Fleas
Skin problems are often caused by a flea allergy. You can purchase flea products from your vet or pet supply store. It is important that you get on a product that works. We do not use a chemical flea control. We keep our dogs and their living quarters clean.

Grass Allergies
Some skin problems are attributed to “grass allergies”. Another thing you can do to eliminate skin problems and especially “hot spots” is to put your dog on a special diet that eliminates wheat, corn, and beef . Wheat, corn, and beef seem to cause some Westies to be more susceptible to grass allergies. Change your dog’s diet to one based on lamb and rice. Also, Omega-3 fish oil capsules can be given two times daily to boost the immune system and keep the skin from drying out even more than normal. A hypo-allergenic shampoo is important!

Hot Spots
A “hot spot” will appear as a circular crusty lesion with hair loss about an inch in diameter. Females seem to be more susceptible then males. While a hot spot can occur anywhere on the dog they are more likely to be found on the belly and around the genitals. See your vet to get a topical ointment to treat the sores.

Keeping Your Westie White
One way to keep your Westie white is to use white grooming chalk and sprinkle it into the coat once a week or as needed. You can use a spray bottle to slightly dampen the coat prior to sprinkling in the grooming powder. Let it set for about an hour, then brush it or pat it out. You can also use Corn Starch, or baby powder with corn starch that you purchase in the grocery store. Sprinkle on, then comb or brush the coat thoroughly. It is not unusual for some pups to have a dorsal stripe that will likely disappear in months to come.