Sorry, me again.

how often is it acceptable to bath Molly? We've had her 3 months and she's had to have 3 baths but I believe they're not meant to have too many as you can spoil their coat.

Breeder said wash whenever you want but my book on Westies says only 2/3 times per year and to use dry talc instead. Trouble is talc doesn't get poo out!

Sorry to get nasty, but she often has a dirty bottom as things just seem to get stuck there. She also has some poo around her girly bits but I don't want to bath her too much and for obvious reasons she doesn't want me going down there!!!. Got hubby to distract with treats whilst I tried to clean her with some baby wet wipes. Got most of it off, but not all and so I'm worried about infections. She's also gets filthy when we go up the woods.

The problem with bathing Claire is not only does it affect their coat ( it being naturally water proof) because of their coat it is easy not to wash the products properly out which can lead it iritation.

Can't remember if you said you were getting her hand stripped or you were going to try and learn yourself. ( You should contact the WHWT club nearest to you see if they have a seminar lined up)

When she comes in from the wet , let her fully dry off then give her a good brush , a slicker brush is good for this. You can get a small puppy style one which has the teeth very close together which gets all the dirt out. Daily brushing and combing is essential to them.

If necessary rinse the area that is dirty with water rather than adding product to the coat. I very occasionally rinse their feet but water only. Wipes are fine for the delicate areas.

Pam

Hi Pam

Are going to get her hand stripped at the groomers (wouldn't risk doing it myself). I know this should be done 3/4 times a year but at what age should the first one be? At the mo her body isn't too bad, but her feet and head are incredibly hairy with fir going in all directions. She has one clump of fir which keeps coming over her left eye and I have to keep pushing it back. Doesn't bother her, but I know if it was me it would drive me crazy.

Had to bath her before as she skidded over into poo so it was all over her.

Claire,

How far are you from your breeder could she not teach you how to do it??

THe thing is as a puppy you really want to do it a bit at a time , not have them on the table for hours so really you want to get her started right now. Once the coat has been fully stripped it comes out easier the next time.

You could look also for breeders of WHWT in your area who maybe would for a small or reasonable fee teach you , you could go to her regular and have her doing some and you learning you could get the hang of it..

If you want to mail me privately I can have a look and see who I know in your area that may be able to help..

Pam

preidie@yahoo.com

Hi Pam

Have replied privately

Claire