk your Yorkie for 20–30 minutes a day, but avoid the hottest parts of the day.
What temperature should my Yorkie's living space be in winter?
Keep the temperature between 70°F (21°C) and 75°F (24°C) to ensure comfort.
How often should I brush my Yorkie's long coat?
Brush your Yorkie's long coat daily to prevent matting and tangles.
What should I do if my Yorkie seems to be stressed by the changing daylight?
Create a consistent routine, provide comfort items like a bed or blanket, and consider a calming supplement if recommended by your veterinarian.
How can I keep my Yorkie's space comfortable throughout the year?
Ensure at least 10 square feet of space, provide multiple resting areas, use a raised edge dog bed in cooler months, and regularly clean resting areas.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your yorkshire terrier is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.