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.

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’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.

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.

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.

Why does a Westie need to be attentive?

This is because they were bred for hunting, which means they needed to be attentive and heard from underground once they had caught their prey. Therefore, it might be worth ensuring that your Westie does not develop a habit of digging up the garden and making sure you know how to prevent it!

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

What kind of dog is a West Highland white?

The West Highland White Terrier, more commonly known as a Westie or Westy, is a small dog with short legs and a longer body. They’re playful, adorable and full of self-assurance.

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.

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.

How old is my Westie when he pees in the House?

My 11 year old Westie has started peeing in the house. We have a new male puppy who is 7 months old, but my Westie only started to wee since the new pup was 5 months old. Both dogs are male and haven’t been castrated. The pup is house trained.

How many calories does a 20 pound Westie need?

Feeding Your Westie. As a general rule of thumb, a 20-pound adult Westie that is reasonably active will require approximately 660 calories per day. Very athletic dogs will require a bit more, and Westies that have been spayed or neutered or are not overly active will need less.

How much does a purebred westie dog weigh?

On average, Westies weigh from 16 to 20 pounds (or 7 kg-10 kg), with males usually being larger and heavier than females. This is the ideal weight range for purebred Westie dogs.

When to take your Westie to the vet?

If your Westie has a thick coat, you want to be sure that you are not mistaking the hair for fat. Get down on your knees and feel your dog’s sides through the coat. A Westie that suddenly loses weight needs to see a vet as soon as possible.

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.

What kind of health problems does a Westie have?

Some of the other more common Westie health conditions include: “ White Dog Shaker Syndrome ,” a condition involving tremors and muscle coordination problems that can last longer in males than in females. Note: Our Health is #1 Priority. It should be no different or your Westie. But you need to help him.

When does a 10 month old puppy become a teenager?

When your puppy is 10 months to 1 year old, she is considered a teenager. She is beginning to think of herself as independent. The world is hers to explore. She can go on longer walks and even enjoy off-leash time. But she will need help from you to learn how to enjoy this newfound freedom.

When do puppies start making cute little woofs?

Proper dog sounds begin to appear during the second to third week Recognizable barking is usually established by eight weeks old, and almost all pups will be able to make cute little puppy woofs by ten to twelve weeks.

How old does a West Highland white terrier get?

Between 3 and 12 months old, an affected dog becomes inflamed and itchy on his head, feet, and belly. As the disease spreads, the puppy scratches constantly and loses his hair. His skin becomes dark and greasy and thickened like an armadillo. Then come recurrent yeast infections.

What should you expect from a 10 month old puppy?

Each training session should end with praise — especially for a young dog. A dog that is left alone for extended periods may howl, whine, or bark continuously. Some may chew or damage the furniture. As a natural pack animal, she perceives being left alone as punishment.

What to do if your Westie has skin allergies?

So when you see inflamed skin and intense itching in a Westie puppy, more common conditions like allergies and mange do need to be ruled out….but these symptoms are ominous warning signs of epidermal dysplasia. Allopathic medicine tries to manage this incurable disease with steroids, antihistamines, and antifungal shampoos.

How often should a 4 month old Westie puppy be fed?

During a Westie’s lifetime, the feeding requirements will change. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day until it is four months old. A young puppy must be fed more often, because it has a smaller stomach and is growing at a very fast pace. After four months of age it is recommended to decrease feeding to twice a day.

What foods to avoid if your Westie has allergies?

Try avoiding these things and see if it helps. Most allergies are not food based but for some Westies, they are. (Note: If your Westie gets a steroid shot and it stops the itching, then it is not likely to have anything to do with the diet the dog is on at that time.) Some Westies are unable to eat chicken and turkey.

How often should I strip my Westie Terrier?

Stripping refers to the process of plucking old, dead hair from the dog’s coat. It is the traditional way to keep the Westie’s coat neat and clean. Stripping is necessary if you want to enter your Westie in dog shows. It isn’t strictly necessary if you don’t plan to show the dog. Visit the groomer every four to six months for stripping.

What do you call a purebred West Highland Terrier?

Fans of the breed affectionately call these dogs Westies for short. Although these are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop if you want to bring a dog home.

Why does my Westie throw up in the morning?

This usually occurs in the early morning. It normally occurs simply because the tummy emptied over night and the normal bile which is created in the dog’s system to digest food has nothing to work on. It upsets the tummy and is thrown up. Most “cure” this problem by giving puppy something to eat just before bed that has a lot of fiber in it.

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.

Why does my Westie throw up yellow bile?

Many, if not most, Westie owners will notice that their little one sometimes throws up a yellow, sometimes foamy white, substance called bile. This usually occurs in the early morning. It normally occurs simply because the tummy emptied over night and the normal bile which is created in the dog’s system to digest food has nothing to work on.

When did my whelping dog have her puppies?

I never left her unattended and sure enough just like clockwork, within 12 hours we were having puppies. The puppies were born on day 56. On day 54 puppies have no sucking instict and rarely survive. The 2 days from day 54 to day 56 make a huge difference. It is like a human baby.

When did my dog have her first puppies?

Taking the dog’s temperature is a reliable method for knowing when the pups will arrive. I began preparing just in case. I never left her unattended and sure enough just like clockwork, within 12 hours we were having puppies. The puppies were born on day 56. On day 54 puppies have no sucking instict and rarely survive.

When to feed whelping puppies after 36 weeks?

The puppies were born on day 56. On day 54 puppies have no sucking instict and rarely survive. The 2 days from day 54 to day 56 make a huge difference. It is like a human baby. If the baby is born after 36 weeks it doesn’t need to be tube fed as the sucking instinct is there.

How many calories does a Westie puppy need?

Growing puppies of any breed will always need more calories per body weight than adult dogs, and for Westies, this translates into a puppy between the ages of four months and one year needing about 426 calories each day. The top Westie food recommendations will generally include brands that are specific to small breeds.

When to know if your Westie has Westie lung disease?

If your Westie has this syndrome, you will notice some limping and leg muscle atrophy when they are four to six months old. Surgery can fix this problem. This is a condition that causes malady scars in tissues that support your dog’s air sac and lungs. That is why it is also referred to as Westie lung disease.

What’s the latest treatment if any for Westie lung?

Unfortunately, the use of steroids (prednisone), has not been shown to be of any help. If he isn’t on any furosemide at the moment, that will certainly be worth trying, as it reduces the fluid build up on the lung that can occur secondary to the fibrosis.

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.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with Westie lung disease?

Westie Lung Disease Life Expectancy. The mean survival time after diagnosis is between 3 and 5 years. The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is not well established in veterinary medicine. A recent study reported a median survival of 27 months, but the prognosis varies greatly from one dog to another.

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.

Where can I find a Westie in need?

Westie Rescue USA is a national clearinghouse for reputable organizations serving West Highland White Terriers in need all across America. This site helps Westies in need, potential adopters, and rescue volunteers all over the USA find each other. This website is supported by Westie Rescue Mid-Atlantic Region, a nonprofit organization.

How much does it cost to adopt a Westie?

The majority of animal rescues charge a modest adoption fee that is much, much less than the expense of vetting the animal. That’s why local Westie Rescues rely on private donations from individuals and foundations to make up the difference. Want to make a difference in a dog’s life?

How old are West Highland Terrier puppies when ready for adoption?

The selection for a puppy changes quickly, and as you can see by the photos each of my Westie babies are adorable! We have some Champion Line, and many health tested parents. The puppies will be ready for their new home when they turn 8 weeks old. Moms due are listed under the current puppies section below.