Life expectancy of westies

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Westies are getting older as time goes on, as much as we do. Still, they have one of the longest lifespans, which gives the two of you plenty of years to enjoy each other. However, be careful, without proper health management and senior care, the aging process can move faster than it should. If you have one of your own, knowing the Westie lifespan , what to expect with an aging Westie, how to accommodate their needs as they get into their senior years and the best tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is really important. Diet and vitamins are important , as well. Answer: The average lifespan of a Westie is between 12 and 16 years , depending on several factors including birth defects, diet, and level of activity. Although Westies are notoriously sassy and stubborn, as they become older, their bold personalities will start to change.

Life expectancy of westies

The West Highland White Terrier , commonly known as the Westie , is a breed of dog from Scotland with a distinctive white harsh coat with a somewhat soft white undercoat. It is a medium-sized terrier , although with longer legs than other Scottish breeds of terrier. It has a white double coat of fur which fills out the dog's face, giving it a rounded appearance. The breed is intelligent, quick to learn, and can be good with children, but does not always tolerate rough handling. The Westie is an active breed, and is social with a high prey drive, as they were once used to hunt rodents. The modern breed is descended from a number of breeding programmes of white terriers in Scotland before the 20th century. Cousin to the Cairn Terrier , the Westie was bred to hunt small rodents at places such as farms. Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch, is credited with the creation of the modern breed from his Poltalloch Terrier, but did not want to be known as such. This breed of small white Scottish terriers was given its modern name for the first time in , with recognition by major kennel clubs occurring around the same time. The breed remains very popular in the UK, with multiple wins at Cruft's. It has been in the top third of all breeds in the US since the s. Several breed-specific and non-specific health problems appear in the breed, including a condition in young dogs nicknamed " westie jaw " which causes an overgrowth of bone in the jaw of the dog. It can also be prone to skin disorders, with a breed-specific condition called hyperplastic dermatosis occurring.

We just noticed him limping on his right hind leg, panting, and pacing in the last 2 weeks but in the last 3 days it became much worse. Dog breed. Thanks a lot!

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West Highland White Terriers, commonly known as the Westies, are known for their distinctive white coat, charismatic disposition, and their world famous head tilt. A popular breed for both everyday families and celebrities , Westies are consistently one of the 50 most popular dog breeds in the U. If you are thinking about adopting a Westie yourself, you can expect to have a companion for many years to come. So, just how long do Westies live? Westies typically live between 13 to 16 years. However, with optimal care, good health, and a bit of luck, some individuals have been known to surpass 20 years of age. Murphy, the Westie I had growing up, lived to be a healthy 16 years old, but I have seen several examples of Westies who lived more than two decades.

Life expectancy of westies

How long do Westies live? What is the typical lifespan, and do male Westies live longer than females? West Highland White Terriers, Westies, are a popular pet, having a reputation for being amiable, extroverted, and lively. So how long can a West Highland White Terrier live? As a pet owner, there are lots of things you can do to give your animal companion the best chance of a long and healthy life. These recommendations include a balanced diet, frequent exercise and regular brushing and grooming. Life expectancy for Westies ranges from 12 to 16 years.

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There are several observations you can make to assist you in knowing this, even if you might not be able to find an exact birthdate. He eventually would no longer eat that and we started cooking his food in a crockpot. This occurs when bacterial tartar and plaque lead to inflammation of the tissues around the teeth and, eventually, to tooth and bone decay. Our Westie, Tucker, also had a mass tumor in his belly his last year of life. Rumpus Glenmohr. My girl, is Salty, she is just coming up to 9, but in the last few months has had a rapid change in her movement in that going from all the regular jumping and activity, to getting stiff if still too long, and sitting down occasionally on walks. My McDuff is 15 and in excellent health so I think he will make it to 19 or Unfortunately Max has allegies so we keep him on a vegetarian diet and takes Apequel twice a day. No special eye-related grooming is necessary for this breed. Frankly, I think you should talk to a vet, rather than with us. Absolutely… support your decision and just know you are being loving and selfless. My heart goes out to all of you. After 12 hours of vomiting, I began baby food and she ate it and held it down. He was my soul companion and he was a big presence in my house.

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She snapped both patella at 9 years old it was pretty traumatic that literally she could not walk. Joint Stiffness 7. Also he could eat dry food dog chow Purina chicken flavor. The Westie is an active breed, and is social with a high prey drive, as they were once used to hunt rodents. As for your sweetie, just love him dearly, taking one step at a time. It can cause seizures, muscle stiffness, and ataxia , but is more commonly found in Staffordshire Bull Terriers. We moved in August, but my Maggie has never had issues adapting to new places, but now I sometimes find her just staring into space or at a wall. Maxwell can also be a picky eater. The surgery was totally worth it. West Highland Terriers need to get a checkup from the vet at least once a year. We will also have it fixed because he really is still very spry. At this age, your Westie may not be as energetic as they once were. In dogs with patellar luxation , the kneecap slips out of its proper groove. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Affected dogs have tremors, muscle weakness, and trouble walking.