Do Westies get skin problems?

A recent study found that 66% of West Highland White Terriers experienced some skin disease by age 3. A rare and nasty inherited condition is called “epidermal dysplasia” or Westie Armadillo Syndrome. This begins to affect dogs between 3 and 12 months old, making their head, feet, and belly inflamed and itchy.

What is canine atopic dermatitis?

Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis, canine atopy) is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following repeated exposure to some otherwise harmless substance, an “allergen”. Most dogs begin to show their allergic signs between 1 and 3 years of age.

Do West Highland Terriers have allergies?

We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and Westies often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs.

How do you treat an allergic reaction to a Westie?

Many Westies are allergic to several things. I often start these dogs on a prescription diet that is hypoallergenic, often with a product called Hills z/d Ultra. This, or any other similar diet, needs to be strictly adhered to with no treats on the side. Benadryl can sometimes provide short-term relief.

How do you treat paw dermatitis in dogs?

Medications to control itching — these include steroids, Atopica, Apoquel and Cytopoint. Steroids are usually used for short term management of itching as there can be long term side effects. They are usually very effective. Atopica treats the immune system cause of the itch so is useful at preventing skin infections.

How long do Westies normally live?

The average bodyweight of the Westie is 9.6kg, with males tending to be heavier with an average weight of 10.1kg compared to the 9.0kg average of females. The average lifespan of the breed is 13.4 years with males outliving females at 13.8 years compared to the latter’s 12.9 years.

Do Westies scratch a lot?

You are correct that the breed is well known for allergy problems. Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, from dust mites to seasonal pollens, food proteins or flea allergy dermatitis brought on by the protein found in the saliva of dog-biting fleas. All of these allergens cause dogs to itch and then scratch.

What kind of skin problems does the Westie have?

Infection of the skin by the yeast Malassezia is a common complication of skin conditions in the Westie. Symptoms include hair loss, intense itching, black oily crusty skin, an unpleasant odor, and ear infections. The condition usually progressively gets worse.

What to do if your Westie has dry skin?

The best way to understand dry skin in a Westie is to think about a human with dandruff. When your scalp is particularly dry, it is prone to flaking. Over time, continually scratching the affected area can lead to redness and lesions. By using the assistance of your vet, you can eliminate dandruff and discomfort for your small pet.

Why does my Westie have a lot of dandruff?

Well, turns out that it isn’t just humans that are prone to dandruff and greasy skin and hair; Westies are too! As a result of a variety of reasons, such as parasites, the lack of proper nutrition, allergies, or endocrine/autoimmune disorders, your Westie may suffer from greasy skin, hair and dandruff, otherwise known as canine seborrhea.

Why does my Westie have black spots on his ears?

Yeast Infection. Yeast present on the dog’s ears and skin grows at an alarming rate, causing foul-smelling, red, itchy skin. Without correct treatment, the skin turns black, hair falls out and the ears become infected. This condition is secondary to other Westie allergies that compromise the skin.