What to do with a West Highland Terrier?
West Highland Terriers, also known as “Westies”, originated in Scotland. The white Westie is an attractive and social dog. They are well-suited to indoor life, and generally good with kids and other pets. To care for a West Highland White Terrier, ensure it is fed properly, and that its coat, ears,…
When to spay or neuter a West Highland white terrier?
Last Updated: October, 2019 Start your West Highland White Terrier off on the right foot by feeding the right food, giving the right vaccinations, finding the right vet, and if you’re going to spay or neuter, don’t do it too early. Jump down to this list of Westie Health Problems
How to find out how big your West Highland white terrier puppy?
For a more accurate estimate, enter your West Highland White Terrier puppy’s current age and weight into our Puppy Weight Predictor to predict its adult size. Please note this is an estimate based on typical growth patterns for West Highland White Terrier puppies.
How often should I exercise my West Highland Terrier?
Westies aren’t lazy dogs, but nor are they an extremely high-energy breed. One to two daily walks or play sessions a day is usually adequate A total of an hour of exercise is adequate for most Westies. Most Westies will be calm and relaxed indoors if you exercise them twice a day.
For a more accurate estimate, enter your West Highland White Terrier puppy’s current age and weight into our Puppy Weight Predictor to predict its adult size. Please note this is an estimate based on typical growth patterns for West Highland White Terrier puppies.
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 to do if your senior Westie has hearing loss?
Senior Westies are also quite prone to suffering from hearing loss, and although there are surgical options open to you, it might not be the most useful solution. Instead of putting your dog through an optional surgery, developing hand commands in place of verbal commands can help you to communicate with each other easier.
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.
How long can a West Highland white terrier live?
Like any animal, Westies are prone to certain health problems that you need to keep an eye out for. Take good care of your West Highland White Terrier and you can expect to enjoy its company for 12 years or more.
What kind of kibble can a West Highland Terrier eat?
Avoid kibble containing wheat, corn, and beef. Westies can often be allergic to these ingredients. Westies love chicken, fish, and lamb. These meats are good for this breed of dog, so look for a kibble containing one or more of them.
Are there any health problems for West Highland Terriers?
In 2007, the West Highland White Terrier Club conducted a health survey that found that 1 in 2 Westies had at least one of the following common health problems. Many of them are, sadly, incurable conditions that must be managed throughout your dog’s life.
What kind of dog is a West Highland Terrier?
The West Highland White Terrier, commonly called a Westie, is a small, spirited, white dog originally bred in Scotland. Being purebreds, Westies face their share of health concerns that require special care and vigilance.
What causes tremors in a West Highland Terrier?
White Shaker Dog Syndrome This is a poorly understood neuromuscular disease that causes tremors in small dogs such as the West Highland White Terrier. It develops suddenly around 2 years of age and can lead to seizures and difficulty walking in some dogs. The syndrome generally responds to steroids, and in some cases may disappear with time.
Why are West Highland Terriers called White Shaker dogs?
Due to the fact that the problem was primarily witnessed in dogs with white coats, it was given the name white shaker dog syndrome. Canines with WSS experience a fine tremor in their entire body that usually persists throughout the day and worsens with handling or if the westie becomes excited or stressed.
