General West Highland Terrier Care
These dog breeds are mostly healthy with no major problems. Actually if you go for a purebred, you will be able to check its health very thoroughly because the breeder would have had to go through a battery of tests before having it ready for sale. The same tests would have been carried out on the mother of the puppy as well as the stud.
West Highland White Terrier General Care Tips
1. Vaccinations – the first and foremost thing that one should do is to get hold of a vaccination schedule and a good veterinary doctor who would advise as well as guide the owner of the dog about vaccinations and what are the main problems that one should watch out for.
2. Despite sometimes having all the required certificates and credentials, it may still develop diseases like the Perth’s disease and allergic reactions and hence this dog needs period medical check ups at least once a year.
3. These dogs needs little, but regular grooming. Their coat is dry and hence it can be as good as new with a little brushing. Sometimes it is a very good idea to have to have the hair trimmed in the popular lion style, which takes care of one of the most troublesome parts of the West Highland White Terrier care.
4. Nails – one needs to pay attention to the nails to ensure adept footing. The grooming of nails should be done once in a month if the dog is very active outdoors. This is because when running outdoors, the West Highland Terrier puppy’s nails get filed through the friction applied.
5. Cleaning of the ears – care for your West Highland Terrier puppy’s ears; because they are sharp and standing, they attract a lot of dust. These have to be cleaned on a monthly basis to prevent parasites from making a house in the ear – which in turn will develop into serious infections.
6. Bath – since the coat of these dogs is basically dry, it is contraindicated to bathe it too often. Once in two months is fine. For this purpose, you will need a good soap (medicated and normal), a good shampoo and possibly a conditioner to soften a little the outer coat of hair of the dog.
7. Regularly check for parasites – there are many places where parasites can take a ride on your West Highland Terrier puppy if not cared for. Some of the favorite spots would be behind the ears, under the muzzle, right under the arms, inside the ears, on the inside of the thighs and in between the toes. You will need to run a careful eye over it and then remove all the parasites you find on it.
The general health care described above would help you guard the dog better against the health concerns facing the West Highland Terrier.
