To add an extra measure of identification protection we recommend having your dog microchipped.  This will ensure that your pet can always be identified as the microchip is unalterable.

The microchip is a tiny computer chip about the size of a grain of rice programmed with an identification number. Your veterinarian simply injects the microchip between the shoulder blades under the skin, much like a vaccine, where it safely stays for life, providing a permanent, positive identification that cannot be lost, altered or removed, and does not migrate in the animal's body.  The identification numbers on the chips are read by scanners.

 

AKC Companion Animal Recovery Program

Yard Safety

Digging is instinctual to a Westie so you must periodically inspect your fenced outside area to ensure it remains secure.  Make sure your Westie can not get through the fence and also make sure there are no gaps between the fencing and the ground.  Also ensure all gates latch securely.  Westies are clever and tenacious...never underestimate their abilities.

Westie Digging

We do not recommend you tether your dog as this will make your Westie absolutely defenseless in an attack by another animal or a teasing child.

Nor do we recommend the use of Invisible Fence® as your primary and only fencing device.  An Invisible Fence is an electrified wire buried underground which transmits a radio signal to your dog's collar. The collar beeps when the dog strays too close to the fence and gives the dog a shock if he tries to cross the boundary. Your fencing goal should be to keep your Westie safe. An Invisible Fence can not accomplish this goal.  It will not prevent people, other dogs or wild animals from entering your yard and attacking your Westie and it will not prevent your Westie being stolen.  If a Westie catches sight of a squirrel or something else interesting on the other side of this type of "fence", his natural instinct to chase the prey will be greater than his need to avoid the shock. Your Westie will be through the pain zone before he realizes what has happened.  However, once he has finished investigating, the pain zone will keep your Westie from returning home. This type of "fence" can also malfunction without your knowledge.  Regular fencing is far safer, more effective and much more humane.

Remove any toxic plants from your yard.

Carefully read the precautions for pesticides and rodent bait.   Keep your pet away from newly-treated lawns and flower beds.  Also avoid walking your dog anywhere you suspect has been sprayed or treated with toxic chemicals.

If you suspect your animal has been exposed to a toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at:

1-888-426-4435A

ASPCA Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch Warning

Many pets drown each year in backyard swimming pools.  Not all dogs swim well and your dog will not instinctively know how to get out of your pool.  Teach your dog how to get out of your pool by placing the dog in the pool with you and gently guiding it to the steps.  Do this over and over until the dog can find its way out of the pool without your help.  Review this lesson every summer.  Swimming pools should be fenced separately from yard fencing.  Be aware that a pool cover could cause a dreadful accident trapping a curious dog.

Beware of insect bites. If your dog is bitten or stung, remove the stinger and watch the site for an allergic reaction.  If a reaction occurs or if there have been multiple insects bites, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Home Safety

To protect your Westie while inside your house, we highly recommend purchasing baby gates.   As Westie owners we jokingly say "we all live in gated communities", however baby gates are invaluable lifesavers in preventing your lightning-speed terrier from escaping through an opened  door.

Dog-proof your home for your Westie just as you would if you had a toddler visiting.  Equip floor-level cabinets with child-proof latches; store all cleaning products and medications out of reach; place newspapers and magazines on a high shelf; store clothes and shoes in closets with the doors closed; keep electrical wires out of reach; be careful where you leave plastic bags; watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters.  Remove any toxic plants from your home.

Westie-Proof Your Home

Westies Home Alone

Be sure to periodically check your dog's toys to ensure broken pieces can not become caught in his/her throat.  Inspect all toys with squeakers and bells to make sure they are secure.  Latex and vinyl toys are inappropriate for a Westie's strong jaws.  Solid rubber toys are a much safer choice.  While rawhide chew toys may help remove plaque, small pieces of swallowed rawhide can cause a respiratory or intestinal obstruction.  We do not recommend giving Westies rawhide chew toys, pig ears or hooves.

Toys Are Fun For Westies

Choosing The Right Toys For Your Dog

How To Choose a Chew Bone for Your Dog

Summer Safety

Keeping your Westie cool, safe and comfortable during the summer months is an important task.  Do not take your dog along for car rides if your trip involves stops at locations where pets are not allowed.  On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 120° F in a matter of minutes.  Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke when trapped in high temperatures.

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress (heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, staggering gait, vomiting, deep red or purple tongue) call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately.

Try to keep walks to a minimum and avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot and humid days.  Refrain from physical activity when the sun's heat is most intense.  Hot asphalt can burn the pads of your dog's feet.

Bring your dog inside during the heat of the day and let him rest in a cool part, well-ventilated of your house.

Always make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean cool water.

If you take your Westie to the beach, provide a shaded spot and plenty of fresh drinking water.  Rinse off the dog if he has been in salt water.

Don't take your dog to fireworks displays.  The crowds, loud noises and flashing lights are frightening to even the most calm pets.  Your animal may react unpredictably out of fear.

Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention.  Fleas can be a year round problem in the Bay Area.  However, products such as Program, Advantage and Frontline will assure your Westie of a flea-less future.  We do not recommend the use of any combination heartworm-flea medications for Westies.

Foxtails are barbed seeds of dried grasses and weeds and they are very common throughout the Bay Area during the dry season.  Foxtails can work their way into the nose, ears, eyes and feet of unsuspecting animals.  Once inside, they can move through the body and cause severe abscesses and infections.  Remove dried weeds and foxtails from your yard and keep your dog away from weeds and foxtails in other locations.  Examine your dog daily, especially between the toes and in the ears for any sign of a foxtail.

If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, take him to your veterinarian ASAP:

• Pawing at the ears and eyes and shaking head

• Rubbing an eye or squinting

• Rubbing the head on the ground and wheeling in circles or licking and biting at the rectum or other body parts

• Repeated violent sneezing sometimes with bloody discharge from nostrils

• Yelping or whining for no obvious reason

• A small raised infected spot showing signs of inflammation