My Mum has a ten week old Westie bitch called Martha. She is totally healthy and we are not at all concerned about her . I am trying to find out all I can about the breed for my Mum and have heard that they are prone to skin problems ,can anyone tell me how soon a skin condition would present itself and if it does can it be controlled.

Hi there,

Generally it is best to do most of the research before the purchase , however I do realise that unfortunately a lot of the time it is the other way round.

I personally don't westies they are more prone to skin problems than any other breed.

If the puppy was bought from a genuine breed enthusiast that knows their lines and offers support them hopefully this is not something you will have to worry about.

Bad skin which is generally due to allergies, (whether genetic or environmental)  can be controlled.

When it appears nobody can say exactly like any dog or human.    Some are young and some are old. 

Westie puppies start to scratch at a young age for a bit and I have heard people worry about this but what you tend to find is that it is the harsh coat coming through and if you rub the puppy you can feel it.

My puppy is nearly 10 weeks and he has been stripped out so all the little harsh hairs are now coming through quickly and it is tickling him.

BFN

Perhaps you could ask the pups breeder if there is any history of skin problems you should be aware of in the parents??  I'm sure the breeder would love to hear how Martha is doing and it could be worked into the conversation ;) - you may be worrying for nothing.

Regards
Dill

Hi Flossy,

You should check the Westie breed club sites (UK and US), I'm sure a number of them will have good information on common problems.

However, the most common skin problem in Westies is caused by allergies.  I have a Cairn, and as the breeds are closely related they share some of the same tendencies.   Cairns and Westies can be highly sensitive to flea bites, which can cause severe skin problems .. like excessive scratching, hair loss and so on.   Best advice there is to make sure your dog always has some sort of protection during flea season, like Frontline, and to keep your home free of fleas as well.

Other than fleas, dogs can be allergic to certain foods or plants or chemicals.  The most common allergic reactions in dogs present themselves as skin problems, including paw licking.  

Stacey