How often should I take my Westie for a walk?

Due to their size and nature, Westies do not really need too much exercise. Two 30 minute walks a day will be plenty. This can vary depending on how they are feeling and what time of the year it is. Choosing the right kind of exercise for your Westie is important to keep his heart, head and body healthy.

What’s the normal gestation period for a Westie?

The normal gestation or pregnancy period for dogs is 63 days. Once the female Westie begins to make a bed, it is a good indication that she is close to giving birth.

What happens to a Westie as they get older?

Over time, your Westie is going to become less active as they lose most of their spunk and want to spend the rest of their days relaxing and hanging out with family. You’re likely going to notice they are experiencing various weight changes, whether they are becoming larger or thinner.

What kind of skin disease does a Westie have?

Other skin diseases in Westies include seborrhea, and a very serious disease: epidermal dysplasia. Let’s talk about epidermal dysplasia in West Highland White Terriers. Epidermal dysplasia is also called Westie armadillo syndrome – for good reason, as you’ll see. This inherited skin disease is quite dreadful.

What kind of knee injury does a Westie have?

KNEE INJURIES ACL Westies are a breed that often will suffer ACL injuries. Some will let it go if it is not too serious but doing so will increase the level of arthritis that will eventually occur. Generally, the injured ACL will eventually tear and require surgery. LUXATED PATELLA This is a condition which is usually genetic.

What causes a Westie’s hair to come out?

STAPH Many Westies are prone to a staph infection in the hot months. The dog will be very itchy. This usually looks like scabby gray “things” that, if located in the hair, will cause the hair to come out. Often they are on the face around the mouth and nose. This requires an antibiotic so visit your vet. KNEE INJURIES ACL

What do Westies don’t like to be touched?

Many Westies dislike having their feet touched. Some don’t like their back ends touched. Be careful with your new dog until you learn what they are comfortable with. Again, if they don’t like something, work at it slowing using treats and praise to help them overcome their fears and dislikes.

What happens if you wipe your feet with a towel?

We have seen problems show up when people bring the dog indoors and decide to wipe their feet with a towel. The dog doesn’t like having his feet touched and now you are doing it by hiding your hands under a towel. The towel is moving which can bring out the predator instinct in a dog. (Might that be a mouse moving under that towel?)

Why does my Westie keep shaking her leg?

This is a condition which is usually genetic. The knee is loose in the socket and will pop in and out. If your dog is running, and shakes the leg and then continues to run, it is often because shaking the leg will put the knee back in place. It is common among puppy mill dogs. If our vets notice this, we will let you know at the time of adoption.

What’s the best way to pick up a Westie?

A lot of people pick up a dog from the front, grasping them under the front legs. This is okay if your Westie is used to it but many Westies don’t care for that method. Until you know your new dog, or if your dog is sensitive about being picked up, it is best to pick them up from the side.

Is it OK to walk a West Highland Terrier?

Our daily walks and sniffs are impawtant to us. If you are not willing to walk a dog each day, the west highland terrier is not the dog for you. Westies love discovering new sniffs! Most Westies will enjoy some naps throughout the day.

What to do if your Westie is sneezing all the time?

But most of the time it is a simple solution. There is a product available called “Forta Flora” which can be used to help get “good” bacteria into the “gut” and can straighten out many tummy issues. Your vet can provide this product. REVERSE SNEEZING Most Westies will eventually startle you with an episode of “reverse sneezing”.

What’s the average life span of a Westie?

More often than not, our Westies will have a life expectancy of up to 12 to 13 years. What Are the Signs of an Aging Westie? Although Westies are notoriously sassy and stubborn, as they become older, their bold personalities will start to change.

Is the westie dog going to get older?

Westies, similar to every living being on this planet, is subject to getting older as time goes on. Although, they have the tendency to own one of the longest life expectancies out of most other breeds, which gives you your companion for plenty of years. However, without proper health management and senior care, the aging process can be expedited.

How big does a male Westie Terrier get?

Male and female Westies come in different shapes and sizes. The male Westie averages 15 to 20 pounds and stands 10 to 12 inches tall. A female Westie on the other hand averages 13 to 16 pounds and stands 9 to 11 inches tall. Before deciding to bring a Westie into your home, there’s several things that you need to know about this Terrier breed.

Is the Westie the best dog for a child?

Westies dislike having their personal space invaded which means that they may not be the best breed of dog for very young children. This is something I know to be true from my experience with Charlie too, as I’ve seen him prefer to have his own space. Interaction in the right way with a Westie is key.

What do you need to know about a Westie?

To summarise, here are the main points about Westies: 1 They can be very affectionate 2 They have a stubborn nature 3 They are fiercely independent 4 They are good chasers 5 They only need a moderate amount of exercise More

How old do West Highland Terriers usually live?

They originated in Scotland and were bred to hunt, so they are naturally alert and slightly nosy. They’re part of the Terrier breed and typically live between 12 and 16 years. Male and female Westies come in different shapes and sizes.

When does a westie dog become a senior?

1. Age First and foremost, the easiest way to tell that your Westie is entering their senior years is to simply consider their age. Most dogs are classified as seniors as soon as they turn 7 to 10 years old.

What should I do if my Westie is getting old?

Moderate exercise is always recommended for dogs, especially as they become older, as it gives them a stronger foundation to avoid certain ailments as they get older such as osteoarthritis. However, there should also be ingredients in their daily food that will help to build stronger bones and joints to avoid most signs of aging.

Are there any health issues with Westie Terriers?

The Westie is no exception. Like many breeds of dogs, West Highland Terriers are susceptible to certain health issues. Skin allergies causing severe itchiness is especially common in Westies. One such condition, Atopic Dermatitis, is genetic and affects 25% of Westies aged between three months and six years. Unfortunately, it cannot be cured.

How often should I brush my Westie Terrier?

Grooming Westies is very important, and their coats should be brushed at least once a week. Additionally, regular clipping helps to remove dead hair and maintain a healthy, shiny coat. Some owners prefer to do this themselves with others choosing to pay for a professional dog groomer. Show dog owners use the technique of stripping.