West Highland White Terrier Health Issues & Care Guide
Comprehensive health guide covering common conditions, genetic testing, preventive care, and veterinary recommendations for West Highland White Terriers.
Health Overview
Skin allergies are extremely common in the breed, with some estimates suggesting over 25 percent of Westies develop atopic dermatitis.. Choosing a breeder who performs comprehensive health testing is the best way to minimize genetic risks.
Once home, maintain your West Highland White Terrier's health through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, dental hygiene, and preventive veterinary care including annual (or biannual for seniors) wellness exams.
Common Health Conditions
| Condition | Frequency | Severity | Treatable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atopic Dermatitis | Very Common | Moderate | Partial |
| Westie Lung Disease | Moderate | High | Partial |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease | Moderate | Moderate | Yes |
| Craniomandibular Osteopathy | Moderate | Moderate | Partial |
| Addison's Disease | Low | High | Yes |
Atopic Dermatitis
Chronic skin allergies causing intense itching, redness, and secondary infections, often requiring lifelong management.
Westie Lung Disease
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis causing progressive scarring of lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulty.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Degeneration of the femoral head due to reduced blood supply, causing hip pain and lameness in young dogs.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Abnormal bone growth on the jaw and skull occurring in puppies, causing pain when eating or opening the mouth.
Addison's Disease
Hypoadrenocorticism resulting in insufficient production of adrenal hormones, requiring lifelong hormone replacement.
Recommended Health Tests
Recommended health tests for West Highland White Terriers include:
- Patellar luxation screening
- Ophthalmologist evaluation (CERF/OFA)
- Thyroid testing
- Breed-specific DNA panel—particularly important given the West Highland White Terrier's susceptibility to Atopic Dermatitis
Skin allergies are extremely common in the breed, with some estimates suggesting over 25 percent of Westies develop atopic dermatitis.. Ask to see results before purchasing a puppy.
Preventive Care Schedule
A preventive care schedule for your West Highland White Terrier (lifespan 13–15 years) should include:
- Puppies (0-12 months): Vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16 weeks; deworming; spay/neuter discussion; weight tracking
- Adults (1-11 years): Annual wellness exam, vaccinations, heartworm test, dental cleaning, screening for Atopic Dermatitis
- Seniors (11+ years): Twice-yearly exams, blood work, urinalysis, and monitoring for Atopic Dermatitis and Westie Lung Disease
Life Stage Health Guide
Understanding your West Highland White Terrier's life stages helps you provide appropriate care (lifespan 13–15 years):
- Puppy (0-12 months): Rapid growth toward 15–20 lbs, socialization critical, high energy, frequent feeding
- Adolescent (1-2 years): Testing boundaries, continued training to channel their 4/5 energy, reaching adult size of 10–11 inches
- Adult (2-11 years): Peak health, 60+ minutes daily exercise, annual screening for Atopic Dermatitis
- Senior (11+ years): Slower pace, may need dietary adjustments, biannual vet visits
Insurance Recommendation
Considering the West Highland White Terrier's risk for Atopic Dermatitis and Westie Lung Disease, pet insurance is worth the $38–$86 monthly premium. Compare accident-and-illness plans from major providers and enroll early—pre-existing conditions are universally excluded.