West Highland Terrier Skin Allergies

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. 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. 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. 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. Allergies. Seborrhea Skin Condition. Dental Crowding. Otitis Externa Ear Infection. Obesity. Sensitive Stomach. Joint Problems. White Shaker Dog Syndrome. Pulmonary Fibrosis. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) Dry Eye Syndrome. Cataracts. Small Dog Syndrome. 1. Allergies. The most common West Highland Terrier health concern is allergies. Respiratory allergies may be caused by cigarette smoke, certain plants and grasses, inhaled chemical vapors, dust mites, and pollen. Pollen allergies will be seasonal generally limited to Springtime. Bathing your Westie to remove allergens from their coat and skin may help. 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. 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. 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. cIOhr.

west highland terrier skin allergies