Westies & Besties - January 2023 by Westies & Besties Magazine

The UK'S Only West Highland White Terrier Magazine

ISSUE 29. VOL 1

January 2023

ISSN 2634-4130

ROAD SAFETY Top Tips to Keep Your Westie Secure

Winter Dog Dangers to Take Note Of

LOTTIE’S LIFE The Journey

of a Westie with Severe Skin Issues

COMPETITION

Step into

2023

With New Accessories For Your Bestie!

Operation HELPS ABANDONED DOGS IN THE UKRAINE www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

Itchy Skin? It could be house dust allergy Up to 80% of allergic dogs have an allergy to dust. Symptoms include red, itchy skin and scratching that can lead to secondary skin infections. Although insecticidal environmental sprays can help kill dust mites, proteins in the dust mite faeces and on the bodies of the mites can still cause an allergic reaction in sensitive pets. Allergone Spray is a unique environmental spray that coats dust particles that include the mites and their faeces. By doing so it alters the chemical structure and helps inactivate and neutralise allergens found in house dust, helping to reduce the symptoms of house dust allergy.

@NextmuneUK

The innovative microcapsule technology helps bind the dust particles together into larger particles that don’t float in the air, making it easier to remove them when cleaning. To find out more about Allergone and other products that help manage the symptoms of allergy go to www.nextmune.com

@nextmuneuk

nextmuneuk

Nextmune UK | Oakridge House, Cressex Business Park, Wellington Rd, High Wycombe, HP12 3PR Phone: +44 01494 629979 | salesenquiries.uk@nextmune.com | www.nextmune.com

As you may know, our Buffy has several kidney problems which have given us many a sleepless night. He’s doing very well right now all things considered but it got me thinking about how wonderful our little furry friends are.

Kim Latham Editor

Our Westie goes berserk when we walk through the front door – even if we’ve only been out for 5 minutes. His tail wags so fast I’m amazed it doesn’t drop off! When it’s dinner time, he comes to us and stares intently – there’s no barking involved, he just sits and stares at us until we move towards the kitchen. When it’s time for walkies his little black eyes light up and he shoots out of the room like a bow from an arrow. Around 10pm each night (his timing is on a par with Big Ben,) it’s playtime and he carefully chooses his favourite toy of the day and proceeds to shake it and run around the room with it like he’s a tiger in the wild. When it’s time for bed, he insists on rolling over for a belly rub first, and then we pick him up and place him on the bed where he falls asleep in seconds. My overall point is this: Dogs don’t ask for much do they? They ask for their meals, a bit of play time,

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EDITOR’S NOTE

BUNDLES OF JOY walkies, and most of all love. But, wow! They give us so much more back. They’re loyal, they’re loving, they’re fun, they give us so much joy and companionship and in Buffy’s case he has us laughing about something on a daily basis. If you’re having a bad day, you can be sure a Westie will put a smile on your face – if he doesn’t lick you to death first! If you’re reading this magazine, then I know you’re obsessed with Westies, and you understand exactly what I’m talking about – the love between a Westie and its owners. We even launched this magazine because of our love and devotion to our Westie, Buffy! So, as we begin a New Year and head into 2023, I’d like to dedicate this edition to all the wonderful Westies – those who have gone ahead to Rainbow Bridge and to those still here and keeping us on our toes, to our wonderful dogs and the bond that is so difficult to explain but which lasts a lifetime and beyond. Here’s to all the Westies that make our lives so much better! Wishing everyone a fabulous New Year! Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer Photo credit: Image supplied by Kim Latham

Publisher Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road, Cardiff, CF14 5LZ Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: Info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Front Cover Image Image supplied by shutterstock_786426688 Design Jayden Ali Printing WPG Group Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by WPG Group. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westies & Besties Masthead/logo is trademarked and are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties Magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the Publishers cannot/ will not be held accountable for the accuracy of the information here therein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited articles or manuscripts in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All photographs have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Advertising Standards Authority. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert. Readers are advised to see a fully qualified veterinarian before attempting to try any of the suggestions made by a contributor.

6 12 14

20 6 ROAD SAFETY 101

The PDSA offers road safety tips to keep you and your Bestie out of harm’s way

8 PAWS FOR THOUGHT

Around 69% of people do zero research on a dog breed when contemplating buying a puppy, states new campaign

12 GRASS SEEDS

Walking your Westie in long grass can prove to have consequences that dog owners need to watch out for

OPERATION PAW-POSE A new campaign kicked off last month that aims to help abandoned dogs in the Ukraine

20 THOSE BONES, THOSE

BONES Osteopath, Faye Andrews, explains why a dog’s shoulder is inherently an unstable joint

26 LOTTIE’S LIFE

A case study on little Lottie the Westie whose sudden onslaught of skin issues has given her owners many a sleepless night on her gradual journey to recovery

32 WARMING THE

COCKLES Bone broth has numerous health benefits for our Westies and now Karnlea has created its own healthy and unique version

44 LUXURY WESTIE

WEAR A new brand of beautiful accessories that includes matching items for Besties and their humans have hit the market

46 COMPETITION

Enter our first competition of 2023 and kick off the new year with some fabulous new accessories for your best friend

48 WINTER WORRIES

The cold season brings with it its own set of challenges to consider when it comes to taking care of our Westie’s wellbeing

50 JOIN OUR VIP CLUB!

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44 5

News

Keep your Westie safe while out and about Our four-legged friends aren’t naturally street smart when it comes to avoiding traffic, so it’s important to train them to stop and wait to help prevent them rushing onto an unsafe road.

eading out for a walk is great, not only for our own mental and physical health, but for our dogs’ wellbeing, too. But with the dark evenings upon us, walking along roads can become increasingly unsafe for us and our furry family members – each year, vet charity PDSA treats thousands of pets who have been involved in road traffic accidents. PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, shares some top tips for keeping furry friends safe while out and about. Keep them on the lead “The easiest way to keep your pooch safe while out walking, especially near roads, is to use a lead. A short lead, attached to a well-fitted collar or harness, will give you more control and keep your pup close by – this is particularly important as the nights are now darker. If you let your pooch off the lead to run around, only do so in a secure, enclosed area where they can’t run onto nearby roads or become disorientated and lost. It’s also vital and a legal requirement that, should the worst happen, and you get separated, your pet is wearing a collar and tag and that their microchip details are up to date.” Stop, look, and listen “Our four-legged friends aren’t naturally street smart when it comes to avoiding traffic, so it’s important to train them to stop and wait to help prevent them rushing onto an unsafe road. To do this you’ll need three separate commands – ‘sit’,

‘wait’, and ‘go’. When approaching a curb, ask your pet to sit and wait while you check the road is clear, rewarding them when they’re calm and sitting. Once the coast is clear, instruct them to cross safely and reward them when they reach the other side. Make sure you do this each time you cross the road to help your pet learn the routine and understand that it’s more rewarding to wait than to dash across the road.” Stay visible “It’s always best to walk your dog during daylight hours but, as the days get shorter, this may become trickier, so making sure you and your pup are both visible on your walks is important. Wearing a high visibility jacket is great for this, as is brightly coloured clothing, so that drivers can spot you. You can also use a reflective lead, harness, and LED collar for your pooch. Remember to take a torch to help keep your surroundings illuminated when you venture out, too, and choose roads with pavements where you can.” Master key commands “It’s a good idea to consider teaching your dog an emergency ‘stop’ command – as an extra safety precaution. Even if they aren’t let off the lead, being able to control them in an emergency is important for their safety. It only takes something small to spook your dog and for them to run towards the road, so training them to obey this verbal instruction is another safeguard to keep you both happy and safe while out and about.”

Westies & Besties - January 2023

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News

For Thought New campaign launched by Burns Pet Nutrition, Admiral Pet Insurance and Anais Gallagher aims to remind people of the risks of buying a puppy

69%

of new pet owners fail to do any research into the breed before getting a puppy

85% don’t do any research on the breeder or parents

ew research reveals that when it comes to purchasing a new puppy, new pet owners are falling for puppy dog eyes, with more than a third of new owners admitting they are swayed by a puppy’s cute looks. A further 69% fail to do any research to make sure it is the right puppy for them. Many are putting themselves at risk of being petfished, as an incredible 85% admitted they did no research into the breeder or the parents, such as looking at health tests, before getting their puppy, and 43% get hit with expensive vets bills in the first two years of their puppy’s life, according to the new research from Burns Pet Nutrition. The research of 2,000 pet owners also found that 1% of puppies don’t make it to two years old, sadly passing away due to health problems. To make matters worse, almost a third (30%) of new

Westies & Besties - January 2023

owners fail to take out pet insurance to cover the cost of the treatment. There is also the risk that the puppy could have a congenital or hereditary health condition that is common to that breed which isn’t always covered by insurance, particularly if there have been any signs or symptoms of that condition prior to taking out the insurance. This can end up costing owners thousands of pounds to treat, which almost one in ten (8%) have fallen victim to. This research comes as Burns Pet Nutrition is championing healthy puppies and dogs and has partnered with Admiral Pet Insurance and Anaïs Gallagher to help educate new dog owners into doing their research before they purchase a furry friend. As such, they have created a checklist, encouraging puppy buyers to PAWS for Thought before they take a puppy home.

News

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News

PAWS For Thought with these four steps:

1 Make sure to see the puppy/ kitten with its mum

Research the possible health problems of that breed and which conditions they might suffer from. Ask to see the parents’ health tests if there aren’t any ask why or walk away

John Burns, MBE, founder of Burns Pet Food said: “We all want happy, healthy dogs, and have them be part of our family for as long as possible. Many put themselves at risk of expensive vet bills quite early on in their pet’s life, often without pet insurance, or for a condition that isn’t covered by their insurance as it’s a common condition for that breed. It is hard not to fall in love with an adorable puppy, but it is important to PAWS and think is this a healthy puppy, can I afford to care for it if it comes unwell. Whilst every puppy needs a home, the more people continue to buy pets from breeders who focus on money over breeding healthy pets, this issue will only continue to grow to meet the demand.” Pritpal Powar, Head of Admiral Pet, said: “We want to help pet owners ensure they have happy and healthy animals that will be part of their family for a long time. It really is important to make sure you know the pros and cons of the breed you are getting and ensure you have the right insurance to cover any vet treatments they may need. You also need to declare any

Work out what sort of diet your pet will need and its likely cost, along with the levels of mental stimulation and exercise it will need, and try and select a pet that meets your lifestyle

4 Get an insurance quote for the breed to make sure you can afford it, and check what breed conditions are/ aren’t covered by pet insurance

pre-existing medical conditions as these often won’t be covered. ‘ “It is so sad to hear that some puppies don’t have a long life that could have been prevented if they were bred responsibly. We encourage everyone to think about the pet they are hoping to get and where they are getting it from to help put a stop to these unethical breeders.” Celebrity Anais Gallagher who is supporting the PAWS For Thought campaign added: “ I frequently see on social media, dogs and puppies with health deficiencies that lead to expensive vet treatments, often down to bad or irresponsible breeding. It’s important to keep a clear head when finding the perfect addition to your family and to not be drawn in by adorable photos and videos you may see online, take the time to ask the right questions, go and see the puppy with its mum and the conditions it’s being kept in, and if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t … so don’t brush it to the side, because you, and the puppy will ultimately pay the price.”

Westies & Besties - January 2023

News Images supplied by Hound, The News Breed

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Vets Remind

News

Dog Owners

of the Risks of Long Grass Davies Veterinary Specialists are reminding dog owners of the potential risks to their dogs of exercising in long grass

rass awns and seeds can be dangerous to dogs in several ways. With their sharp, pointed ends they can easily penetrate eyes and ears, potentially causing pain and damage. They can also get trapped in the fur or lodged under the skin, so it is recommended to check dogs from top to toe for lodged seeds or awns, after every walk.

How to Protect your Dog’s Eyes • Try to avoid walking your dog through long, dry seeded grasses or crops. • Don’t pull anything out of the eye - you will almost certainly do more damage. • Don’t give your pet any treats or a meal as may require an urgent anaesthetic. • Do fit a buster collar if you have one or can borrow one, to prevent self-trauma. • Do get to your vets ASAP. • Do save any fragments of whatever went into the eye as it could be helpful to the Vet to direct the pet’s treatment.

Image supplied by Davies Vets

Westies & Besties - January 2023

News

The surrounding cornea was cloudy and the inside of the eye inflamed but after careful examination using a hand-held microscope it was suspected that the foreign body had penetrated all the way through the cornea.” Image supplied by shutterstock_192109928

Nala, who is just five months old, had enjoyed a good run through a grassy field but the following day her owner noticed that she had a sore right eye and took her to their local veterinary practice. They suspected a focal corneal injury and associated infection so advised referral for ophthalmological investigations at Davies, which is a part of veterinary group Linnaeus. “On examination Nala’s right eye was clearly uncomfortable, being held tightly shut,” said Davies Ophthalmologist Rachel Lockhart. “Once the eye was relaxed with topical anaesthetic it was possible to identify a thin, linear foreign body, a suspected grass awn or thorn, running obliquely through the cornea of the right eye with its external tip sitting just proud of the corneal surface. The surrounding

cornea was cloudy and the inside of the eye inflamed but after careful examination using a hand-held microscope it was suspected that the foreign body had penetrated all the way through the cornea.” Nala was given a general anaesthetic and taken to the ophthalmic operating theatre for surgery. With the aid of an operating microscope and microsurgical instruments the foreign body was gently extruded from the site of penetration. This revealed a 1.5 cm long piece of grass awn which lay obliquely through the cornea. The majority of the grass awn had been lying within the front chamber of the eye but was obscured from view by the surrounding reaction. Thankfully no deeper injury was identified. Once the grass awn was removed the resultant corneal defect was repaired with a www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

conjunctival pedicle graft to supply tectonic support and a direct blood supply to aid corneal healing. Nala made an uneventful recovery from anaesthesia and, after a comfortable night in the hospital ward, was discharged back to her owner the following morning. So far, she has made good progress postoperatively with no lasting after-effects apart from a small corneal scar which is causing her no concern at all. “Nala was seen within hours and operated on the same day and her speedy recovery is testament to the expertise the team at Davies have,” said Nala’s owner Ella Sims. “They went above and beyond to not only care for Nala but to also keep me in the loop, understanding how horrible it can be as a pet owner when your pet is in pain and hurt.” 13

charity

Westies & Besties - January 2023

charity

Abandoned

Offered Glimmer of Joy through Operation

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charity

Chief Executive Officer of the U-Hearts Foundation, Yuriy Tokarski, said: “Hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats are living on war-torn streets without their families. It is devastating to witness.

he Paw-pose initiative called on the UK petloving population to purchase a festive hamper made up of essential items, including blankets, food, and medical supplies last month. Accelerating the Christmas mission was award-wining TV dog groomer, Verity Hardcastle, who has shared her dog grooming expertise on BBC’s Pooch Perfect, Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch and CBBC’s Blue Peter. With the war ongoing and thousands of stray and homeless pets requiring desperate support, Verity encouraged her followers and UK citizens to help alleviate their suffering by purchasing a festive hamper from leading Ukrainian retailer Epicentr LLC’s website. Similar to a Christmas shoebox, the three festive hampers were made up of essential items and required only two simple steps to purchase. This way, U-Hearts was able to get the support quickly and efficiently to animals as the hampers are already in the Ukraine.

Founded in early 2022, U-Hearts was launched to reflect the increase in scale of Kormotech’s multi-year effort to improve pet life conditions in Ukraine and the wider region of Eastern Europe.

Kormotech is the Ukrainian producer of high quality cat and dog nutrition products of own brands and private labels. The family-owned company was established in the clean environment area of Lviv region in 2003. Today Kormotech is the undisputed leader of Ukrainian market (34% of market share) and is among the TOP-30 European pet food companies.

U-Hearts is a non-profit public organisation that works towards improvement of living conditions of abandoned pets in Eastern Europe. Due to the war, thousands of pets in Ukraine have been left without homes and proper care.

The foundation started its operation from purchasing pet food, and now it is working on promoting medical care in shelters. The first step has been taken — an anti-rabies vaccine for 1,000 pets has been purchased.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

charity

Verity Hardcastle www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

charity

Four helpless dogs needing support included Max, Lucy, Misha and Magnatyk. The dogs were rescued before the Russian invasion; but, because they live near the conflict in Sumy, the dogs and their owners are at constant risk of shelling and rocket attacks, making it extremely difficult to source food and supplies. So far, U-Hearts Foundation has donated 20kg of food to the family, but this isn’t enough; and, unfortuanately, many animals are living in similiar dangerous situations. Chief Executive Officer of the U-Hearts Foundation, Yuriy Tokarski, said: “Hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats are living on war-torn streets without their families. It is devastating to witness. “So far, we’ve fed over 37,000 cats and 67,000 dogs and delivered approximately 1,000 vaccines across Kharkiv, Gostomel, Chronobyl and Poltava. Our aim is to increase this over the winter period.” TV dog groomer and presenter Verity Hardcastle added: “As a devoted dog groomer, I am committed to animal welfare and the impact the war in Ukraine has had and continues to have on innocent pets’ lives is heartbreaking.” Iryna Shynkarenko, Chief Marketing Officer at Epicentr LLC, added: “We’re very proud to be supporting U-Hearts Foundation on their important mission at a crucial time of year.” “Every day I drive to work and pass the buildings destroyed by Russian missiles and it breaks my heart thinking about the number of people and animals who suffered and are continuing to suffer. As a country, we can’t handle this crisis by ourselves — we need help from the world.” In addition to generous UK supporters, U-Hearts Foundation has received support from the pet trade and has three UK partners so far, including leading pet retailer, Pets Corner; Midlands communications agency, spottydog communications; and the Pet Industry Federation (PIF).

So far, we’ve fed over 37,000 cats and 67,000 dogs and delivered approximately 1,000 vaccines across Kharkiv, Gostomel, Chronobyl and Poltava. Our aim is to increase this over the winter period.”

To support the charity, visit: https://u-hearts.foundation/supportourwork/ 18

Westies & Besties - January 2023

charity

Verity T-shirt 19

Health

Medial Instability Syndrome involves several components of the shoulder joint. The canine shoulder relies completely on soft tissue structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments for stability, as unlike humans, dogs do not have a clavicle. This inherently makes it an unstable joint writes Faye Andrews.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

Health

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Health

The exact cause of Medial Instability Syndrome is unfortunately unknown, but it is thought to be caused by chronic overuse of the supporting structures rather than due to a traumatic injury. As mentioned previously, there are several components of the shoulder that can be compromised or injured due to chronic overuse. Most commonly these structures include: JOINT CAPSULE: This is a capsule that encases the joint and seals it. Made of a fibrous outer layer and an inner layer called the synovial membrane, it provides stability within the joint by helping to limit the movements of the shoulder. MEDIAL GLENOHUMERAL (shoulder joint) LIGAMENT: Ligaments are made up of fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone and keep joints stable due to their lack of elasticity (stretch). This ligament sits on the medial side of the shoulder joint (side closest to the rib cage of your dog). SUBSCAPULAR TENDON: Subscapularis is a large fan shaped muscle that sits on the surface of the scapula (shoulder blade) between the scapula and rib cage. The tendon blends over the medial surface of the ball and socket shoulder joint and helps to add stabilisation to the joint along with the medial glenohumeral ligament. Subscapularis muscle makes up ¼ of the rotator cuff (the same as in humans), the rotator cuff as a whole draws the humerus (specifically the ball shaped head of the humerus (arm bone) – humeral head) into the socket that is in the scapula and therefore creating muscular stabilisation. SUPRASPINATUS TENDON: The Supraspinatus muscle is also part of the rotator cuff (along with Infraspinatus and Teres Minor). It is found on the outer surface of the scapula above a ridge that divides the scapula into 2 parts (superior - Supra and inferior - Infra). This muscle has the same muscular stabilisation role as Subscapularis 22

but sits on the outer surface (lateral side of the joint). BICEPS TENDON: This is a long thin muscle in the forelimb. It runs from next to the Supraspinatus tendon on the medial side of the shoulder joint to the front of the elbow. It stabilises the shoulder when the dog is standing and also during movement when the paw is on the ground. The muscle actively flexes (bends) the elbow in order to lift the limb off the ground. It also extends (brings forwards the limb) the shoulder when moving. CARTILAGE: a smooth covering over the ends of the two articulating bones, it allows for lubrication and smooth pain free movement at the joint. Damage can cause cracks in the cartilage which may lead to early onset arthritis and pain. This is likely to only happen in severe cases. So given what we know of the structures above we can now understand why there is an importance on early identification along with the start of treatment at the earliest opportunity, as this will result in the best long-term outcome and prevent any further deterioration. What will you see? Lameness can vary from slight, (after intense exercise or a mildly shortened stride,) to a severe lameness that is continuous. This is going to depend on the degree of damage and the chronicity of the injury. Possible muscle atrophy (wastage) could be visible in the muscles mentioned above as well as the surrounding supporting muscles. There may also be a reduced range of motion in the shoulder which will likely appear as a shortened stride on the affected side possibly due to pain. One of the visible signs for a practitioner will be an increase in the angle of abduction (moving the limb away from the body), the angle will increase in accordance with the increasing severity of instability in the condition.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

Health

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Health

The Vet should perform the following in order to aid diagnosis: Physical exam (movement of the limb etc) MRI to identify the structures involved Arthroscopy to confirm conclusively the degree of damage, instability and structures involved.

Treatment options There are several options when it comes to treatment, however these will depend on the severity of instability: MILD: There is an option to use stabilisation supports for several months alongside intense rehabilitation SEVERE: Surgical stabilisation is required and four to six months in shoulder stabilisation supports, alongside intense rehabilitation Manual therapy from a qualified practitioner is imperative to the success of either surgical or conservative management. This will include soft tissue massage, joint articulation/mobilisation and specific exercises in a tailored rehabilitation programme as every dog is different. Hydrotherapy is extremely beneficial, although the dog should be kept on an underwater treadmill for two to three sessions a week. The prognosis is good in the majority of cases, although it is a long process. Dog owners must understand the importance of strict exercise restriction and adherence to manual therapy and rehabilitation for four to six months.

Hydrotherapy is extremely beneficial, although the dog should be kept on an underwater treadmill for two to three sessions a week.

Faye Andrews is a human and canine Osteopath. For more information on Faye and her work visit: www.bodywiseosteopathy.net

Westies & Besties - January 2023

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NUTRITION

LOTTIE’S When Lottie developed a severe skin problem and bald patches, her devoted owners, worried and stressed, tried everything to get to the source of the problem without success…until they encountered the experienced Westie owners who created and run the Westie Advice Group BY SUE MAKEPEACE 26

Westies & Besties - January 2023

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NUTRITION

Lottie when she first came to WAG

NUTRITION

Lottie developed a hot spot on her bottom around three years ago, this progressed incredibly quickly and before long she had three large bald, and very inflamed, patches. This was the first time in her life that Lottie had shown any signs of having any skin issues, up until then she had been a healthy little dog”.

any readers know me and other Admin from the Facebook group, the Westie Advice Group, affectionately known as WAG. We try our best to offer free advice on the care and wellbeing of our precious Westies. This is based on years of experience owning and caring for this breed of dog and knowing exactly what works. Our knowledge and experience of feeding the correct nutritious and bioavailable diet is paramount to keeping your dog healthy. Good food can be medicine and can lead to good health, poor food can be detrimental to health and can lead to disease, the same as for humans.

Lottie 4 weeks in

On the 17th of October there was a post in our group by Lottie’s owner. Lottie is a 9-year-old Westie, she has been owned by Linda and Nick since she was a puppy. She is a much-loved Westie and has a wonderful lifestyle. Linda has her own business as a dog walker and Lottie accompanied her on lots of adventures with other dogs. There was something about Linda’s post that made me really want to help her. Linda was very upset and the more she read the more guilt she had, and she is determined to help Lottie get well. The family were fed up with the Veterinary care they were receiving as it was failing Lottie who was getting worse. She was also still receiving vaccines at this time. She was going from one drug to the next, being put on prescription diets comprising of feathers, maize and other poor-quality foods that are not species appropriate. Everything was failing Lottie. Westies & Besties - January 2023

Life-changing Lottie developed a hot spot on her bottom around three years ago, this progressed incredibly quickly and before long she had three large bald and very inflamed patches. This was the first time in her life that Lottie had shown any signs of having any skin issues, up until then she had been a healthy little dog. Unfortunately, toxins and inflammation can build up over time and by the time the dog is middle aged this starts to show itself, quite often in ear issues and itchy skin or other diseases. Lottie attended a Vet appointment and was prescribed a weeks’ worth of antibiotics. When

Lottie when she first came to WAG

NUTRITION

Lottie before

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NUTRITION

the course finished there was absolutely no improvement, so she returned to the Vet. This time she was prescribed more antibiotics and a steroid cream to be applied topically (gloves needed to be worn to apply it). She was also given a prescription diet of kibble. The condition calmed down short term, but Lottie hated the kibble and reluctantly ate it, she basically ate just to survive not thrive. After a short period of time poor Lottie’s skin flared up yet again and even worse than before. Linda returned Lottie to the Vet, and she was prescribed steroids. Lottie continued to take them for around a year, but Linda knew this was not the answer, she was not happy about this course of action and knew about the damage long term steroids can do, not just for humans but for dogs too. Eventually Linda decided to wean Lottie off them which took a very long period of around 12 months. In the summer of 2022, the hot spots began to make an appearance again. Linda and Nick were determined that veterinary intervention wasn’t the route they wanted to take. They tried to treat the condition themselves, they weren’t really sure what they were dealing with, they thought it was a hot spot or an allergy, but in fact it was severe yeast overgrowth. Lottie’s fur started falling out in August 2022, and by the beginning of October 2022 she was bald and had thick elephant like skin, along with the pungent smell of yeast overgrowth. She was losing weight and didn’t seem to be absorbing her food, she had gone

from a healthy fit 10kg dog to around 8kg of skin and bone. It was not long after this that Linda happened to bump into a WAG member when she was walking Lottie. They got chatting and of course WAG was mentioned, and Linda joined us to ask for help. Research, research, research I suggested Linda read our featured posts on WAG; she also got her husband Nick to read them as well. I sent some simple books about canine nutrition, Honeys Natural Feeding Handbook and the Best Dog Diet Ever by Caroline Griffith. Both books are full of excellent information, they are very easy to understand and not overwhelming. They explain why a dog needs fresh bioavailable raw food and not a highly processed, starchy kibble that is harder to digest and can cause inflammation over time. I also suggested they watch the film Petfooled. Linda and Nick both had a massive lightbulb moment and absolutely embraced all of the information they were given. They got it! Within days and after having a very long chat on the phone and running through a course of action, Lottie was put on Jack Wolf Raw Dog Food, a tsp of extra virgin coconut oil and a couple of other supplements to help support Lottie through detox and with the yeast die off. The road to recovery Lottie is now eating voraciously, her diet includes five different proteins from Jack Wolf, fresh eggs, green vegetables, fish, and anything natural she fancies. Her sparkle is slowly returning, her eyes are brighter, and she is more alert. Her treats are natural too, I always suggest turning the pack over and reading the ingredients, if you don’t know what they are, can’t spell or pronounce it? Then don’t feed it to your dog. Lottie isn’t out of the woods yet as she is detoxing and some days she can be lethargic, which is a sign she’s in the healing cycle. She will be prone to infection as her immune system has been switched off for so long, but on a positive note her fur is starting to return, her ears are clear, the pungent smell is practically non-existent and she’s slowly gaining weight.

Lottie when it started

This is the first part of Lottie’s road to recovery and I’ll be updating you over the next couple of months.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

Sue Makepeace is the Founder of the Westie Advice Group (WAG) on Facebook. Sue is also a qualified raw dog food nutrition specialist.

NUTRITION Lottie before

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NUTRITION

SIMPLY NATURAL

These two little words have become the mantra for many Westie owners seeking to achieve a holistic approach to pet health, and Karnlea Bone Broth epitomises this. Made from all natural ingredients – with no preservatives or additives - it boasts ‘green credentials’ too.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

NUTRITION Image supplied by Fiona Johnstone

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NUTRITION

From natural treats and supplements, to making the switch to raw or unprocessed foods, pet lovers are actively choosing to invest in the health and wellbeing of their four-legged friends.

iet is vitally important to maintaining good health and helps prevent disease. Many nutritionists expound the virtues of ‘natural’ and believe that it may curb the onset of genetic conditions that pedigree dogs, including Westies, might inherit. Natural foods and supplements reduce inflammation and provide essential vitamins and minerals needed to support joint, skin, coat, and gut health. Keeping it simply natural is an ethos on which Karnlea Bone Broth is based. Its range – which now features beef, lamb, and chicken varieties - uses just three ingredients: fresh meaty bones, apple cider vinegar (which helps extract all the goodness from the bones) and naturally filtered water. It is packed full of collagen, amino acids, and minerals, and can be used as a diet supplement, tasty treat or support recovery for sick or elderly dogs and cats – essential sustenance when they feel less inclined to eat a full meal.

It can also be used to encourage hydration straight from the carton or diluted into water. It is suitable for all ages, breeds, and sizes, including puppies. Adding it to moulds for a frozen treat or measured portions is also a great option. Karnlea’s founder Lara McCullough first started making bone broth at home for her two dogs. “The qualities of bone broth as a superfood have long been known. For many years, I would cook up a batch after every Sunday roast. The bones would go into a large pot and simmer away for many hours, requiring regular top ups of water, with the smell pervading the house for days,” she said. She started looking for more convenient options but could only find frozen products that required time to thaw or powdered collagen supplements which had gone through a lot of processing, losing a lot of goodness and taste during manufacture. Having worked in the pet industry for more than 15 years, she decided to develop a 100 per cent natural, ambient cupboard-friendly bone broth – convenient to store and use when needed.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

NUTRITION

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NUTRITION

Science indicates that a healthy diet and clean living is better for our dogs. By feeding the right things we can probably influence our dogs’ health more than we realise. Like most things in life, we can all benefit by keeping things simple”

Image supplied by Karnlea - Lamb

Westies & Besties - January 2023

NUTRITION

Image supplied by Karnlea

She researched and identified production and packaging requirements and put green credentials at the top of her list. “I identified that the best method for locking in freshness would be a Tetrapak style heat-sealed carton. I wanted the packaging to be fully sustainable and recyclable and found suitable sources including a bioplastic made from sugar cane for the spout and cap. The brick shape of our cartons also makes for a lower carbon footprint – they fit neatly into boxes for dispatch,” added Lara.

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NUTRITION

These credentials are matched by the quality of the ingredients: meat produced from antibiotic and hormone-free, grass-fed animals and free-range birds, reared on cooperative farms and naturally filtered spring water. The result was the launch of Karnlea Bone Broth which hit the shelves at the start of 2022. The brand has grown exponentially in a short time: within six months it was stocked by more than 100 independent retailers including Just for Pets. It was then approached by Pedigree Wholesale who now distributes it to shops across the UK, boosting its availability. It has developed a loyal following of customers including many Westie owners including Fiona Johnston, from London. Her dogs Magnus aged six and Lilly, two, have been enjoying Karnlea Bone Broth for the past six months. Said Fiona: “It’s so good for digestion, skin, joints and helps them recover from illness. Magnus and Lilly both had a nasty stomach bug recently, so I have been using Karnlea Bone Broth every day to help them regain full health. They have a frozen paw-shaped cube with their raw food at dinner time.” Raw feeders have also taken to Karnlea as a key diet supplement – supporting their holistic approach to feeding natural ingredients with beneficial properties. In recognition of this, Karnlea recently became a corporate affiliate of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS). Sadly Westies, like most pedigree dogs, can suffer from inherited genetic health problems but there is a school of thought around ‘epigenetics’ which has identified that food and environment can affect ‘gene expression’ – potentially ‘silencing’ them and curbing the onset of conditions such as dry eye, atopic dermatitis and bone and joint problems. Of course, epigenetic effects are everywhere: where your dog lives, how frequently they exercise, the chemicals to which they may be exposed, but the benefit of natural foods is an essential factor on which all agree. “Science indicates that a healthy diet and clean living is better for our dogs. By feeding the right things we can probably influence our dogs’ health more than we realise. Like most things in life, we can all benefit by keeping things simple,” Lara concluded.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

NUTRITION Image supplied by Karnlea

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Advertorial

Westies & Besties Magazine catches up with The Golden Paste Company, who are known for their award-winning Turmeric supplements Why is my dog so itchy? With winter nights creeping in and the heating coming on, you may have noticed an increase in your dog’s itching due to the seasonal changes. Creams, lotions and potions you may be at your wits end trying to find the solution to ease your paweed pooches’ itching. So, what could be causing your dog to be so uncomfortable? Itchy skin (also known as pruritis) can be a problem for our canine friends all year around and is the manifestation of a huge

Start with looking at the ingredients in your four-legged friends’ food and then it is a matter of process of elimination. Look at avoiding the common ingredient allergies first and make a note of the improvement or worsening of symptoms” 40

Westies & Besties - January 2023

range of potential causes, making it hard to identify the root cause. Here are some of the most common causes which can be a good starting point: Allergic Response to an Insect Bite Flea bites can create extreme itchiness. It is important to note that fleas are not always visible and just one bite alone can cause an allergic reaction. Where do they bite? They can be found anywhere on the body, but the most common areas are the hind legs, tail, and back end. What to look out for? Fleas can be seen with the eye, usually running along the surface of the skin. Fleas are a dark colour and approximately the size of the head of a needle. “Flea dirt” can also signal that there are fleas on a dog. Excessive scratching, licking, and chewing are all symptoms that your dog has fleas. What is the solution? You should contact your vet if you believe your dog has fleas. They will prescribe the relevant treatment. It is advised to treat all pets in the home. You can then

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find many products on the market which help prevent the problem reoccurring. The Turmeric, Thyme, and Lemongrass in TurmerItch™ can help to repel insects such as ticks and fleas. Environmental Factors Itching caused by environmental factors can be harder to identify. It can be things such as; grass and weed pollens, mould or dust. What do I look out for? Similar to the flea signs, itching and scratching, hair loss, sneezing, streaming eyes, chewing or licking their paws and hives. What is the solution? The first step is to identify the cause. Checking your dog’s hang out areas and noticing when the reaction occurs is a good starting point. Once identified, it’s a matter of ensuring your dog avoids those places. If it is tree pollen it can be trickier to manage as we can’t keep our pooches locked indoors 24/7! If it is a severe allergy, contact your Vet and they will prescribe appropriate medication. Supplements such as TurmerItch™, can help to maintain normal sensory parameters which in turn reduce over response to discomfort and itching. Food Allergies Just like their humans, our dogs can have food allergies and intolerances. The most common food allergies are; dairy products and some meats such as chicken and beef. What do I look out for? Typically, food allergies can cause itchy skin, stomach upset, chronic ear infections and other skin issues. What is the solution? Start with looking at the ingredients in your four-legged friends’ food and then it is a matter of process of elimination.

Look at avoiding the common ingredient allergies first and make a note of the improvement or worsening of symptoms. The ingredients within TurmerItch have anti-allergy properties and can help lessen the allergic reaction. We have covered the common signs and symptoms of your dog’s itching. Other causes could be over-bathing and grooming, heating systems and household mites. There is no one solution and sometimes it can take time to identify the root cause and to find a product solution to help ease your dog’s irritation. TurmerItch™, can help maintain normal sensory parameters which in turn reduce the over response to discomfort and itching. This is particularly relevant to the protective function of the skin. A reduced response to itching will lessen subsequent behavioural responses that can lead to dermal damage. The tasty Salmon in the grain free hypo-allergenic Golden Paste Company supplement triangles is ethically *MSC sourced from the Pacific Ocean in keeping with the brand’s sustainability ethos. The Turmeric, Thyme and Lemongrass help to repel insects such as ticks and fleas which combined with other high quality natural ingredients help to soothe and support the skin, whilst ensuring maximum absorption, efficiency, and antioxidant activity for your dog.

Just like their humans, our dogs can have food allergies and intolerances. The most common food allergies are; dairy products and some meats such as chicken and beef.

* The blue MSC label is only applied to wild fish or seafood from fisheries that have been certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard, a set of requirements for sustainable fishing, ensuring that seafood with the blue tick comes from fisheries that are MSC certified as fishing sustainably.

Pad across to www.goldenpastecompany.com and enter code Westie10 to receive 10% off your first tube and don’t forget to subscribe and save for your next order! The RRP is £30.25 and one tube will last a 25kg dog approximately 50 days.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

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accessories

Introducing Hettie, a British-made, luxury homeware, clothing, and pet accessories brand, inspired by nature with family values at heart

reated by Welsh-born Sian Reekie, the inspiration for the Hettie lifestyle brand, her collection of beautiful, timeless, quality pieces came five years ago after a conversation around the garden table one evening at one of the family’s regular BBQs. Sian is lucky enough to live in the stunning countryside in Warwickshire near the river and has many lovely walks and villages right on her doorstep. She loves spending time outdoors together with family and friends and wanted to design and make a country-inspired collection infused with the colours of nature she sees all around her every day. The Hettie collections are born from Sian’s love for her own family, from her grandchildren to her own fourlegged fur babies. The aim of the collection is to create timeless pieces that will be treasured for a lifetime and passed down from generation to generation. The Hettie brand is also against fast fashion and focuses on sustainable living and a cleaner industry using traditional craft and quality. Sian passionately believes 44

in preserving our planet for future generations. Close family members have had experience importing goods in from China and, having seen things from this perspective, she really wanted to create a British brand and support British craftsmanship, so the Hettie collections are lovingly made by British manufacturers and the wool has been woven by British woollen mills. The beautiful ranges of home, fashion and pet accessories are inspired by the countryside Sian adores all around her. The family dogs are very much part of everything they do, which inspired Sian to include the pet accessories as part of the Hettie range. Hettie pieces are classic British accessories, inspired by Sian’s local British landscape. All of the materials used reflect the natural colour tones found within the British countryside and are themed to evoke our favourite memories, immersed into all products. The collections are Westies & Besties - January 2023

designed to recreate the feeling of calmness and bliss drawn from the natural world. Working on an array of eclectic colour palettes infused into each collection, Hettie will soon be adding in new fabrics, textures and products to mirror each of the seasons. All of the Hettie collections co-ordinate with each other, so Sian introduced the idea of twinning together. What could be better than twinning your favourite accessories with the rest of the family or your pets! The Hettie collections have real English charm about them and bring not only joy to Hettie customers but a feel-good factor too. Whether a gift for a loved one or a treat for oneself, there is something for all ages within this classic, timeless collection. Sian says: “The aim is to make Hettie a fully rounded lifestyle brand and introduce more products into the collections. We want to start collaborating with other textile designers on special limited editions

accessories

All images supplied by Hettie

of our products, whilst keeping a solid base of the classic designs we have established. I have also been discussing a range of ceramics with a family run British pottery. Collaborating with other designers on our current products is something I am very keen to do, and we have recently launched our first co-branded pet collection with LK Bennett. I believe Hettie is what people need at the moment! A brand that celebrates the simple things in life and family values. People need to think a little bit more about the wasteful things that they do and the amount they throw away and, as the UK enters some difficult times ahead, there has never been a better time to buy British and Hettie is a lovely British brand with good oldfashioned values.” The Hettie brand is already being seen in some high-profile places: Boris Johnson’s dog Dilyn was photographed wearing one of Hettie’s dog harnesses and a number of celebrities have also been spotted in Hettie items, including ‘Silent

Witness’ actress Genesis Lynea. Recently Sian ran an auction to raise funds for James Middleton’s charity The Paw Print Fund, supported by TV presenter Ben Fogle. Hettie Platinum Collection Inspired by the heritage and history of Britain and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, Hettie has some new exclusive designs on their cushions and throws. Hettie is delighted to have been chosen to showcase their high-end Platinum Collection at a very exciting event in October, as part of the Jubilee celebrations. The Hettie brand will be showcased in Strive for Perfection: The Official Platinum Jubilee Edition – an official publication for one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious car clubs, the International Club for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts (RREC). The beautifully designed, 400-page hardback book is produced by leading publisher St James’s House – the official publisher for the Platinum Jubilee Pageant – and written by an editorial team of renowned motoring www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

journalists and industry experts. Launched to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it explores the ties between royal celebrations and RollsRoyce and Bentley motor cars, as well as stories of royalty and the luxury marques’ models past, present and future. To resonate with the book’s theme of regal refinement, a carefully curated selection of high-end brands (including Hettie) will also be present at the launch, enabling guests to immerse themselves in a world of luxurious tastes, products, and experiences. Woven to Sian’s own designs for Hettie by mills in the Cotswolds and in Yorkshire, the beautiful 100% wool throws and cushions in the Hettie Platinum Collection will add warmth and comfort to home spaces. Based around the three colourways of their nature inspired collections, customers can choose from tones of blue, green, and pink to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in their home and garden spaces to relax in. 45

COMPETITION

A LUXURY PURE WOOL COAT AND LEAD FOR YOUR BESTIE

uild a quintessentially British ‘pet-drobe’ with this luxury pure wool dog jacket and lead, from a collection by Hettie, the luxury lifestyle brand. They also offer collars, harnesses, and bow ties for your furry friend. The Hettie Pet Collection uses only the finest local, natural, and sustainable fabrics. All dog accessories are designed to perfectly match Hettie’s fabulous range of luxury handbags.

Question: WHERE IS THE HETTIE PET COLLECTION MANUFACTURED? Email your answer to Info@westiesandbesties.com

COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS: This competition opens on 1st January 2023 and ends on the 31st January 2023. Only one entrant per household can enter this competition. The winner will be notified by email by Westies & Besties Magazine after receiving the first correct answer by email and the prize will be sent out directly by Hettie. If we do not receive a response to our email requesting a postal address within 48 hours, Westies & Besties Ltd has the right to present the prize to a runner up.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

COMPETITION Image supplied by Hettie

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FEATURE

5 to be Aware Of

The cold season brings its own set of problems which can all be avoided if you tread carefully

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Antifreeze

Grit

You don’t want your bestie anywhere near antifreeze. It’s extremely toxic and if your Westie drinks even a little bit of it you should get them to your Vet immediately as it can do serious damage to the kidneys.

With snow around the country, grit can be found on roads and pavements and it isn’t your Westie’s friend. Make sure you wash your bestie’s paws after every walk and make sure there is no grit into between the toes and pads.

Westies & Besties - January 2023

FEATURE

Hypothermia Every dog has its own little quirks and even if your dog doesn’t like wearing a coat or jumper you may have to take the lead and put one on him/her anyway if temperatures drop or if you’re spending more time outside. A dog’s temperature can drop quickly and senior Westies or dogs that are unwell will feel the cold more – just like us humans.

Cracked Paws The cold winter months can cause havoc on your Westie’s paws by making them chapped and cracked. Gently soak the paws in warm water after each walk and using a rub in a paw balm after each walk to keep the pads moist and soft.

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Dark Nights You don’t want your Bestie getting spooked and running off because of fireworks etc, so make sure you and your pal have visible clothing on so other dog walkers and drivers can see you both. Also make sure your dog is chipped and is wearing an ID tag.

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