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The doghouse

Very smelly Westie.

9 replies

Mockingcurl · 07/07/2013 20:11

My little Westie has started to smell exceedingly doggy, iykwim. Her breath smells terrible and her ears are even worse. She has also developed a dark cream stripe down her back. It looks greasy.
I presume she has an ear infection of some sort as she had this when we first had her four months ago.
I have started to bath her weekly as she smells so awful. Am I making the situation worse?
I know that westies are notorious for skin problems.
I am feeding her on Royal Canine Westie food. Would I be wise to change it? What is a good food?
All help gratefully received.
Thank you.

OP posts:
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HenriettaPye · 07/07/2013 20:24

No advice for you, but bumping so someone more experienced can see Smile

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Mockingcurl · 07/07/2013 21:09

Thank you.
Anyone?

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WestieMamma · 08/07/2013 00:25

Yeast infection otherwise known as Westie Skin Disease. The number 1 reason why Westies go to the vets. You have to bath them using a special shampoo called Malaseb. I've checked and you can get it from Amazon. Alternatively you can douse them in vinegar but then they smell like a bag of chips.

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WestieMamma · 08/07/2013 00:41
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lilyliz · 09/07/2013 21:12

you definitely need malaseb my westie had this and a bath once a week for two weeks then once a month there after sorted it out,I dont have to use trhe malaseb so often now but the hot weather does seem to make it worse.

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Mockingcurl · 09/07/2013 22:23

Thank you all.
I took her to the vet, she has a yeast infection in her ears. She has some drops.
He said to drop the Malaseb and use Episoothe instead. Malaseb is quite harsh apparently.
He's recommended a change of diet to a dermal one that's available at the vets. It works out the same price as Royal C. He recommended Plaque Off in her food to help with doggy breath.
Lets hope this all works and she smells delightful in a month or so.
Thank you for all your help.

OP posts:
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poachedeggs · 09/07/2013 22:34

Malaseb is a prescription-only medicine, so if you can buy "Malaseb" without one on Amazon, you might ask yourself some questions about the true content and provenance of the bottle.

In Westies malassezia infection is often secondary to atopy, a form of allergic skin disease. If this is the case for your dog, OP, the symptoms may recur. Keep in touch with your vet as it's important not to let things get out of hand and treat problems promptly before they escalate. Good luck :)

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WestieMamma · 10/07/2013 00:20

Sorry, I didn't realise it's prescription only. I'm not in the UK and here I can buy it over the counter.

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caringly · 22/10/2018 22:24

Smelly Westie Dogs
Usually, they are suffering from a yeast infection and can end up smelling like old trainers. Malassezia needs treating with an anti-bacterial and anti-microbial shampoo. My 16-year-old boy and going strong is fed on a gluten-free diet and his gut health seems to be very important at keeping this yeast under control. Rarely now does he get colitis and if he does I treat it with Protexin. I use Dermacton cream on any sores after removing the crusty stuff. I also have to keep a check on his ears. But these products are the best:- www.aromesse.com/skin-problem/PetNat.html. Vitamin and glucosamine supplements are keeping him active! Good luck to anyone who has one of these wonderful child-friendly dogs if occasionally a bit smelly as they age!

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