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Help Westie Dogs with Skin Problems - Examine your Westie to see if he has greasy, red, itchy skin and a bad odor. Check his neck, groin, armpits and perineal areas. If your dog is scratching a lot or he seems to be in pain when you touch him, you need to make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Bring your dog to the vet for a complete examination. The vet will look under the microscope for Malassezia organisms in skin scrapings. Malassezia dermatitis is a skin yeast infection triggered and exacerbated by humidity and airborne, food or flea allergies.
Begin treatment immediately. Your vet will prescribe topical or oral medication and palliative care. Topical treatment alone is seldom successful, but, because oral medications are expensive, starting with baths and antifungal creams is advised if the infection is not widespread. Sometimes diagnosis is confirmed by the dog's response to treatment.
Bathe your Westie twice a week with medicated anti-yeast shampoo, which must be lathered, left on the skin for 15 minutes, then rinsed. Apply a prescribed medicated leave-in conditioner after shampooing.
Follow your veterinarian's instructions if ketoconazole tablets are prescribed. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If nausea occurs, cut medication doses in half; if nausea is severe, discontinue use immediately.
The West Highland White Terrier is commonly called the Westie. According to the American Kennel Club, Westie dogs have a "strong-willed personality and a large amount of spunk, determination and devotion ... The Westie loves people and makes an affectionate addition to any family." Westies are a healthy breed overall, but certain genetic and non-inherited skin diseases seem to be more common in Westies than in other breeds. Some of these conditions are Malassezia dermatitis, ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis and primary seborrhea. To help Westies with skin problems, their owners must be consistent in the dog's daily care. ??
by eHow
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Help Westie Dogs with Skin Problems
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