Westie Skin issues - Malassezia Dermatitis (Yeast & Bacterial infection of the skin)
Westie Skin Issue information listed below comes from 30+ years of treating and restoring hundreds of Westie’s health to be ready for a new and wonderful life in homes like yours.
Skin Conditions That Cause Fur Loss (MALASSEZIA) ARE NOT CONTAGIOUS
Yeast Dermatitis (MALASSEZIA)
Westie Rescue has helped over 500 Westies with an EFFECTIVE results-oriented treatment of this common skin/fur issue. In order for any approach to be effective, the approach will require an internal and external approach. Together with an experienced Vet and owner’s proactive actions, a Westie will see noticeable results in 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the severity and immune system of the subject. The longer you wait to start, the more compromised your Westie will become.
A deep dive into the medical/technical explanation of skin issues: Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs
What are the signs?
The most common clinical signs of yeast dermatitis are:
- itching and redness
- musty odor
- scales and crusty, flaky skin
- thickened skin ('elephant skin')
- hyperpigmentation (darkly pigmented skin)
- chronic or recurring ear infections
First Steps
Find a Vet who is aware of treatments and is willing to do skin scrapping, blood testing, and expand his/her knowledge, as there is lots of information available at VETMD, VetPartners, etc, that can help your Westie get on the right path to recovery quickly. If your Vet wants to try this and that without testing FIRST – find a second Vet ASAP. Your Westie and your wallet will thank you. Quick Tip: Print Out this page and give it to your Vet on your first appointment.
Information Links: https://westierescue.com/resources/health-and-fitness.html
EFFECTIVE treatment of this common Westie skin issue requires an internal and external approach.
Internal Meds: Oral Ketoconazole (Vet prescription & supervision)
External: Malaseb Shampoo (antibacterial and antifungal)
Examples of Westie treated and rehomed
Before: Ms Stella (April 2019) After 6 Months After 1 Year
How Ketoconazole Works in Dogs
Ketoconazole works by blocking a fungal organism from making part of their cell wall, thereby preventing the fungus from growing and multiplying.
What is Malaseb Shampoo?
Malaseb Shampoo is a unique combination of antibacterial and antifungal agents with coat conditioners. It is formulated to help with dandruff, ringworm, yeast, and other bacterial infections.
https://www.chewy.com/malaseb-shampoo/dp/264502
https://www.allvetsupply.com/malaseb-shampoo16oz.htmlhttps://www.vetrxdirect.com/product/view/malaseb-chlorhexedine-and-miconazole-for-dogs-and-cats-otc/variation-14140
Search Word: Malaseb Shampoo
Administration and dosage
- Wet coat thoroughly with water.
- Apply and lather Malaseb Shampooover the entire body, allowing 15 minutes of contact time.
- Rinse completely with water.
- Do not allow animal to lick while bathing to prevent ingestion.
Repeat twice weekly until symptoms subside, then weekly, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Bath Time: Wet your Westie and then lather them up-leave the shampoo on your Westie for at least 12-15 minutes. Keep them in the tub and keep scrubbing! (Please don’t put them cold and wet in a crate to lick the shampoo off!!!!!!)
After the 12-15 minutes, rinse off all the shampoo and make sure there is no shampoo residue. While still in the tub, finish off with an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) solution on them. (Instructions are below)
Please Note: YOU DO NOT RINSE the ACV solution off!!!
Natural organic apple cider vinegar has a brownish tinge to it and floating stuff inside. The floating stuff is called "mother" and is formed from the pectin and apple residue. You can purchase natural organic apple cider vinegar at most health food store. Put about ¼ of a cup of ACV in a plastic measuring cup and fill the cup with warm water. After the bath, pour the rinse (from the neck on down-do NOT get this in your Westie’s eyes) and then towel dry---don’t rinse it off. It is a great and natural way to improve the PH balance on their skin.
Foot Soaks
Does your Westie lick its paws?????????? We cannot stress the importance of removing pesticides, herbicides, ragweed, grasses, pollens, molds, dust mites and other pollutants from your dog's feet on a regular basis.
Your dog's feet can gather a pretty heavy toxin load in addition to allergens, and this can become extremely irritating to his paws. 50 % of all foot licking and chewing can be immediately alleviated by removing allergens and other irritants collected on a dog's paws. It is important is to soak the paws at the end of any day when your pet has been in contact with allergens, lawn chemicals, or anything in the environment with the potential to irritate her feet.
You will need:
- Small tub or Tupperware container
- Povidone iodine (also known as Betadine Antiseptic Solution) is an organic iodine that is safe, non-toxic, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-yeast. There are two types of Betadine …one is a surgical scrub/skin cleanser that needs to be rinsed off…. the one you want is the Betadine Antiseptic Solution
Water mix
You want to dilute the povidone iodine with water to the color of iced tea, using just your eyes – no scientific formula is involved! If it comes up too light, just add a bit more of the iodine…if it's a bit dark, add more water. We recommend you let your Westie stand in the solution from two to five minutes. You don't have to do anything to the feet or toes -- the solution will do the work for you. You can just stand and sing to your Westie while he soaks, or talk to him and tell him how handsome he/she is.
Remember, the key is to get the feet submerged in the solution, which will wash away any type of yeast that might be growing, as well as mild bacterial infections, allergens, and other contaminants. Dry them off and they are good to go!
More examples to show progress -
Miss Bella 45 days of treatment
Mr Bo 90 days of treatment
Mr Marsh after 90 days of treatment
Ms Mojito after 90 days of treatment
Ms Roxie 90 days of treatment
Miss Lea reports that the skin program works wonders that and having good proactive patient care givers in my new home is the trick!
Next up: Stan & Dave - one with skin issues, one fat and happy.
Stan - Day One - Stink, dandruff, yeast, and bacteria infections. Totally compromised.
Stan's recover took longer as his imune system was so low due to infections, internal digestive complications, etc. Daily baths, blow dry, lots of Vet care and evaluation meet and greets, long slow walks and then ready for a new life. Start to finish 6 months.
March 2026
Our latest Westie needing health care - Miss Porcini, age 8-10 years (Guess as she was a stray)
Day One
She too will go through the normal "Westie Treatment" that has proven results.
Image Credits: Westie Rescue MidAtlantic
Bath Time: Westie Rescue Canada