West Highland White Terriers (Westies) present unique challenges when managing their allergies. In this episode, board certified veterinary dermatologist and devoted Westie owner Dr. Valerie Fadok joins to allergic skin and ear disease in these little dogs with big personalities. Dr. Fadok shares her expertise and personal stories to help pet owners better understand and manage this frustrating condition in this specific breed.
Why Are Westies So Itchy? Understanding Allergies in West Highland White Terriers
West Highland White Terriers, affectionately known as Westies, are adored for their spunky personalities and snowy white coats. But behind that confident strut lies a hidden battle—many Westies are plagued by allergic skin and ear disease from a young age.
In this episode of the Your Vet Wants You to Know podcast, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti sits down with Dr. Valerie Fadok, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and proud Westie owner, to dig into why this breed struggles so much and how pet owners can help.
What Makes Westies So Prone to Allergies?
According to Dr. Fadok, allergies in Westies typically manifest as:
Constant itching (not just scratching, but licking, rolling, and scooting)
Greasy or crusty skin
Hair loss and thickened, blackened skin
Recurring bacterial and yeast infections
Severe ear infections, sometimes leading to hearing loss
Allergies in Westies often begin early in life and can progress quickly if not managed effectively. Genetics play a role, but the condition is complex—multiple genes, combined with environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, or food proteins, can trigger a lifelong inflammatory response.
Why do Westies get ear infections?
One of the most frustrating aspects of allergic disease in Westies is their chronic, often severe, ear infections. Allergies cause inflammation in the ear canal, which creates an ideal environment for secondary infections. Over time, these infections lead to permanent changes in the ear, making them harder to treat.
Need help managing your pet’s ear infections? Listen to Episode 44 and Episode 45 on ear infections in dogs for more expert advice.
Do Westies Have Food Allergies?
In a study of allergic Westies, nearly 50% had food allergies in addition to environmental sensitivities. Unfortunately, there’s no reliable blood, hair, or saliva test to diagnose food allergies. The only accurate method is a diet trial using a prescription hydrolyzed or elemental diet for 8 weeks, followed by a food challenge to confirm.
Dr. Fadok recommends:
Choosing diets approved for growing dogs if your Westie is a puppy
Avoiding over-the-counter “allergy” foods or non-validated tests
Working closely with a veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist to select the right diet
Long-Term Management Strategies for Allergies in Westies
Allergies in Westies are lifelong, but with the right tools and team, they can be managed successfully. Here are key components of care:
- Flea Prevention – Even if you don’t see fleas, allergic dogs often groom them off before you spot them. Preventative flea control is essential to prevent flares.
- Anti-Itch Medications – Safe and effective treatments like Apoquel, Cytopoint, Zenrelia, Atopica, or corticosteroids may be used for flare-ups, especially during allergy season.
- Immunotherapy – Custom allergy shots or oral drops can desensitize allergic dogs over time, reducing their need for medications.
- Bathing and Ear Cleaning – Regular bathing and gentle ear cleansers help remove allergens and reduce the risk of infections.
Planning Ahead: Westie Puppies and Allergy Prevention
If you’re planning to adopt a Westie, be proactive:
Get pet insurance early—it can help manage the long-term cost of allergy care.
Feed a high-quality diet that supports skin health.
Work with a reputable breeder or adopt with awareness of the breed’s medical needs.
Establish a relationship with a veterinary dermatologist early.
A Valuable Resource: The Westie Foundation of America
Looking for trustworthy, breed-specific information? The Westie Foundation of America offers a free Westie Health Book and supports research to improve care for allergic Westies.
Download the Westie Health Book here: Westie Foundation of America
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection For Westies with Allergies
Caring for an allergic Westie can be challenging—but it’s also deeply rewarding. “Our goal is comfort, not perfection,” says Dr. Fadok. With teamwork, science, and love, these proud little dogs can live happy, healthy lives.
