As the owner of a Yorkie, you certainly want only the best for their health, and one of the concerns you might have is about their vision. ‘’What age do Yorkies go blind?’’ is one of the questions we often hear from their owners.
That’s why we decided to explore everything you need to know about Yorkie eyes, including common eye problems, signs of vision loss, and how to care for your Yorkie’s eyes.
Understanding Yorkie Eyes and Common Eye Problems
Yorkies like many small breeds are prone to eye problems. These can affect their vision and overall quality of life. Here are some common eye issues in Yorkies:
- Cataracts: A cloudy lens in the eye that causes blurred vision and eventually blindness.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic condition where the retina degenerates over time and vision gets worse.
- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): When the eyes don’t produce enough tears and it gets dry, irritated and can damage the cornea.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve and if left untreated can cause blindness.
These can develop at any stage of a Yorkie’s life so it’s important to monitor their eye health regularly.
Solutions for Common Eye Problems in Yorkies
- Cataracts: Surgery is the best treatment for cataracts. If you see your Yorkie’s eyes getting cloudy, consult a veterinary ophthalmologist.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): There is no cure for PRA but antioxidants and a diet rich in vitamins A, C and E can slow down its progression. Genetic testing before breeding can also prevent this condition in future generations.
- Dry Eye: Artificial tears and medication that stimulates tear production can manage dry eye. Regular eye cleaning is also important to prevent infections.
- Glaucoma: Early diagnosis is key. Medication to reduce eye pressure and in severe cases surgery can manage glaucoma.
What Age Do Yorkies Go Blind? Do All Yorkies Go Blind?
Do all Yorkies go blind? Well, of course not! To prevent your four-legged friend from ye problems, it’s essential to spot any strange behavior on time. If your Yorkie started accidentally bumping into things in the house or he/she feels afraid to climb stairs of go downstairs, then you need to take him/her to the vet.
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact age when Yorkies go blind as it depends on the underlying cause of the vision loss. However here are some general guidelines:
- Cataracts: Yorkies can get cataracts at any age but they are more common in older dogs. Cataracts usually start to form around 7-10 years old.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic condition and signs usually show up between 3-5 years old. The progression of the disease can vary but most affected Yorkies will be blind by 6-8 years old.
- Glaucoma and Dry Eye: These can happen at any age but are more common in middle aged to older Yorkies.
Not all Yorkies will get these conditions and some will have good vision throughout their lives with proper care and regular vet check ups.
How to Delay Loss of Vision in Yorkies
- Eye Exams: Schedule annual or bi-annual eye exams with a vet ophthalmologist to catch any early signs of eye disease.
- Healthy Diet: Feed your Yorkie a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support eye health like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins.
- Protective Measures: Protect your Yorkie’s eyes from environmental irritants and UV rays by using dog goggles during outdoor activities.
Signs of Blindness in Yorkies
If you catch the signs of blindness early you can get your Yorkie to the vet and potentially slow the progression. Here are some signs your Yorkie may be going blind:
- Hitting furniture or walls
- Being hesitant or fearful in new places
- Cloudy or opaque eyes
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Redness or inflammation around the eyes
- Rubbing or pawing at the eyes
- Can’t find toys or navigate familiar spaces
If you see any of these signs get your vet for an eye exam and treatment.
When Do Yorkies Go Blind? How to Manage Blindness
- Home Adjustments: Keep furniture and other household items in the same place so your Yorkie can navigate.
- Training: Use verbal cues and commands to guide your Yorkie. Teach them to respond to sounds so they can move around more confidently.
- Safety Precautions: Block off stairs and use mats or rugs with different textures to create safe paths.
How to Care for Yorkie Eyes
Caring for your Yorkie’s eyes means regular care and attention. Here are some tips to keep Yorkie eyes healthy:
- Regular Vet Visits: Get your Yorkie to the vet for regular check ups to monitor their eye health and catch any issues early.
- Eye Cleaning: Gently wipe around your Yorkie’s eyes with a damp, soft cloth to remove discharge and prevent infection.
- Diet and Supplements: Feed a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3’s which support eye health. Ask your vet about supplements that can benefit your Yorkie’s eyes.
- Avoid Irritants: Keep your Yorkie away from smoke, dust and harsh chemicals that can irritate their eyes.
- Protective Measures: When outdoors use doggy goggles to protect your Yorkie’s eyes from UV rays and debris.
How Long Do Yorkies Live?
Knowing the lifespan of a Yorkie can give you an idea of when age related issues like blindness may occur. On average how long do Yorkies live? Yorkshire Terriers have a lifespan of 12-15 years and some live even longer with proper care. Since they live a relatively long life many Yorkies will experience age related health issues including those that affect their eyes as they get older.
How to Prolong Your Yorkie’s Life
- Exercise: Keep your Yorkie active with daily walks and playtime to keep them healthy.
- Healthy Diet: Feed a well balanced diet to support their immune system and prevent obesity related health issues.
- Regular Check-Ups: Get your Yorkie to the vet for vaccinations, dental care and early detection of health problems.
Yorkshire Terrier Growth Chart: How Big Will Your Yorkie Grow?
A Yorkshire Terrier growth chart can help you track your Yorkie’s growth and make sure they’re growing at a healthy rate. While growth charts are all about physical size and weight, they can also be a useful tool for monitoring overall health including eye health. Here’s what to expect:
- 0-2 Months: Yorkie puppies are born with their eyes closed. They start to open their eyes around 2-3 weeks and vision improves over the next few weeks.
- 2-6 Months: Growth spurt. Keep an eye out for any signs of genetic eye problems if your Yorkie’s parents have PRA or other hereditary issues.
- 6-12 Months: Your Yorkie will be full grown by the end of this period. Keep up with regular vet checks to make sure their eyes are developing normally.
- 1-7 Years: Adult phase. Keep up eye care routine and watch for early signs of age-related problems.
- 7+ Years: Senior phase. Be more vigilant as your Yorkie is more prone to cataracts, glaucoma and other age related eye problems.
What to Do at Each Stage
- Puppy Stage (0-6 Months): Make sure your puppy’s environment is safe and free of sharp objects that can harm their eyes. Start eye cleaning early.
- Adolescent Stage (6-12 Months): Regular vet visits and a healthy diet are key. Watch for any changes in behaviour that might indicate vision problems.
- Adult Stage (1-7 Years): Keep up eye care routine and protect your Yorkie from environmental irritants.
- Senior Stage (7+ Years): More frequent vet eye exams and be aware of any new symptoms of eye conditions.
What Age Do Yorkies Go Blind? Wrapping Up
So, at what age do Yorkies go blind? It depends on the individual dog and the underlying conditions, but being proactive about your Yorkie’s eye health can make a big difference. Regular vet checks, proper eye care, and a healthy diet are the keys to keeping your Yorkie’s vision for as long as possible. By knowing the common eye problems, recognising the signs of vision loss and how to care for Yorkie eyes you can ensure your furry friend has a happy healthy life.
Get in early. If you ever have any eye concerns about your Yorkie contact your vet. With the right care, your Yorkie can continue to enjoy the world and be by your side for many more years.
