West white highland terriers have beautiful solid white coats, which is one of their most distinguishing features. However, keeping their fur its whitest is a challenge that many owners face. Mud, dirt, grass stains and pollution are just some of the things that can lead to a soiled dull coat.
While you cannot prevent west white highland terriers from becoming dirty, you can help keep their hair looking its brightest by ensuring they are clean and well groomed on a regular basis. Here’s what you can do to preserve their snowy luster:
• Brush him daily – Running a slicker brush gently through his fur, followed by a metal tooth comb is a sure way to keep his fur free of knots, dead hairs and dirt. It will also move oils through, which helps to keep his skin healthy and hair shiny.
• Keep him dry – If you notice that your westie’s face is discolored and has turned a rusty hue, particularly around his mouth and under his jaw, this is likely the result of the area being wet too frequently. You can help reduce this reddish-brown coloring from occurring by wiping his fur and attempting to keep it dry with a towel after he drinks.
• Clean his eyes – West white highland terriers may have eye discharge. This can form little black crusts in the corner of their eyes and can also lead to reddish staining on the hairs beneath their eyelids. Cleaning this discharge on a daily basis with a warm wet cloth can help control the problem.
• Wash him once a month – A good idea is to use a dog shampoo that has been specially formulated for white coats.
• Trim him every 6 – 8 weeks to maintain a fresh look and for easier grooming – Clip him shorter in the warmer months to keep him cooler.
• Take him to the vet for regular checkups to ensure optimum health – West white highland terriers that have parasites, skin infections, allergies or any other diseases may lose their fur. By providing them with the proper care and medical attention you can help prevent problems and obtain early treatment.
Westie Training & Care…
