greasy yorkie

[gigilambert]

I feel I bathe my little girl too much, but after she chases the chickens and rolls in horse apples, she smells really bad. I try not to give her to many baths but her hair really looks fine, stringy and greasy. I quit using conditioner and I don't brush her anymore, because matts don't seem to be a problem. There has to be away to clean her that leaves her fluffy and smelling great because she does sleep with us. She is 15 months old and her hair is still rather short except around her face and on top of her head. I thought by now she would be rather full coated.

[Savage Destiny]

Although this may sound odd, Dawn dishwashing soap works absolute wonders on a greasy coat. She's still young, so mixing it with some baby shampoo will keep her skin from drying out. Do be careful not to get any in her eyes, though.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Originally Posted by Savage Destiny

Although this may sound odd, Dawn dishwashing soap works absolute wonders on a greasy coat. She's still young, so mixing it with some baby shampoo will keep her skin from drying out. Do be careful not to get any in her eyes, though.

Absolutely do not use Dawn on your dog!!! I work for the company that manufactures Dawn. It is the strongest dish liquid on the market. To give you an example of such:

The headquarters of Procter and Gamble, makers of Dawn, are in Cincinnati, Ohio. There was a massive oil spill near headquarter's on a nearby highway from a rig that overturned. It had the highway closed down for two days and the city didn't know what to do because it there was so much oil. P&G knew how strong this product was and offered it free to the city to clean the streets of this oil. They were trying to be helpful and, of course, wanted the free publicity they would get.

Needless to say, Dawn cuts grease in a HUGE way and the highway was cleaned up in a day.

This is way too strong to be used on a dog (unless it fell into a vat of oil). Actually, none of the dish liquids are a good choice for a dog.

[Suz]

never ever ever use anything but dog shampoo on your dog!! and brush her you might not have matts now but you will have and it stimulates a clean coat and encourages growth. every dog should get brushed and annoys me to hear that they arnt please please make time to brush your dog a few times a week it is good for her coat and skin!!!

[minnie50]

I have had a yorkie for almost 9 yrs now. Yorkies need to get a bath every
week or at the least every 2 weeks (I know it's not like most dogs but with
this breed that is what is required) Coat Handler is a good shampoo for yorkies but if you can't get it JB Wholesale Pets has it, a good quality shampoo will do. Always brush through your yorkies hair once a day , it could be when you are watching tv or relaxing. I would say to always use
a conditioner and never brush a dry coat( I put a teaspoon of conditioner in
a spray bottle with water) to mist on the coat before you brush. With the
coat short it should be easier to shampoo and since you want it to grow
the brushing will help alot but whats most important to coat growth is feeding
a good quality food (nothing from a grocery store) Hope this helps.

[gigilambert]

Originally Posted by Suz

never ever ever use anything but dog shampoo on your dog!! and brush her you might not have mattes now but you will have and it stimulates a clean coat and encourages growth. every dog should get brushed and annoys me to hear that they arnt please please make time to brush your dog a few times a week it is good for her coat and skin!!!

I love brushing my dog, she hates it! I was told it was bad for her coat and caused it to break off and that was why her hair was still so short. I will take the suggestion of making a conditioner spray and use it before brushing, so I can go back to brushing. Which was I why I wanted her in the first place. Fantasy, of my baby, sitting in my lap eating my chocolates (me eating the chocolates, not her), and brushing my beautiful yorkie. I was using a baby's hairbrush because I didn't want to hurt her delicate skin. I guess I need to get a different brush, any suggestions? Her hair is still so fine.

[minnie50]

Gosh, that was unusual advise, even without a mist brushing is a must just like it is for our own hair. A bristle brush would be the best and then comb.
BTW welcome to the forum and is your name Villette???

[Suz]

for a yorkie id go with a comb they have delicate skin and brushes can scratch - gentle combing wont break the hair and i doubt she hates it shed just rather be having a cuddle or playing i expect!! !!! Grooming her on your lap is not ideal preferably get her standing on a table and rewarding her when its finished - your lap is for cuddles and playtime she shouldnt associate grooming as play its serious business. Im not saying she shouldnt enjoy it but she will enjoy it far more if you have a proper routine!! And who ever told you not to brush her well im gobsmacked all dogs should get a brush!!! You wouldnt dream of never brushing your own hair!!!

[gigilambert]

Really, when she see's the brush. She runs and hides under daddy's arm and she has even taught Duchess to be wary of it. Who use to love being brushed.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I always let Cali sniff the brush before we start. Start by brushing/combing her for just 1-2 minutes. Keep telling her in an upbeat voice what a good girl she is. Then give her a small treat when you're done and more praise.

Keep increasing the time slowly, keep the upbeat voice, praise all the way through and treat w/more praise at the end.

Cali was just like your dog at first. I now do this routine every night before bed. Now, she'll lay on her back, legs outstretched and as I brush her, she goes to sleep.

Also, if you find a matt, don't just yank at it or you will take all your progress backward. Locate the matt, put your index and third finger (like scissors) behind the matt, holding the hair, and then try to comb or brush it out gently. Because you're holding the hair behind the matt, your brushing won't pull at her skin.