westies white coats

[tinkerbell23]

im aware that they are prone to skin allergies......but have read that "chalking" them is popular in show world and saves on too much bathing causing allergies....we will get him profesionally groomed but in meantime i have read a few places that cornstach and baby powder can be sprinkled on him....forgive me if im being quite stupid....but baby powder as in OUR baby powder...and cornstarch...as in cornflour?? can i just mix them in a tub and sprinkle away now and then!!???????

sorry if this is dumb im brand new to westies! xxxxxx

any other tips would be appreciated...just want to get this right!!xx

[jules77]

Yes you can use baby powder and yes Westies are prone to allergies. You are right in thinking it is the very same baby powder we would use ie: 'johnsons baby powder', and 'cornflour', and a specialist powder chalk. I personally dont like chalk and from the reaction it has on my own skin, I wouldnt using it on a dog with skin allergies. If you brush him regularly there shouldnt be any need as dirt will drop off and for a quick touch up between baths you can use a no rinse shampoo like these

http://www.hubintsecu...No_Rinse_Shampoo.html

If you google 'Grooming a Westie', there are a lot of sites with information eg:

http://www.lauriekris.com/appearance.html

[lankeela]

The reason 'show' westies are chalked is because bathing makes the coat soft and they should have a harsh coat. If you are not bothered about a softer coat, then bathe occasionally with a special mild dog shampoo. Try googling Dermacton, it is a natural product that helps skin conditions, they do shampoo and skin cream. However unless your dog already has a skin condition I would not start putting any stuff on him in case it sets anything off. You may be lucky in that the breeder of your dog has not bred from a line that is susceptible to skin problems as most are hereditary. This is one reason anyone buying a pedigree dog should go to a reputable breeder who actually cares about then dogs they produce, rather than just churning them out for the money.

[tinkerbell23]

thanks for your answers theyre really helpfull!! ill let u know how i get on.....thank u xxxxxxxx

[Jan1957]

tinkerbell, I had a bichon frise which are also prone to skin allergies and he suffered for years. Don't bath your dog too much, 6 to 8 weeks is fine. When I got my bichon, rescued from an old couple who couldn't keep him any more, they had been bathing him once a week! He was on steroids to try and cure the skin problem.

We tried tea tree oil, in shampoo and a spray, and got him off the steroids in a couple of months. They do tea tree oil shampoos etc for dogs from vets or pet supply places which are very expensive and in the end I used to buy lotions and shampoos from the Body Shop. Much cheaper and all their stuff is natural. Well worth a try.

[tinkerbell23]

jan jst saw ur answer thats brill help thank u so much ....x