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What to buy for rescue Westie

7 replies

Mockingcurl · 21/03/2013 06:20

If all goes to plan, I will be collecting a four year old Westie later this week. She is a rescue dog and adorable.
I have never owned a dog before and have no idea what I need to buy for her and what is the best food for her.
She has been neglected, any advice would be gratefully received.
Oh yes, I have a cat, how do I deal with his introductions?
Thank you.

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Scuttlebutter · 21/03/2013 07:56

Have the rescue advised you on her cat status? What sort of cat testing has she had? They should be able to advise you on doing the introductions.

A reputable rescue will ensure she's vaccinated, chipped and spayed. Make sure you get the chip paperwork, and if necessary can then transfer it to your name. You will need a collar and lead, ID tag for collar - you can get these made at many hardware stores and PAH. She'll need a bowl for water (which must always be available) and one for food. A dog bed/basket for her to snuggle up in. A brush for grooming and she will need regular trips to groomer. Once she is home with you, get her to a good local vet and registered. Get pet insurance - this is VITAL (unless you are incredibly rich and can afford not to need it). Rescue will tell you when she was last wormed and had her flea treatment - you will be able to continue worming/parasite control at a frequency advised by your vet. Mark on the calendar when she is due for her booster shots each year (just like servicing the boiler or the car MOT).

If you have a car, consider how you will be safely transporting her. Options include a crate in the boot, and a doggy seatbelt/harness that clips into the seat belt.

Plenty of supplies of poo bags! Keep them in every handbag and coat pocket, and a few little bags of dog training treats.

Find a local positive dog trainer - you can look on the APDT website and take her along to dog training classes. A well trained dog is so much nicer to live with and you will find that this really helps to strengthen the bond between you, and give you a lot of confidence - and it's great fun! Smile

Difficult to give specific advice on neglect - do you mean physical (underweight, untreated medical issues), cruelty, poor socialisation or a combo ?

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orangepudding · 21/03/2013 08:01

Food wise I would ask the rescue centre what they have been feeding her on.

Good luck!

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LadyTurmoil · 21/03/2013 08:50

Westies often have problems with their skin, I think it's worth asking the rescue if they had to treat any itchy skin on arrival and what they used (Malaseb bath is mentioned often). Just so you know what to buy/ask vet if it ever occurs again.

Have they told you if she is already house-trained? Even if she is, might be a bit unreliable as she's in new house, so take her out regularly to the garden, so she's got opportunity to pee/poo. As orange said, ask about food brand and get some in at home. Later on, you might to change to different brand (Bakers, for eg is considered crap by everyone on the Doghouse) but you have to do it gradually, to avoid runny tummys.

Good Luck, Westies are lovely Smile

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Mockingcurl · 21/03/2013 13:20

Thank you everyone for all your help. I will keep you updated.

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Nospringchickendipper · 21/03/2013 18:38

Mockingcurl I have been interested in getting a rescue westie but I already have a 9yr old westie bitch so I'm not sure if she would accept another dog. I hope you get as much pleasure from your westie as I do they are lovely dogs,will look forward to your updates.

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Mockingcurl · 25/03/2013 21:18

Well,we brought her home yesterday. She's absolutely lovely.
She was rescued from a puppy farm where she was caged and used for breeding.
She's v quiet and loving, but not house trained and stinks to high heaven. I've brushed and bathed her but she still smells awful. How often can I bath her, at least at first, and what shampoo/ conditioner is good for westies?

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Scuttlebutter · 25/03/2013 22:57

I'd suggest taking any new dog to your own vet for registration, and a general getting to know you/once over inspection. Ask your vet about her skin, her teeth, her anal glands and her ears - often bad smells are related to problems or infections in any of these. Has she been spayed?

As a general rule, a lot of ex kennel dogs will have a "kennel" smell about them for a few days when they first come home - this wears off with plenty of fresh air, regular grooming, and you will often find a change of diet/improvement in diet will help too, along with the outdoor toileting.

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