Skin Problems with West Highland Terriers
Along with people, canines have skin issues as well. The West Highland Terriers are not exempted to these problems. These dogs can also contract skin issues that need to be seen to promtly. These epidermal problems could be due to inheritance, allergy or airborne elements.
One of the most common hereditary skin disease acquired by Westies is epidermal dysplasia. It is usually suffered by puppies where their dermis becomes dark-colored and itchy. Aside from it, the affected area thickens and becomes greasy. Although there is no cure, per se, there is medication available.
Other causes of skin diseases for Westies are yeast infections, especially those that come from the warmer areas. Have you ever seen this before? Does your West Highland Terrier have itchy skin, hair loss, darkened greasy skin and/or crusty skin, a musty or yeasty odor, and sometimes accompanied by an ear infection?
If your response is "yes," then it is quite likely that your Westie has Malassezia Dermatitis.
Yeast infections are very itchy, crusty, and smelly and quite uncomfortable for the dog. Often the Westie begins with a rash or a simple itching, and the skin may begin to thicken to an "elephant-like" skin appearance. The itch gets extreme, and the odor gets worse as well. Fortunately, Malassezia Dermatitis is quite treatable by your vet.
West Highland Terriers are also prone to skin conditions relating from airbones factors. Westies seem to have more of an inclination to get skin issues from airborne particles than other breeds. Skin darkening usually results from skin inflammation. West Highland Terriers can get airborne diseases wether inside or outside, it does not matter. This breed of dog can be allergic to pollens especially during pollination season. In pollen season, West Highland Terriers can be seen scratching their skin or biting at it. Even if your West Highland Terrier is an inside dog, he or she can still suffer from airborne skin conditions. Also, remember that household mold and dust can affect West Highland Terrier skin. Also the West Highland Terrier can spread the skin condition when he or she rubs his or her face on other body parts.
CS Christian is a westie lover and she runs a westie rescue in North Carolina.