What maintenance consideration often overlooked regarding their low shedding level is crucial for Westies' skin health?
Answer
Vigilance regarding the type of shampoo used, as harsh chemicals can exacerbate skin sensitivity.
Although the Westie coat is appealing because it sheds less than many double-coated breeds, which can benefit allergy sufferers, their skin is prone to sensitivity, making them susceptible to contact dermatitis. This skin sensitivity means owners must be extremely cautious about the grooming products applied directly to the skin and coat. Harsh shampoos containing strong chemicals can easily irritate their skin, potentially triggering or worsening allergic reactions, itching, or general dermatitis, necessitating careful selection of gentle, appropriate cleansing agents.
#Videos
Westie or Not? | Life Span, Size, Health | Breed Characteristics
Related Questions
Why did Colonel Malcolm mandate that Westies be white after a hunting accident?What is the consequence of clipping a Westie's coat with electric clippers instead of hand-stripping?Which progressive neurological disease is identified as a potential genetic health concern for West Highland White Terriers?What characteristic of the Westie's tail served as a functional tool when the dogs worked underground?What temperament trait, rooted in their history, might cause a Westie to test household rules consistently?What types of vermin were Westies specifically developed in the Scottish Highlands to hunt and dispatch?Which training methodology is explicitly advised against for Westies due to potential behavioral setbacks?What maintenance consideration often overlooked regarding their low shedding level is crucial for Westies' skin health?What physical specification generally defines the weight range for a mature Westie of standard height?Why is teaching a reliable recall command often considered one of the more challenging training aspects for the Westie?