Hi I put this question on another thread but thought I'd start another one. My question is can westies go in the sea because I've been told that it irritates their skin is this right. Also my little westie is reluctant to go in water he don't mind a bath but refuses to try and go for a swim.

Hi vesski

I have a different breed but one of my dogs has has allergies and sometimes sore skin.  Swimming really helps him and sea water seems particularly good.  As your westie is a little lower to the ground he'll pick up a lot of sand though and I'd be careful not to let sand sit on his skin, or in his fur, for too long as that might irritate him further.  I'd suggest washing him in clean water afterward or perhaps just brush the sand off him when dry - see how he is after a beach trip maybe?

With regards to water confidence, puddles are an excellent place to start when you have a puppies - tempt them in with treats and a no nonsense manner when walking through wet conditions.  If you want your dog to feel adventurous with water it helps to start in something shallow, with an easy approach and gently sloping entry and exit.  A small freshwater stream, where they can clearly see the bottom, is ideal.  It can take ages for them to want to swim and some dogs never do.  My terrier type mongrel is v happy to paddle but won't swim, he also likes to slump in muddy puddles like a hippo!!  The gundogs can usually be tempted to swim if keen to retrieve and I use a dummy or fetch toy to help them.

In this weather you could try a kids paddling pool or baby bath in your garden.  Good luck :)

I havae a similar breed terrier (2). They do go in but not overly enamoured.
As they are quiute small the waves even on a calm day are a bit scary for them I think. My Lab years ago loved the sea, she was never bathed only swam, almost every day.

Karen :)