Common Morkie Health Issues & How to Prevent Them

Some combinations in life just go together like peas in a pod. Bread and cheese make grilled cheese, everybody’s favorite, and a Maltese mixed with a Yorkshire Terrier makes the absolutely adorable Morkie—a spirited little dog that often forgets it is tiny.

This breed came about in the US in the 1990s and has been beloved across the globe since then. However, their small stature often has pet parents concerned about their health and well-being. So, in this blog post, we’ll go over some of the common issues these furballs unfortunately face and how best to tackle them.

A Tiny Introduction

The Morkie, also referred to as the Morkshire Terrier, is a relatively new breed on the scene and has not yet been recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC recognizes purebred breeds that meet specific criteria, including a well-documented history and established breed standards. So, our Morkie friends are best classified as a designer dog breed or a toy breed.

Their parents, however, both have a rich and interesting history. The Maltese was brought to the island of Malta by Phoenician conquerors. Thanks to their appearance and demeanor, they were quickly favored by the Greeks and Romans. Notably, Aristotle said Maltese were “among the gentlest-mannered of all little dogs” and called them “lively and playful as well as vigorous.” Quite a compliment.

The Yorkie, on the other hand, is a breed developed in the mid-19th century by Scottish immigrants who resided in Yorkshire at that time. These dogs were meant to be active yet tiny so they could be tasked with getting rid of rodents inside textile mills and mines. Eventually, as time went by, they became the adorable family dogs we know today.

Common Morkie Health Issues

As pet owners, it is best not to hide away from reading up about the issues that may affect your dog. It may seem morbid, but preparation is the key, and it is part of being a responsible pet parent. Understanding these concerns and implementing preventive measures can ensure your Morkie leads a healthy, fulfilling life. Here are the most common issues Morkie’s go through:

Dental Problems

Their small size also means small mouths, which often leads to dental overcrowding. They have a unique way of chewing but they really cannot help it. The result is plaque buildup, eventually causing tooth decay and periodontal disease, which may lead to pain and even tooth loss. Thankfully, the solution is fairly simple—brush their teeth.

Using dog-specific toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush their teeth three times a week, and that’s all it takes. For a little something extra, provide them with dental chews. Also, take them to the vet for a dental check-up at least once a year to ensure proper dental hygiene.

Collapsed Trachea

Morkies may suffer from a weakening of the tracheal rings, leading to a narrowed airway—a condition that likely comes from the Yorkshire Terrier parent, as they, too, are prone to it. This is extremely dangerous as it can cause breathing difficulties.

Common symptoms include a honking cough, difficulty breathing, and intolerance to exercise. To minimize strain on the neck, it is best to avoid using a collar and opt for a harness instead. Avoid exposing your Morkie to smoke, dust, and other elements that could cause respiratory irritation. Furthermore, obesity will only make a tough situation worse, so ensure your dog stays at a healthy weight.

Hypoglycemia

A common issue among designer and toy breed dogs is their high metabolic rate, which makes it difficult for them to manage blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia refers to dangerously low blood sugar levels.

To prevent this, feed your Morkie small, frequent meals throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Always have a quick source of glucose, like honey, available in case of sudden drops. Signs of hypoglycemia usually include lethargy, trembling, and seizures.

Eye problems 

Morkies are prone to eye issues as they grow older, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Goniodysgenesis, which causes interruptions in the drainage angle of the eye and leads to fluid buildup, is what causes glaucoma, an issue that stems from their Maltese side of parentage.

To help prevent this, regularly inspect your Morkie’s eyes for signs of redness, cloudiness, or discharge. It is always best to schedule an eye examination with the vet to be sure and keep the eye area clean to avoid infections.

Ear Infections

Those floppy, adorable ears also make our pups susceptible to the buildup of moisture and wax. It has been observed that inexperienced dog owners often don’t clean their dog’s ears regularly. A little bit of wax and dirt is healthy and normal, similar to the way our ears have some wax. However, too much can be a cause for concern. If you notice your Morkie’s ears showing signs of redness, giving off an odor, or if they’re pawing at them, clean them immediately or take them to the vet, as this could be a sign of an inner ear infection.

Reverse Sneezing

This is a real condition, yes. It is also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration and is often triggered by, like us, something in the environment. A sneeze every now and then is fine, but if it's prolonged, it could lead to bigger issues. So, if you notice it, try to figure out the root cause behind it; irritants and allergens are likely causes.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

This is a hip joint disorder that results in the degeneration of the femoral head, causing both pain and lameness. Unfortunately, there is no exact cause for this condition, but early detection (watch out for signs of hind limb weakness or discomfort) can be key to treatment.

General Preventive Measures

It is best to understand that certain issues are either genetic or require intervention from the vet, so if something feels out of your control, it's best to get the professionals involved. However, you, as a pet parent, aren’t alone. A survey conducted by Pet Obesity Prevention showed that 59% of all dogs are obese, with many, around 32%, of owners believing their dog was normal. While fat dogs may appear cute and cuddly, it causes them great distress. This is an instance of something the pet owner can actively fight against. Morkies have a lifespan of around 11 years, with some reaching even 15 years with proper care. Here is a small list of preventive measures that every Morkie owner should take:

• Make sure to take your Morkie, even if it seems completely healthy, to the vet for their annual examination for the early detection of any potential health issues, if there are any.

• As we mentioned above, it’s easy to let your dog get overweight. Don’t let the puppy dog eyes fool you. Provide them with a high-quality diet and portion control. Also, avoid feeding them human foods as much as possible.

• Dogs, big or small, benefit from exercise and fun games with their humans. However, small breeds tire out early, so make adjustments based on your dog’s capability.

Since they have long and silky fur, grooming them is super necessary, with regular brushing being the primary task here. This prevents matting and even helps detect any skin issues. Bathing can be done every month for a clean coat and also ensure the hair around their eyes and ears is trimmed well.

Conclusion

As a current or future pet parent of a Morkie, it is not just recommended but your duty to educate yourself on all the potential health concerns that riddle these adorable pups. While they are generally healthy dogs, it is best to always stay prepared and informed so that in case of an emergency, you have a clear plan of action. A healthy diet, exercise along with a occasioanl visit to the vet is the receipt to a long and healthy life for your Morkie.

FAQs

Are Morkies high maintenance?

The luscious fur of the Morkie definitely needs its fair share of maintenance. Daily brushing and the occasional visit to the groomer are necessary to prevent it from getting tangled and knotted. Also, they need to have a bath at least once a month using high-quality shampoo and conditioner.

What can I do to ensure my Morkie lives a long, healthy life?

• Feed a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.

• Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation.

• Keep up with vaccinations and preventive care (e.g., flea, tick, and heartworm prevention).

• Monitor their weight and avoid overfeeding.

• Schedule regular vet checkups to catch and address health issues early.

How can I prevent dental issues in my Morkie?

Regular tooth brushing, providing dental chews, and scheduling annual veterinary dental check-ups can help prevent dental problems.

Are Morkies prone to allergies?

Yes, Morkies can develop both food and environmental allergies. Monitoring for signs like itching, ear infections, and digestive issues will help catch allergies early. Your vet can recommend dietary changes or medications to manage symptoms.

How often should I check my Morkie’s ears?

It’s recommended to check your Morkie’s ears at least once a week for any signs of infection or wax build-up. Clean them gently with a vet-approved ear cleaning solution, but avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal.