Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca. Westies, or West Highland White Terriers, are small white dogs that hail from Scotland and have distinctive white fur that gives them heaps of character. But are they hypoallergenic? The short answer is no, because no dog breed is hypoallergenic. Outline: Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease which is common in the West Highland white terrier, possibly affecting 25% of dogs. It causes mild to severe itching which, as a result of scratching or rubbing, often leads to further skin damage, irritation, infection and discomfort. Westie Armadillo Syndrome refers to a skin condition affecting West Highland White Terriers. Also known as epidermal dysplasia, this abnormal skin growth results in itchy and thickened skin that can cause skin folds in various areas of the body. While it can occur at any age, it typically begins in puppies around 2 to 6 months old. The West Highland Terrier is considered hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for people with mild allergies. The West Highland Terrier produces minimal fur and dander and is relatively low-shedding. As long as you take proactive steps, you can avoid dandruff and hair. Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common allergic skin disease that is known to affect individuals early in life; the natural history of its initial development has not been documented. Some breeds such as West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) are highly predisposed to cAD. Objectives. Allergies. Athough they are tough and hardy, Westies are very prone to developing allergies. Allergies can cause distressing symptoms for dogs, primarily itching, and when they scratch and chew at their itchy body parts, they can cause sores, skin irritation, and hair loss. West Highland White Terriers tend to be predisposed to numerous health issues, such as skin allergies and intolerances, however, many of these issues can be supported via dietary support. Sponsored by Different Dog. Skin allergies and intolerances can plague our dogs causing hair loss and dry irritated broken skin. Westie skin allergies are one of the most common problems a pet owner can face. The tell-tale signs of an allergic reaction may be anything from redness and irritation to scabs or black spots on the skin of your small dog. Skin problems aside, the conditions that Westies have a heightened propensity to be affected by include: "Westie jaw," or to give it its proper name, craniomandibular osteopathy, which will be present in puppies if both parents carry the gene for the condition. i. Your West Highland white terrier might be a tough little guy, but skin problems can cause him a world of misery. If you notice skin issues on your Westie, take him to the vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment, before the problem gets really serious. Allergies. saliva. urine. sweat. other doggy body fluids. While dog hair itself doesn't usually cause allergies, when it sheds, it aids in the spread of allergens into the air. Are Westies Good for Allergy Sufferers? You might be surprised to learn that around one in ten people has an allergy to dogs. Atopica ® or Gengraf ® (generic: Cyclosporine) Malassezia may be triggered by Atopic dermatitis, an underlying allergy to common airborne allergens such as pollens, molds and dust mites. Atopic dermatitis is the most common allergic skin disease in dogs. The disease is chronic and lasts a lifetime. The plant that Westies seem to be most allergic to (in New Zealand, anyway) is Tradescantia fluminensis - known more commonly as "wandering jew". It likes growing in dark, shady places and it is really hard to get rid of. This is what wandering jew looks like: A weed called "wandering jew" causes allergies in Westies. The skin is a weak area in Westies. In a recent study, 66% (two-thirds) of the breed were affected by some form of skin disease by 3 years of age. Allergies (which cause itchy skin and often lead to pyoderma) are very common in all terrier breeds. Other skin diseases in Westies include seborrhea, and a very serious disease: epidermal dysplasia. Malassezia Dermatitis. Malassezia dermatitis is not an allergy but a yeast infection found on the skin of Westies as the result of an allergic reaction. The symptoms include loss of hair and oily, itchy, blackened, foul-smelling skin. Treatment includes anitfungal drugs, medicated shampoo, antibiotics, antihistamines and topical treatments. Rxgg.

west highland terrier skin allergies