How to Groom a Westie: 6 Important Steps to Follow

West Highland Terriers require a bit of grooming to keep their fur healthy and clean. Their thick double coat protects them against the elements, but it also requires regular brushing. Otherwise, Westies can quickly become matted.

Luckily, grooming a Westie isn’t difficult. Here are all the steps you should consider:

1. Brushing

Much of grooming a Westie is brushing. Your dog should be brushed at least twice a week, though some may need to be brushed even more than that. If your dog is matted or shedding heavily, consider increasing the number of brushing sessions.

The grooming tools you use matter. We recommend using a slicker brush for most of your dog’s body. For harder-to-reach areas, consider a metal comb. Combs are a great way to ensure you’re being thorough, but using only a comb is impractical.

Start at your dog’s head and work your way down their back, brushing in the direction of the hair. You should never brush against the fur, as this will cause snags and pain. Always be gentle, especially in areas where your dog is more sensitive.

You should start brushing your dog as soon as you bring them home. While young puppies don’t have as much fur and don’t need as much brushing, getting them started helps desensitize them. They’ll be much easier to groom later if you start grooming them as early as possible.

2. Bathing

You don’t need to bathe your Westie all that much, especially if you keep up with a brushing routine. Brushing does a lot to remove dirt and dust from your dog’s coat, helping elongate the required time between baths.

Of course, you’ll still need to bathe your Westie occasionally. If your dog isn’t regularly rolling in mud, you can expect to bathe them every two to three months. If you bathe them any more than that, you risk irritating their skin, which can lead to itchiness and extra shedding.

Use a dog-specific shampoo, preferably one for white coats. Not all shampoos are equal, so you may need to try a few before settling on one that works for your canines. Always be sure to rinse your dog well, as lingering shampoo can also irritate their skin. Brush directly after the bath to prevent matting.

3. Trimming

Westies need regular trimming. You can do this at home, but it’s often best to take them to a professional groomer. Several haircuts are available. However, most Westies are trimmed to about 2″. The head and face need trimming. Otherwise, fur can get into their eyes, increasing the chance of infection.

The fur between your dog’s paws should also be trimmed. If this fur gets too long, it can hold onto snow and dirt. Having snowballs between your toes is very uncomfortable!

Speaking of trimming, you’ll also need to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Once you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time to trim them. Again, this is something you can learn to do at home. Alternatively, you can have your local groomer do it. Most groomers include nail trimming in their grooming costs.

4. Dental Care

Like all dogs, Westies are prone to dental disease. The easiest way to prevent this problem is to brush their teeth regularly. You’ll need a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Choose an enzymatic toothpaste when possible, as these tend to work a bit better!

Dogs do get tooth decay. however, the most common dental condition by far is gum disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to infections inside the mouth, even affecting as deep as the bones of teeth. Plus, the gums then become an opening for these infections to enter the bloodstream.

5. Ears

Westies are prone to ear infections, as they often have fur inside their ears. It’s important to keep the fur in their ears trimmed. Otherwise, it can trap moisture, dirt, and debris, leading to infections.

You may also need to clean your dog’s ears regularly. If you notice any dirt or grime in their ear, use a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls to remove it gently. Never shove anything further than you can see, as this can damage their ears (like in humans).

After bathing, it’s especially important to dry your Westie’s ears thoroughly. Otherwise, it can cause bacteria and fungi growth.

6. Eyes

Sometimes, your dog’s eyes may also need some attention. Westies are prone to tear stains, which can be removed with a damp cloth. Always be extra gentle with your dog’s eyes, just like you would with your own.

A dog’s eyes should be clear and clean. If your dog’s eyes aren’t, it’s time to make an appointment with your vet. You shouldn’t mess with your dog’s eyes, as they can quickly lose their vision.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © nickpo/iStock via Getty Images