Stripping before and after
Skin care in the west highland white terrier
The West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is a breed that requires special skin and coat care.
Very often I get requests for help with skin care, people who are exasperated because they cannot solve irritation and licking of their beloved westie, despite medicines and medications. Well what I can tell you is that most problems are solved with proper coat care and nutrition. Let’s go into detail
1. Grooming and Fur Hygiene FUNDAMENTAL.
Brushing: It is essential to brush the coat regularly (at least every other day) to remove dirt, dust and dead hair. This also helps prevent knots and felts from forming, especially under the armpits. A carder-type brush with fine, curved metal needles is often recommended.
Trimming/Stripping (Hand Trimming): The Westie has a rough (hard) coat that should be treated with stripping (hand epilation of mature hair) at least every 2 months. This helps to maintain the typical texture of the hair and promote regrowth. Shearing (with a machine) is not suitable for these dogs, as it cuts the hair and does not remove the old, so there is no renewal. Westies have continuously growing hair i.e., they do not shed and that is why it needs to be removed manually. Even if the dog has been sheared stripping is always possible, be wary of those who claim otherwise!
With proper stripping you will not only have a better looking westie but also a healthier one because you are promoting coat renewal.
To shorten the hair if stripping should not be possible temporarily (the dog is unwell, or in heat, or for any other reason) use scissors. Shearing a westie is not a good practice for the sake of the skin.
Bathing: Bathing should not be too frequent so as not to remove the natural skin protection. Wash the Westie only when dirty no more than once a month, using:
Specific shampoos for rough hair (to maintain texture).
Gentle, soothing shampoos (e.g., oatmeal or chlorhexidine and ceramide-based if he has skin problems) to avoid irritation.
Do not use conditioners; westie hair is tough.
Stripping is recommended before bathing.
Drying: Drying should be thorough and complete, preferably with an air dryer that is not too hot, for the health of the dog and to prevent the hair from waving.
Dry cleaning products: Between baths, you can use powders such as cornstarch or a mixture of talcum powder and zinc oxide (soothing and anti-inflammatory, drugstore) to refresh and clean the skin.
2. Prevention and Management of Skin Problems
Westies are particularly prone to dermatological problems; if coat care is not done properly, dermatitis can occur.
Malassezia (Yeast) Dermatitis: A secondary fungal infection often associated with allergies, which can cause patches of hair loss, redness and bad odor, especially in warm, moist areas such as skin folds and between the fingertips and ears. Well this is very common and to avoid it you need to keep the dog dry and with disinfected skin (once a month wash the dog with chlorhexidine shampoo-only if the skin is not irritated). Watch out for ears and feet.
Food Allergies: Adverse reactions to certain proteins or carbohydrates in the diet.
Atopic Dermatitis: An allergic reaction to environmental factors (pollen, dust mites, dust) that causes severe itching, skin redness, scratching and licking lesions, and sometimes recurrent otitis and conjunctivitis.
When they don’t know which way to turn they tell us it’s Atopic Dermatitis, and then down to prescribing medications. You pay attention to coat care and feeding, most dermatitis problems will magically disappear.
Specific Care for Sensitive Skin:
Diet: A balanced, high-quality diet is CRUCIAL. A diet rich in Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids is often recommended to support skin and coat health. If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian may suggest an elimination diet (with only one protein and one carbohydrate source) or a hypoallergenic diet. Choose quality kibble; what you save on food you will spend on less pleasant things. DO NOT GIVE THE FOODS FROM YOUR TABLE – NO BREAD – NO PIZZA – NO SWEETS – NO FRYED POTATOES from the appetizer – and if you have a doubt about what you want to give him DO NOT GIVE IT TO HIM!
So many westies are “allergic” to chicken, avoid!
Supplements: Supplementing with Omega 3 and 6 (fish oil, etc.) can help during critical periods.
Pest Control: Maintaining strict control against fleas, ticks and mites is vital, as bites can trigger allergic dermatitis.
Topical Products:
For reddened or irritated skin, soothing and de-reddening lotions or sprays, often containing ingredients such as oats, ceramides, or phytosphingosine, may be useful to restore the skin barrier.
In case of infections (bacterial or yeast), the veterinarian will prescribe specific shampoos or treatments (e.g., chlorhexidine and/or climbazole).
3. General Hygiene
Fingertips: Remove excess hair between fingertips to prevent felting and moisture retention, which can promote Malassezia infections.
Ears: Clean ears regularly with specific cleansing drops, as inflammation caused by allergies often also manifests as recurrent otitis.
Nails, Teeth and Eyes: Don’t forget regular nail trimming and dental hygiene.
In summary, caring for a Westie’s skin and coat requires frequent brushing, regular stripping, not excessive bathing with specific products, and close attention to diet.
Close cooperation between YOU, with your commitment, and a groomer experienced in the breed are essential.
