| Westie dogs owners delight in the | | | | |
| companionship their dogs give them during | | | | Here's what to do if your pet's paws are |
| long and leisurely walks. But this activity | | | | itchy. Look for these symptoms; the hairs and |
| should be one that brings pleasure to both. | | | | even the nails are a reddish brown. The pads |
| | | | are swollen. This means yeast and bacteria |
| How can you ensure that your dog also enjoys | | | | already be developing in the crevices between |
| these activities? First, you'll need to get | | | | the pads and around the nails. Visit your vet |
| your dog accustomed to having his paws | | | | so he or she can recommend medication to |
| handled and manipulated. | | | | reduce the swelling and alleviate the |
| | | | itching. |
| These are important Westie health issues that | | | | |
| come under the grooming umbrella. | | | | Doing regular examinations on your Westie |
| | | | (Scottish in origin) dog's paw prior to and |
| When your west highland terrier is tolerant | | | | after your walks, will make your dog eagerly |
| of such treatment it would be easier for both | | | | await each sojourn. |
| you and the veterinarian to carefully | | | | |
| scrutinize your dog if there are cuts or | | | | Here are some success tips on how to groom |
| bruises on, in and around his paws. | | | | your westie. I am not talking about turning |
| | | | out a show dog. If this is what you want, |
| Where should these foot exams take place? | | | | then go to a groomer. They can be found in |
| Pick a spot that's comfortable for both of | | | | every town and city from London to New York |
| you, and is at the same time well-lit. Here's | | | | to Atlanta. |
| how to do it. Put the dog's paw in your hand. | | | | |
| Run your finger around every pad. If you feel | | | | Most Westies enjoy being groomed. Begin |
| lumps, examine it closely to find out what it | | | | brushing and examining your Westie when it is |
| is. | | | | very young. Be positive, patient and gentle. |
| | | | |
| Keep a pair of tweezers handy, to pull out | | | | Grooming is a part of your Westie's general |
| bits of twig that may be stuck. | | | | health care and hygiene routine. It includes |
| | | | brushing, combing, nail-clipping, ear and |
| If the skin is broken, put anti-bacterial | | | | dental care, bathing and scissoring, |
| ointment or powder on the sore. Check the | | | | stripping or clipping of hair coats. Regular |
| next day to ensure it heals completely. | | | | grooming stimulates circulation, improves |
| Refrain from taking a walk with your dog in | | | | appearance and reduces shedding. |
| the next couple of days, until the healing is | | | | |
| completed. | | | | It also enables you to discover lumps, |
| | | | lesions, cuts, scratches or external |
| Here's what you should do if you find a lump | | | | parasites. Frequent haircuts are even more |
| in one foot that's not present in the other | | | | important for Westies than for humans. Long |
| foot. Get your dog to the vet. He or she may | | | | hair breeds dirt, bacteria and is more prone |
| have an abscess or an interdigital cyst. | | | | to matting. |
| | | | |
| Examine and trim the paws regularly. | | | | Use the proper grooming tools for the job. |
| | | | Consult your breeder, veterinarian or other |
| Regularly trim all the hair that's out from | | | | Westie professional for guidance. |
| between the pads. Don't trim it too tight. If | | | | |
| you see a matt of hair sticking out, cut it. | | | | A full grooming may include a bath. Water for |
| Don't strip or pull the hairs. It's painful | | | | a Westie's bath should be tepid. Be sure to |
| for your dog. | | | | use a non-skid mat in the tub. |