Riley is 7 years old and is epileptic. He was diagnosed at just 18 months old with idiopathic epilepsy which has proved increasingly difficult to control. Despite taking a plethora of medication Riley still suffers with clusters of fits every few weeks.

Early Signs of Westie Diabetes

When Riley became unwell a few weeks ago we thought it may be the start of an epileptic episode. It quickly became evident that this was something different and whatever it was Riley was deteriorating quite quickly. We took him to the vets who suspected an infection. He was started on antibiotics, anti-sickness, and other medications whilst blood and urine tests were sent for analysis. The tests were repeated the following week to check that the antibiotics were working but instead of getting better Riley’s condition worsened, he became unsteady on his feet, was very lethargic and continued to lose weight. To make matters worse he started to have a cluster of fits which lasted a couple of days.

We returned to the vet for urgent blood and urine testing. We were shocked when the vet advised us that Riley had really high glucose in both his blood and urine, combined with his physical symptoms the clinical signs were pointing towards him being diabetic. All his previous tests were compared including those taken a few days prior. All were clear. The prognosis was that he was experiencing the early symptoms and side effects of diabetes mellitus.

When Riley’s blood glucose was tested again the next morning it was still high so we needed to start injecting insulin twice a day. We were taught how to inject him and given a very quick lesson in what to expect and how to treat hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Diabetes is not particularly common in Westies but can develop in any breed at any time.

Coping with a diabetes diagnosis

This was another massive learning curve for us to ensure that we understood the symptoms and implications of diabetes and how we could help Riley. Just as we started insulin treatment Riley started to have another cluster of fits, over three days he had a dozen fits. We had a dreadful weekend not knowing if his lethargy and difficulty walking was due to the fits or diabetes. We visited the vet again on the Monday. The vet repeated the fructosamine tests which confirmed the diabetes diagnosis. What a roller coaster!

We have now been treating Riley for a few weeks and thankfully he has had no further fits. At this stage he is on a very low dose of insulin and we are watching him carefully while we learn how his body needs the insulin to help him getting nourishment from his food. We have only once had to use rescue glucose due to hypoglycemia but diabetes, we are learning, is quite complex. Factors such as a longer walk, increased activity, being sick or unwell can all have an affect on how the insulin works. Riley was an average size Westie and over a few weeks his weight has plummeted due to the Diabetes. He is constantly hungry and thirsty.

What caused a 7 year old Westie to become diabetic?

What we know at the moment is that his body is not producing enough insulin. He had pancreatitis just over a year ago and this may have caused some damage that stopped the pancreas working properly.

As for Riley as always he has taken this in his stride! He waits patiently for his injections which don’t seem to bother him and just carries on. At the moment he is not regaining weight despite an increase in his meals.

What is Diabetes and what are the symptoms?

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where the pancreas either fails to produce insulin or where cells are no longer able to use the insulin that is being produced. There are two types of canine diabetes Type 1 is insulin dependant, this is where the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. Type 2 is insulin resistant, where cells respond incorrectly to the insulin that is produced. Both types of diabetes results in the muscles and organs being starved of energy as the the glucose present which has been metabolised from food, can not be converted. In both types of diabetes excessive amounts of glucose will be found in the blood.

The symptoms of both types of diabetes are the same. A Westie with diabetes will be hungry a lot of the time as the body can not convert the glucose into energy. They will become lethargic and often loose weight despite maintaining a normal or increased diet. Blood glucose will be high and will also often be found in the urine. Diabetes causes increased thirst leading a dog to drink more. Due to the change in urine concentration dogs will often need to urinate more frequently or may start to have ‘accidents’. The increased urination can lead to the dog becoming dehydrated which places them at greater risk of an infection. Diabetes can also affect the liver and the eyes.

What are the different types of Diabetes?

Insulin dependant diabetes mellitus, Type 1 where the pancreas no longer produces sufficient insulin, can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes which is insulin resistant diabetes is often seen in older dogs, particularly if they are overweight.

Diabetes is a serious illness which needs to be identified and treated rapidly to avoid damage to organs. Unfortunately there is no cure but both types of diabetes can be managed. Insulin dependant diabetes, Type 1, will require twice daily doses of insulin to be administered. Insulin resistant diabetes, type 2, can often be managed by a change in diet.

It is a good idea to keep a daily diary to record of symptoms and diet. We have kept a record of medication doses, time given, meals, drinking, mobility and mood.

Monitoring Diabetes at home

You can buy urine-dip sticks for daily testing to keep an eye our for excessive glucose and ketones.  Urine tests don’t help with dosing but will warn you if large quantities of glucose are passing through the system.

Ask your vet about using a blood glucose testing kit at home. The kits come complete with lances and testing strips for you to test a tiny blood sample each day. The advantage with this system is that you can share the results with your vet and quickly alter the insulin dose. Devices are readily available from major pet stores.

Follow Riley’s story and Westie Life on our Facebook page

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Westie Life is full of information about the gorgeous West Highland White Terrier.

The Westie is a faithful, loyal, fun-loving small dog that packs a big punch of courage. Don’t be fooled by their small stature – the Westie believes he is a big dog!

Originally bred to hunt vermin in the coarse terrain of the highlands of Scotland this stunning white terrier is tough, tenacious and very self assured. Westies have strong characters and can be stubborn, but that is more than out weighed by their loving nature.

Westies have hearts of gold and a head tilt that will make you melt!

We have owned Westies for many years and will share some of our experiences, highs and lows, throughout this site.

We will bring you lots of news along with plenty of adorable pictures of your Westies and our favourite Westie videos. Feature articles cover health, insurance, dog showing and activities plus posts on breed standard, buying and and microchipping. All with a Westie focus!

If you would like to know more about the breed visit our West Highland White Terrier History page. For your Westie Pictures visit the gallery or visit our favourite Westie videos. You can read our feature articles in any of the four categories. General Westie, Health and Wellbeing, Showing and Activities and All about the West Highland White Terrier.

I hope you enjoy the website!

Karen

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If you watched Devon win Supreme Champion at Crufts in 2016 it may have sparked an interest in dog showing. Showing your Westie can be great fun but how do you get to Crufts in the UK or Westminster in the US?

A decision to show your Westie needs to be made early and certainly before you buy your puppy. If you fancy attending your local fete or charity show and entering the cutest dog class or most obedient dog, or even for open shows breeding is not so important. if Crufts is your target however you need to prepare!

Finding a breeder

If you are aiming for Championship shows you need to locate a good breeder. It is unlikely you will find these easily as many will not advertise. Speak to other owners who show their dogs or search the Assured Breeders register on the Kennel Club Website. Another good tip at this time is to speak to the regional or national Breed Associations and join. At this level most dog breeders know each other, they meet regularly on the show circuit and will offer advice on how to get started. Breeders may have litters now or will be able to advise when their next litters are due.

You will find that ‘show quality’ puppies are often reserved before birth therefore you may have to wait a while. The breeder will name each puppy in a litter and register them with the Kennel Club, this will be your dogs ‘official name’ which is used for showing. You are of course able to choose a ‘pet name’ for your puppy which doesn’t have to be the same as their Kennel Club name.

Finding a puppy

Once you find a breeder start by asking questions, a breeder should be happy to answer them. Similarly don’t be offended if the breeder asks you questions about your home, family and other pets. Breeders are often very protective of their puppies!

1. Do they have puppies ready now
2. Are they show quality – there are no guarantees how good the puppies will be
3. Ask about the pupplies lineage and if the parents or grandparents are champions
4. Have the puppies been socialised, house trained etc.
5. Have the parents had any health issues and have the puppies been healthy since birth.

Arrange to see the puppies and make sure you are able to handle them.

Puppies can not be shown until they are six months old.

One of the first things to do when you have your puppy is to transfer the Kennel Club registration to your name. This can be done via the Kennel Club website.

The next step is to learn everything you can about dog shows and showing and make a start on training your puppy. The Kennel Club have plenty of information on Dog Showing for beginners. The Kennel club recommends that you attend some ringcraft classes. You could also attend a couple of local shows to gain some experience.

Categories of dog shows

Companion Shows: There are regional non affiliated shows and offer a range of classes. These shows are often fundraising events and tend to be more relaxed which may be a good first step. Classes are likely to be less formal.

Breed Specific: These are single breed shows and will usually have a variety of classes. These shows are usually organised by a breed club and will often attract many breeders. If you don’t feel ready to show, or your puppy is too young, it is still well worth going along. You will have an opportunity to meet and talk to breed specialists as well as observing ring craft.

Open Shows: An open show will offer a range of classes for many different breeds. Shows are run by canine societies. It is possible to be awarded challenge certificates at some open shows.

Championship shows: The most prestigious dog shows. Class and breed winners of Championship shows will win Challenge Certificates. A CC is the highest award.

Crowned a Champion

To gain the award and title of Champion you dog will need to have won three Challenge Certificates (CC’s) from three different judges at Championship shows. At most championship shows there will be a Challenge Certificate for both best dog and best bitch. Where only one challenger certificate is on offer it will be awarded to the best of breed winner.

In order to attend Crufts a dog has to either be a Champion or have been awarded certain placings at Championship or Open shows. More details can be found on the Kennel Club Website.

Another good source of information is the Dog Press. Our Dogs is a weekly newspaper that is also available by subscription on the internet. There are many websites with details on how to show, ringcraft, preparation.

Grooming for showing

If you are aiming for Championship shows then how you groom and care for your Westie is crucial. Show dogs must be hand stripped to perfection so read the breed standard and learn as much as you can on how to prepare your dog. More information can be found here.

Showing for fun

There are other alternatives. If you have a Westie and want to have a go at dog showing but don’t want to go to structured breed or championship shows why not take look at community or charity shows and enter a class. As mentioned above these tend to be much more relaxed.

Other Activities to enjoy with your Westie

What about agility? Westies are renowned for their energy and enthusiasm, they are athletic and have plenty of stamina – all necessary ingredients for agility. Flyball is another high energy activity that your Westie may enjoy. If you have watched the competition at Crufts this event is great fun and fiercely competitive.

If you prefer something a little more gentle that relies on the special bond you have with your dog consider heel work to music or obedience activities. Both require tremendous patience and lots of training so you will be spending plenty of time with your dog – What could be better!

There is lots of information about all of the above activities on the Kennel Club website along with details of clubs and how to get started.

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Is the adorable looking white coated Westie all he seems?

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There are many reasons why a Westie may end up in need of a new home. Each Westie in care or a rescue service will have a story. Most will be adult dogs.

The majority of Westies arriving into homes or rescue centres are due to a change in family circumstances. Dogs are surrendered as they can no longer be cared for. This can be due to a bereavement, arrival of children, changes in home circumstances or a change in financial circumstances. They are often loved and have been well looked after.

Dogs are sometimes found as strays and handed to dog wardens. Unfortunately there are also heartbreaking situations where Westies have been rescued from unsuitable or appalling conditions including puppy farms.

Finding a Westie to rehome

Westies will occasionally be found in all breed dogs homes but in most instances they will be passed to a breed specific rescue service. When a Westie has been surrendered there will often be a detailed history given which helps rescue centres to rehome him. These dogs will be checked by a vet and offered for rehome quite quickly. Dogs are usually chipped, spayed or neutered, wormed and treated for fleas before being offered for adoption. Most Westie rescue centres don’t operate a ‘dogs home’ so Westies will usually be placed with a foster carer until they are ready for adoption.

Where no history is available the rescue service will take time to get to know the dog. A full medical screening will be carried out and any illness treated. Abandoned and ill treated dogs will often have medical conditions. Some conditions may be short term as a result of poor care but some may be more significant underlying ailments. Foster carers will support these dogs whilst they recover and will then work with potential adopters to find the best long term solution.

To discover how rewarding adopting a rescue Westie can be just visit any of the pages listed below to read heartwarming stories. The Dogs Trust, RSPCA and Battersea sites have lots of information about adoption and rehoming. Many Westies are adopted and rehomed every year.

Adopting a Rescue Westie

When you apply to adopt a Westie you will be asked to complete a detailed application form. You will usually have a home visit and will be asked to visit the dog before the adoption takes place. Whilst the questions may seem extensive the centres work hard to get the adoption right first time, no one wants a dog to be rehomed to an unsuitable environment.

When you adopt a Westie you are taking ownership of the dog and that includes all care and costs. Consider taking out insurance and registering with a local vet. To ensure a smooth transition check what food has been given and an idea of the daily routine.

If you have never owned a Westie before take time to learn about the breed. Westies are energetic, loving and loyal little dogs who thrive on affection. Offering an older Westie a forever home is likely to be extremely rewarding for you both!

Fostering – Could you help?

There are several Westie rescue and rehoming services in the UK each of which uses foster carers. Fostering is different from adopting. You are not usually expected to pay for care and treatment whilst dogs are in foster care. Dogs may be unwell, or have been ill treated, they may be nervous or aggressive and require additional support whilst they settle into family life. Fostering is not usually long term but can be extremely rewarding. If you would like to consider fostering details can be found on each of the Westie Rescue pages shown below.

Westie Rescue Organisations: 

Westie Rescue Scheme, Westie Rescue UK, Westies in Need, UK Westie Rehoming

National Rescue Services:

RSPCA, The Dogs Trust  and Blue Cross

There are also many regional and local dogs homes that care for rescued dogs.

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Agility is an exciting fast paced sport for dogs. The course is an obstacle circuit that dogs have to complete as quickly and accurately as possible. This canine sport is increasing in popularity undoubtedly due in part to the excellent coverage of the annual Crufts competition.

Unlike dog showing, agility is not breed specific. For competition dogs are usually divided into three groups based on size. The Westie competes in the small dog class. Agility competitions are often run under the Kennel Club banner so dogs must be registered on the Kennel Club Activity register. Dogs do not have to be breed registered.

Agility training and competition is based on a circuit of obstacles which the handler (owner) has to help the dog to navigate by voice command. To start training dogs have to be 12 months old and for a Kennel Club show they can’t compete until 18 months old. This is to ensure that the dog’s bones and joints are fully developed and strong enough to withstand the training and competition.

Agility is fast paced and athletic for both you and your Westie! Training takes patience and practice. To start join a club and attend training sessions. You can buy agility equipment for your garden but to replicate the competition environment club training would be better. Agility is a friendly pastime and a great way of meeting new friends.

The Agility Course

The course will have about twenty obstacles including jumps, tunnels (tubes), weaving poles, ramps, hoops and often a sea saw. If your Westie refuses an obstacle then a penalty is applied. The event scoring and placings is based on speed and accuracy. There are often two circuits – one with jumps and one without. Each class follows the same circuit but the jumps are adjusted to suit the size of the dogs in the group.

There is no doubt agility can be tremendous fun which may suit the Westies character. Dogs need to be strong and athletic and must work well with their owner. The Westies desire to please their owner will certainly help.

There are plenty of clubs scattered across the UK and events take place during the summer months. More information can be found of the Kennel Club website.

Flyball for Westies

If your Westie loves to run but is not so good at navigating obstacles you could consider Flyball. The sport originated in the USA but is now enjoyed throughout the world. Flyball relies on great teamwork. The format is a two team head to head relay rice with hurdles and a spring box. Each dog runs the length of the course (normally around 15 metres) clearing 4 hurdles on the way. At the spring box the ball is released for the dog to collect and run home. The next dog then repeats until all four dogs have finished the course. The fastest, most accurate team win. Competition formats vary but are often a ’round robin’ followed by elimination. The hurdles height is determined by the size of the smallest dog on the team.

For more information visit the British Flyball Association.

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Dog showing is a wonderful hobby that can be extremely good fun. But before you rush online to register you need to prepare. Once you have your puppy you need to start a regime of training and grooming to get both you and your puppy ready for the show ring. Puppies must be six months old to enter the ring and must not be spayed or neutered.

A good starting place is to look for a local club that run ringcraft classes where you can take the first steps into the exciting and often obsessive world of competition for dogs. Ringcraft classes are usually run by experienced breeders who have trained many dogs for exhibition. These classes are not breed specific they are more about gaining an understanding of what happens in the ring, what is expected of you and your dog.

You need to learn the lingo!

You will read about ‘stacking’, walking patterns, grooming and ring etiquette when you start to research how to show your dog. A great way to understand all these is to attend a couple of shows and look at how the dogs are prepared in the benching area and what happens when they enter the ring. The basics of dog showing are the same for most breeds so look at as many different classes as you can.

Grooming:

Grooming and presentation is all important. To show your Westie must have a double coat that is hand stripped (not clipped). To make grooming and show preparation easier invest in a good grooming table that is portable along with quality brushes, stripping knives, scissors, nail clippers and a chalk block. If you will not be grooming your dog yourself you will still need a table and tools to prepare your dog on the day. Look at other dogs when you visit a show and study pictures and videos to see how they look.

As you learn how to prepare your dog use the grooming table daily or every other day to get him used to standing while you groom him. It takes time and patience to master this art so don’t be disheartened if you to don’t achieve championship looks the first time you try!

Stacking:

What is stacking? – in simple terms it is helping your dog to ‘stack’ or pose properly. Some dogs will stand with held held high and tail at just the right angle whilst others may need a helping hand. The picture above shows the owner ‘presenting’ the dog. You can use the lead, gently, to remind the dog to lift his head – with time and patience this will become automatic. The tail needs to sit slightly forward and you will often see dog handlers gently hold the tail in position. Your dog will need to learn to stand still while the judge examines him.

Handlers:

You can choose to handle your dog yourself in the ring or for top shows you can recruit the services of a handler. This in itself needs plenty of planning; your dog will need to build a rapport with the handler and be confident with them. If you choose to handle yourself practice walking for show. Dog showing relies on you making the judge see how wonderful your dog is so you need to learn to show him off!

Walking to show off:

There are various walking patterns that a judge may ask you to follow. Each are designed to show the judge different angles. He will study your dogs walking gait, how he carries himself and how closely he matches that all important breed standard. Your dog needs to learn to walk confidently. He should carry himself with pride whilst having fun. The judge will be looking for the ‘spring in his step’. Walking patterns include straight line, circle or a triangle. You only have a couple of minutes to make an impression so learn to take your moment.

Judging:

Each judge will compare the dogs in the ring and ‘measure’ them against the breed standard and against each other. The judge will pick a placing of 1 -3 in each class. The first place dog would then qualify for the best bitch or dog round. At some shows there may be further qualifying rounds before the best dog or bitch. The winner of best dog and best bitch then go head to head for best of breed. In a mixed breed show the Best Westie would then progress to the best Terrier Class. If successful he would then progress to Best In Show.

Dressing to impress:

You will need to walk and run with your dog as well as lifting him on and off a table. Add to that grooming, chalking and toileting which means that comfortable clothing and footwear for you is essential. Advice given in books and show guides suggest using colours that compliment your dogs colour. Thankfully with a white dog colour clashing can be avoided! However avoid black or dark colours where white fur and chalk marks may show! If it is a championship show or Crufts a suit or something smart is appropriate. Wear flat shoes – it could be a long day!

Have Fun!

Dog showing is tremendous fun and the community is friendly. Many exhibitors and breeders will share, with pride, their experiences, but never underestimate showing is competitive, sometimes fiercely so!

If dog showing isn’t for you consider agility competition, heal to music craft, earth dog competitions, flyball, obedience or tracking. There is plenty of information on a range of opportunities on the Kennel Club website.

Whatever you choose, always remember that above all having fun with your dog is most important.

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There are plenty of options for finding a new Westie puppy, and many breeders that advertise across a range of different media, but which is best? Westie Life strongly recommends that you start by checking the Kennel Club Assured Breeders Register for reassurance.

Decide if you want a puppy as a pet or to show and that will help in your search. We would also recommend that you take a measured decision and plan for a puppy. You may need to make changes at home either in the house or the garden to puppy proof them ready for your new arrival.

How to avoid buying from a puppy farm?

Puppy farming is unethical mass breeding where dogs are often left in appalling conditions. Mass bred puppies are often sold in poor health with flea infestations and can often have enteritis or more concerning heredity ailments. Puppy farming is often presented professionally with the sellers appearing to comply with legal requirements.  Dogs will be microchipped and often have some paperwork but look out for the tell tale signs. Puppies are often sold from a donor home, away from the mother and there may be more than one breed on offer, don’t be fooled. Always ask to see the mother, even after the 8 weeks it would be very unusual for puppies to be separated from their mother before being sold. In order to tackle this appalling trade the government have introduced legislation governing the sale of puppies. If you see a dog advertised that is cheaper than the norm – beware!!

The RSPCA offer advice on how to avoid supporting the puppy farm trade. They have a list of tips on how to check telephone numbers, photographs and descriptions.

If you are offered a Westie puppy from a Kennel Club breeder you can check their credentials on the Kennel Club Register for reassurance.

Once you have decided on a puppy and found a litter you need to decide if you want a boy or girl, neither is better than the other so this is really down to personal preference. If you already have dogs and need to avoid unwanted pregnancies then picking the same sex could be a good solution.

Top Tips for checking a puppy:

Look for clear bright eyes with no discharge or redness. Ears should be clean with no smell. A dog’s nose is a clear indication of health, please check for a cold wet nose. Skin should be clean with no rashes, sports or sores. The puppies fur should be clean and soft. The puppy should be quite strong and able to stand with no limp.

Westie Puppies should be alert, active and friendly.

When you view the litter the breeder will usually allow you to handle the pups to make choosing easier. Good breeders will be happy to answer your questions and will welcome an opportunity to share advice. Expect the breeder to show you the puppies with their mother.  The breeder will also give you details on the dogs pedigree including details of parents and grandparents.

If you would like more information please visit the Kennel Club or RSPCA websites using the links below.

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/

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From the 6th April 2016 it has been a legal requirement in the UK to have all dogs microchipped but is the practice safe? Leading experts across the field of veterinary practice promote and support the use of microchipping. The procedure is considered to be extremely safe and in the event of your dog getting lost or stolen it is the best way to aid their return. Thousands of dogs, and cats, are microchipped every year in the UK and only a tiny minority suffer any after effects. The most noted issue is a slight swelling at the site of insertion which usually resolves within a couple of days.

What is a pet microchip?

A pet microchip is a tiny chip that contains a registration code that is no bigger than a grain of rice. The chip is inserted under the dog’s skin usually in the nape or scruff of the neck using a needle. For those that are needle phobic this sounds quite daunting but dogs tend to have quite a thick pocket of skin in this area and the needles used are small. The experience is no different to having inoculations. The microchips do not have or need a power supply and most have a lifespan of twenty to thirty years.

What happens to the chip and how is it useful?

The chip sits in your pets neck and over time a small pocket of fibres envelope and protect it which help to hold it in place. A chip reader is used to read the data on the microchip. Veterinary practices, dog wardens, rescue centres and dog rehoming centres will usually have access to chip readers. Once the chip number has been identified it can then be checked on the pet register and the owner identified. It is believed that this will enable dogs to be reunited with their owners quickly and avoid the need for long stays in pet shelters. It has been suggested that microchipping will save several thousands of healthy dogs being euthanased every year if they can’t be rehomed.

Where do you register your Microchip?

When you first get your puppy or dog, or if you have taken your pet to the vet to have a microchip fitted, you will be given a copy of the chip’s unique code number. These are usually provided on a sheet along with a barcode. Your will be given the details of where the chip is registered which you can then go and update online. Each time you move you need to update the register.

Does a microchip need any maintenance?

No, once inserted microchips are maintenance free. You can ask your vet to check the chip at a regular check up for peace of mind.

Do Microchips fail?

It is extremely rare but not impossible for a chip to fail. In most instances this would be detected before the microchip is implanted. The vet or clinician will usually check the chip and its manufacture date before use. Periodic checks will ensure that the chip is still working. There have been reports of failure but this is often caused by reader issues or the chip having moved. There are reported cases where chips have migrated to other areas under the skin or further down the back.

As it is now a legal requirement in the UK for a dog to be microchipped vets and rescuers will check thoroughly until they find the code. The biggest risk to failure is not the chip itself but the contact records being out of date where owners have moved house or sold a pet and the records have not been changed.

Do Microchips work?

The internet is awash with tales of pets being reunited with their owners as a result of microchipping. When a lost dog is taken to a veterinary surgeon or to the dog warden a simple scan of the neck area will reveal the chip which can be checked on the register and the owners contacted. In these circumstances pets can be returned to their owners quickly. There are many heartwarming tales of pets being reunited after long periods where a routine check on a microchip has revealed that the dog in question was stolen, often where the new owners have believed they were giving a home to an unwanted pet.

How much does it cost?

The costs vary but expect to pay in the region of £25 – £40. You can also check on the UK Government website for advice on organisations that may microchip your pet without cost.

Can a dog be exempted from having a microchip?

In exceptional, health related, circumstances an exemption certificate may be possible if arranged by a vet.

Is there a penalty if a dog is found without a microchip?

When the regulations were introduced a penalty was implemented at the same time to encourage pet owners to comply. The penalty for not having your pet microchipped is currently £500.

What happens if you buy a dog that already has a microchip?

When you buy or rehome a Westie that has a microchip ask the current owner for the microchip registration documents. Update the register as soon as you bring the dog home, there may be a small charge to do this.

Lost your microchip number?

What do you do if you have lost the paperwork and don’t have a record of the microchip? The best option is to contact your veterinary practice or whoever fitted the microchip. If that is not an option ask your vet, dog warden or rescue centre to scan your pet. Be prepared to provide some form of ID.

Find out more about microchipping your Westie on the RSPCA or the UK Government websites.

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There is no subject more likely to evoke a range of opinions than Pet Insurance. It would be difficult to cover such a big subject on one page but I am going to share my experience with Pet Insurance and why I would always recommend you have it. For every one like me there are many other pet owners who have never had or needed insurance, but is the risk worth taking?

Why have pet insurance for your Westie?

As modern medicine continues to make massive strides in treatment, prevention and cure for us humans so it does for our canine companions. Trauma injuries can now be treated by vets with the latest technology in scans and x-rays or in serious instances pets can be transferred to animal hospitals or centres of excellence scattered across the country. Illness, including the most serious of cancers, can be diagnosed and treated with a wide range of disciplines, surgery, oncology and holistic therapies. You only need to watch an episode of Supervet to see what is possible!

If you want the very best for your canine companion can you afford the cost which may sometimes run into the thousands of pounds? – I was amazed to learn that a brain scan for a dog is actually more expensive than that for a human but it makes sense. Capital costs cannot be recovered in anything like the same time and the level of expertise needed requires massive investment in training and knowledge.

We are a nation of dog lovers and commit daily to providing the very best we can. Our dogs become a member of the family and our reliance on their devotion is intrinsically woven into our family life. We never want to have to say no so the best way to ensure that we can offer the best is to take out insurance to protect against all ills.

The pet insurance market is massive. From specialist companies to national supermarkets policies are available everywhere. The cover and terms are often similar but it is really important to read the small print.

What are the options with Pet Insurance?

Policies are offered in two fundamental ways. Year by year or covered for life. There is a cost differential. Everybody will say that insurance is expensive until you need it, then, you want the very best.

Understanding the two choices

Year by year pet insurance is just that, a policy taken out for one year. At the end of the year you can renew, go elsewhere or do without. If you have a claim in that one year the claim would be taken into consideration at renewal. When you renew the ailment, injury or illness may be excluded and therefore not covered on any future policies.

Covered for life is a more costly product but provides greater cover. This type of policy ensures that if your pet is the subject of a claim for either illness or trauma the cause is not excluded from future policies. In the case of a long term condition you can continue to claim. However, there must be no break in the insurance cover so you must renew at each anniversary.

Pet Plan offer a simple comparison on their website. With both our dogs we took out covered for life policies and this is the option I would always recommend. Westies are known for having certain skin problems for example which could mean a life of medication and treatment.

How can you reduce the premium?

There are ways to reduce premiums. Consider paying a higher excess, contributing a percentage to treatment costs or reducing the non essential cover. If you don’t take your Westie abroad ask if that cover can be removed. Likewise if your dog doesn’t ever stay in kennels do you need the cover? Talk to the insurance provider. Identify which of the two main principles you want to adopt within your policy and then fine tune what you need. If the insurer is not flexible look at another.

You can opt to ‘self insure’ where instead of paying insurance you put an amount of money aside each month. This requires discipline and accepting the risk that one trauma or significant illness could easily wipe out (or exceed) the pot.

Our Story!

One of our beautiful Westies is epileptic. He was diagnosed at just 18 months old and has a severe form of idiopathic epilepsy. He has had a battery of tests including brain scans, blood tests and heart testing.  All of these, often costly, tests were essential if we were to have a diagnosis and understanding of what we were facing. Riley was transferred to a specialist centre and has his care overseen by a canine neurologist – think Supervet! His care and treatment was outstanding. We were offered no cure or fix but were given a very detailed plan of treatment and care.

Thankfully we had a covered for life policy. The policy has remained in place and continues to pay significant costs each month to help control his epilepsy. Every year when we renew the policy cost increases due to his age but he is not penalised for his condition.

My advice would be to read all you can, and look at the options before making a decision.

For an informative unbiased view you can read more on the Which Website

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