Can anyone suggest a cure for interdigital cysts and sore pads caused by pollens or grasses in the summer. So far my Westie has endured 52 days of anti-biotics this year alone and now they are not working. I have tried garlic and fenugreek tabs. and they do not cure it. The trouble is apart from pain he cannot walk when he has this problem and it is ongoing at the moment?

Can anyone help me? Henry is seven years old and comes from good stock.

Alec Bell
Lee-on-the-Solent
Hants

Have you tried changing your dogs diet, a lot of Westie skin problems are diet related, I do sympathise with you, its not pleasant watching your westie struggling to walk, Ive had westies now for about 11/12 years and luckily have not had this problem, so far, (fingers crossed) have you tried bathing the paws in salt water this can help, if westie lover sees your post, she has a lot more knowledge than I have and might be able to come up with some suggestions. This could also be a grass mite allergy. Irene - Westyholm Westies

Hi Alec,

No expert at this neither but have done allot of research into westies diets , health.

Not one or 2 books but loads of books, months on the net and am a member of about 12 westies groups. 4 of my freind have westies with problems.

Things that I notice that pop up alot are of course the diet. Westies are not tolerant of Protein especially the types in comercial dog food. Most westies with problems seem to do better on a more natural diet. If you like I can send you quite a few links for you to read. There are quite a few I have collected and find them good reading.

One thing I would say that may seem too obvious is to keep him completely away form any grass , bushes. Walk him on the road it is better for him anyway.

I try as much as I can to keep mine of the grass.

Things that are know to help are anti histimine tablets. Human kind works and cheaper. ( spelling sorry), Evening primrose tablets, spinich and seeweed.

When I got my wee bitch who is now 13 months she had bad spells of inhalent sneezing and scratching and after hearing of mine freinds problems I switched into preventative mode right away and since I have made several changes she has stopped and is fine. Fingers crossed.

The % of westies now with problems is alarming I don't know if it is the environment or if people are turning a blind eye to it.

Some people and breeders never have any problems and others seem to have more than their fair share.

Bye all means I am no expert but I have doen quite a bit of reasearch.

I could also ask 1 or 2 of my freinds if you are interested to talk to you.

Kind regards.

Pamela

I would be very interested in getting some information regarding natural diets for Westies. Our dog is now 11 years old and has been having interdigital cyst problems for about 6 months now. I am trying other suggested remedies but never considered the diet.

Thanks

J Fallows

IF you have a look at a post I made on HEALTH section under a post headed Westie~

If you like I can forward you some links I have .

Pam

I was not able to find the reply you mentioned, but I would very much appreciate getting the web sites you mentioned.

Thanks.

John Fallows

This is a link to the posts Pam mentions John

SaraW :)

LINKS on their way John.

Pam :-)

Hi Alec,
Sorry about your Westie. This is going to sound rather strange, but have you tried out any of the dog boot products? There are several varieties on the market. The one that might be the coolest in the summer are for going over rough terrain and protecting the pads from thorns and rocks. Still, they might work to give your dog some relief from the weed/grass allergies.

Hills Science Diet also has two types of dog foods out: one for "sensitive skin" and the other for "sensitive stomach".
I put my Westie mix on the 'stomach' version a couple of months ago after I figured out (from postings on this board :) :) ) that she suffered from mild colitis. It cleared up immediately and she's been quite well ever since. The vet was even impressed. :rolleyes: You could always try out the version for the sensitive skin and see if it does anything to help your dog.
good luck,
toodles

Hi Toodles,

Not sure of the protein content of the particular SP you mention but any advice I have had from breeders other members etc usually is stay a mile form SP it is high in protien.

I m not promoting Barf or anything but theydo seem to do better ( ONES WITH PROBLEMS) on milder natural real food.

3 or 4 of the girls I know that have dogs with bad skin, feet etc think that SP and some of the others are like posion to their dogs.

My bithces breeder first and last words to me were no SP or stuff like it. She at the time used Butchers tripe as it was low on protein at only about 9% but she has now went completley to tripe.

Some dogd never get up or down I know this but I remember an old westie woman telling me that westies re a bit more sensitive and to practise a preventative method with them. ( I can hear you say Extreme) but once they get problems it si very hard to get under control.

Best intentions ment Sara bfn :-))

Pam