Senior West Highland Terrier Care Guide
Expert care guide for aging Westies covering Westie armor skin disease, liver problems, Legg-Perthes disease, dental care, and best products.
West Highland White Terriers, affectionately called Westies, are small dogs with enormous personalities. Bold, confident, and endlessly entertaining, these compact terriers bring outsized joy to their families. But beneath that iconic white coat lies a breed susceptible to some significant health challenges as they age. From the notorious "Westie armor" skin disease to liver problems, joint conditions, and dental disease, senior Westies require knowledgeable, dedicated care. With an average lifespan of 12-16 years, many Westies will spend a substantial portion of their lives in the senior phase, making this guide essential reading for every Westie owner.
Top Picks for Senior Westies
Douxo S3 Chlorhexidine Shampoo
Veterinary antiseptic and antifungal shampoo for managing skin infections, yeast, and Westie armor.
Nutramax Laboratories Denamarin Advanced for Small Dogs
Liver support supplement containing SAMe and silybin to protect liver cells and support detoxification.
Virbac Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
Veterinary enzymatic toothpaste with dual enzyme system that fights plaque and freshens breath.
Zesty Paws Omega Bites Skin & Coat
Omega-3, -6, and -9 supplement supporting skin barrier health and reducing inflammatory responses.
When Does a Westie Become a Senior?
Westies are generally considered senior around 9-10 years of age, though their lively terrier temperament often makes them seem younger. With a generous average lifespan of 12-16 years, Westies can spend a third or more of their lives in the senior phase. This extended period makes ongoing health management particularly important.
Begin biannual veterinary visits around age 8, with comprehensive bloodwork that includes liver enzyme panels. Westies that already have skin disease should continue their dermatology management plan with adjustments for aging. A dental evaluation should be part of every senior checkup.
Westie Armor: Chronic Skin Disease
Perhaps no breed-specific condition is as well-known among owners as "Westie armor", the common name for the severe chronic skin disease that plagues many West Highland Terriers. This condition is technically a combination of atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies), secondary Malassezia yeast overgrowth, and often bacterial skin infections.
The term "armor" refers to the characteristic appearance of severely affected skin: thickened, darkened, greasy, and sometimes scaly patches that can cover the belly, armpits, groin, and paws. The condition is intensely itchy, causing constant scratching, licking, and discomfort that significantly impacts quality of life.
Managing Westie Armor in Senior Dogs
While there is no cure, consistent management can dramatically improve your Westie's comfort:
- Regular medicated bathing every 5-7 days with chlorhexidine or ketoconazole-based shampoo, allowing 10 minutes of contact time
- Antifungal medications to control yeast overgrowth, which is often the primary driver of symptoms
- Allergy management through prescription medications like Apoquel (oclacitinib), Cytopoint injections, or in some cases immunotherapy
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation from fish oil to strengthen the skin barrier
- Dietary management with a limited-ingredient or hydrolyzed protein diet if food allergies are a contributing factor
- Regular ear cleaning, as ear infections often accompany skin disease
A board-certified veterinary dermatologist is the best resource for severe or refractory cases. They can perform intradermal allergy testing and develop a customized treatment plan.
Skin Care Products for Westies
- Medicated Antifungal Dog Shampoo - Chlorhexidine and ketoconazole formulas for managing yeast and bacterial skin infections
- Soothing Anti-Itch Sprays - Between-bath relief for itchy, irritated skin
- Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements - Strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammatory responses
Liver Disease: Copper Storage Hepatopathy
Westies have a well-documented breed predisposition to copper storage hepatopathy, a condition where the liver accumulates excessive amounts of copper. Over time, this copper buildup causes inflammation, progressive liver damage, and eventually liver failure if left untreated. The condition is particularly insidious because it often progresses silently, with dogs appearing healthy until significant liver damage has already occurred.
Signs of Liver Disease
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes, gums, or skin)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Abdominal swelling (fluid accumulation)
Early detection through regular blood work monitoring liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT) is crucial. Elevated liver enzymes may prompt further investigation with ultrasound and potentially liver biopsy. Treatment includes dietary copper restriction, copper chelation therapy with medications like penicillamine, and liver support supplements containing SAMe and silybin (milk thistle extract).
For comprehensive information, see our liver disease in senior dogs guide.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Westies are one of the small terrier breeds most commonly affected by Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (avascular necrosis of the femoral head). This condition occurs when blood supply to the head of the femur (thigh bone) is disrupted, causing the bone to degenerate and collapse. While Legg-Perthes typically develops in puppyhood, the resulting chronic arthritis and hip joint changes cause increasing pain and mobility issues throughout the senior years.
Dogs that underwent femoral head osteotomy (FHO) surgery as puppies generally do well into old age, relying on a muscular "false joint." Maintaining muscle mass through regular low-impact exercise and joint supplements supports this muscular support. For undiagnosed or untreated cases, arthritis management with anti-inflammatories, joint supplements, and physical therapy is essential.
Dental Disease in Senior Westies
Small breeds like Westies are particularly susceptible to dental disease, and by the senior years, many Westies have significant periodontal issues. Their small mouths lead to crowded teeth, which trap food and plaque more easily. Left unmanaged, periodontal disease causes pain, tooth loss, and can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Dental Care Routine
- Daily tooth brushing with an enzymatic canine toothpaste is the gold standard
- Dental chews and treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) provide supplemental cleaning
- Water additives with enzymes can help reduce plaque buildup
- Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia as recommended by your veterinarian, typically annually for senior Westies
- Monitor for signs of dental pain: dropping food, preference for soft food, bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth
Dental and Liver Support Products
- Dog Dental Care Kits - Toothpaste, brushes, and finger brushes sized for small breeds
- Denamarin Liver Support - SAMe and silybin supplement to protect liver cells and support detoxification
- VOHC-Approved Dental Chews - Clinically proven dental treats for plaque and tartar reduction
Exercise and Weight Management
Senior Westies still possess their characteristic terrier energy but should engage in moderate, controlled exercise. Two daily walks of 15-25 minutes are typically appropriate, supplemented with indoor play and gentle games. Their small size makes them well-suited to indoor exercise options when weather is poor.
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for Westies with joint issues. Even a pound or two of excess weight on a small frame significantly increases joint stress. Measure food portions carefully and limit treats. For more guidance on senior exercise, see our exercises to strengthen old dog back legs guide.
Related Senior Dog Care Guides
- Liver Disease in Senior Dogs - Understanding and managing hepatic conditions
- Fish Oil for Senior Dogs - Omega-3 benefits for skin, coat, and overall health
- Arthritis in Senior Dogs - Comprehensive joint disease management guide
- Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs - Choosing the right nutrition for your aging Westie
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is a Westie considered senior?
West Highland White Terriers are generally considered senior around 9-10 years of age. Their average lifespan is 12-16 years, and many Westies remain active and spirited well into their teens. Begin biannual veterinary checkups around age 8 to monitor for skin disease, liver health, and dental issues.
What is Westie armor and how do I manage it?
Westie armor is the common name for the severe epidermal dysplasia and chronic skin disease that many Westies develop. The skin becomes thickened, darkened, greasy, and intensely itchy, sometimes covering large areas of the body. It is caused by a combination of atopic dermatitis, yeast overgrowth (Malassezia), and secondary bacterial infections. Management requires regular medicated baths, antifungal treatments, allergy management, and often immunosuppressive medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Do Westies get liver disease?
Yes, Westies have a breed predisposition to copper storage hepatopathy, a condition where the liver accumulates excessive copper, leading to inflammation and eventually liver failure. This condition often progresses silently until significant damage has occurred. Regular blood work monitoring liver enzymes, and in some cases liver biopsy, can detect the condition early when dietary copper restriction and chelation therapy can slow or halt progression.
What is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in Westies?
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (also called avascular necrosis of the femoral head) occurs when blood supply to the head of the femur is disrupted, causing the bone to degenerate and collapse. It typically develops in young dogs but the resulting arthritis worsens through the senior years. Treatment is usually surgical removal of the damaged femoral head, after which most dogs walk well using muscle support.
How do I care for my senior Westie's teeth?
Westies are prone to significant dental disease. Daily brushing with an enzymatic dog toothpaste is ideal, though even 3-4 times weekly helps considerably. Dental chews and water additives provide supplemental cleaning. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia may be needed annually. Watch for signs of dental pain including dropping food, reluctance to eat hard food, bad breath, and pawing at the mouth.
Can Westie skin problems be cured?
Unfortunately, the chronic skin disease common in Westies cannot be fully cured, only managed. It is a lifelong condition requiring consistent maintenance. Regular medicated bathing, antifungal treatments, dietary management, omega-3 supplementation, and in many cases prescription medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint injections, can significantly improve quality of life and keep flare-ups to a minimum.
How often should I bathe a senior Westie with skin problems?
Senior Westies with chronic skin disease typically benefit from bathing every 5-7 days with a medicated antifungal or chlorhexidine shampoo, allowing 10 minutes of contact time before rinsing. Between medicated baths, a gentle moisturizing shampoo can help prevent the skin from drying out. Your veterinary dermatologist can recommend the optimal bathing schedule and products for your Westie's specific condition.
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