From gut to glory: Building a stronger Westie

Supporting gut health in your West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is one of the most powerful things you can do to improve their overall wellbeing. A healthy gut influences not only digestion, but also skin health, immunity, behaviour, and energy levels. For Westies—who can be prone to allergies, sensitivities, and skin issues—a strong digestive system lays the foundation for a healthier, happier dog.

Start with the Right Diet

Gut health begins with what goes into the bowl. We recommend a single-protein, whole food diet, using either raw or gently cooked food. This avoids overloading the gut with unnecessary fillers, preservatives, or grains that can disrupt the microbiome. Common protein options include beef, turkey, fish or lamb—rotated periodically to maintain variety without causing inflammation. We don’t recommend kangaroo as it seems to upset their tummies.

Avoid kibble with long ingredient lists, especially those containing corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-products. Many Westies have sensitive systems and benefit from a simplified, species-appropriate diet.

Add Natural Probiotics

Probiotics help introduce beneficial bacteria into your Westie’s gut. While commercial probiotic supplements are available, natural options often work just as well. A small spoonful of plain goat milk yoghurt, kefir, or raw green tripe a few times a week can offer excellent support. These foods help populate the gut with good bacteria and support better nutrient absorption.

You can also use powdered probiotic blends specifically formulated for dogs. Look for products with multiple strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis. We use Wellbeing for Dogs Essentials Complete 22 https://wellbeingfordogs.com.au/pages/our-products on top of their raw or lightly cooked balanced meal.

Use Prebiotic Support

Probiotics need fuel to survive, and that’s where prebiotics come in. Foods like cooked pumpkin, sweet potato, and slippery elm can soothe the digestive tract and encourage healthy bacterial growth. These gentle fibres also help firm up stools and reduce inflammation.

Minimise Stress and Chemicals

Stress can negatively affect gut flora, as can overuse of antibiotics, flea treatments, and unnecessary vaccinations. Where possible, keep your dog’s routine calm and predictable. Use chemical preventatives only when needed, and support detox with herbs like milk thistle or dandelion root under professional guidance.

Watch for Signs of Imbalance

Symptoms like itchy skin, paw licking, foul breath, inconsistent stools, or frequent ear infections can all point to gut imbalance. Addressing the root cause through digestive support often resolves these issues more effectively than topical treatments alone.

With good nutrition, mindful care, and a bit of natural support, your Westie’s gut—and their whole body—can thrive.

🦴 Gut Health – Checklist

“Happy Tummies, Healthy Westies”

✅ Feed a single-protein diet (raw or gently cooked)
✅ Avoid kibble with grains, fillers, or chicken by-products
✅ Add natural probiotics (goat milk yoghurt, kefir, tripe)
✅ Include gentle prebiotics like pumpkin or slippery elm
✅ Avoid overuse of antibiotics or worming chemicals
✅ Watch for signs: itchy skin, soft stools, foul breath
✅ Consult for custom gut support if needed

Skin support: Simple skincare for glowing coats

Westies have gorgeous coats and pink, sensitive skin that needs thoughtful care. At Hurkledoon, we follow a minimal bathing approach—too many washes can dry the skin, strip natural oils, and upset the skin’s protective barrier.

We only bathe when it’s truly needed, and always with gentle, natural products. Our shampoos are free from sulphates, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh additives that can trigger irritation. A soft brush and a quick towel wipe are usually enough to keep them fresh between baths.

We also use natural oils—like calendula, rosehip or coconut—sparingly to nourish dry spots or calm inflammation. Skin health starts from the inside out, but gentle external care makes a big difference too.

🛁 Skin Support – Checklist

“Simple Skincare for Glowing Coats”

✅ Bathe only when necessary (every 4–6 weeks max)
✅ Use sulphate-free, natural shampoo
✅ Avoid synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals
✅ Brush coat regularly to reduce dirt and buildup
✅ Use natural oils like calendula or coconut for dry spots
✅ Dry thoroughly—especially paws, armpits and belly
✅ Support skin from the inside with clean nutrition

Balanced immunity: Strong from the inside out

Balanced Immunity: Treat the Cause, Not the Symptoms

Itchy skin, recurring ear infections, and hot spots are common complaints in Westies—but the solution isn't always found in a quick-fix injection or tablet.

We avoid overusing pharmaceuticals like Apoquel or Cytopoint, which often suppress symptoms without addressing the root cause. These drugs may provide temporary relief, but long-term use can compromise the immune system and gut health.

Instead, we work to understand what's really going on—whether it’s food intolerance, yeast overgrowth, gut imbalance, or environmental triggers. With the right support—clean diet, herbs, probiotics, and time—many skin issues can resolve naturally.

We raise our dogs to have strong, balanced immune systems that don’t overreact at every little itch. Prevention, not suppression, is our philosophy.

🧬 Balanced Immunity – Checklist

“Strong from the Inside Out”

✅ Avoid routine use of Apoquel or Cytopoint
✅ Address the root cause of symptoms (not just treat the itch)
✅ Feed gut-friendly, clean whole foods
✅ Use natural immune support: probiotics, omega-3s, herbs
✅ Limit environmental toxins and stressors
✅ Space out vaccinations when possible (vet-supported)
✅ Observe your dog’s long-term skin, energy and digestion

Minimising stress: Raising calm, confident Westies

Minimal Stress: Calm Dogs Are Healthier Dogs

Stress impacts everything—digestion, sleep, skin, behaviour. That’s why we raise our puppies in a calm, steady environment, with soft beds, familiar routines, and gentle handling from day one.

We never rush transitions like weaning or moving into new areas. New experiences like baths, car rides, or visitors are introduced slowly and positively. The result? Confident, relaxed puppies who adapt easily and carry that calm into adulthood.

Westies are curious and brave, but they also need reassurance and affection. We give them structure, security, and love—so they thrive not just physically, but emotionally too.

🧘 Minimal Stress – Checklist

“Raising Calm, Confident Westies”

✅ Keep routines predictable (feeding, sleeping, playtime)
✅ Introduce new experiences gently and gradually
✅ Avoid sudden loud noises or chaotic environments
✅ Provide soft beds, quiet space, and consistent care
✅ Practice gentle handling from a young age
✅ Avoid overwhelming them with too many visitors early on
✅ Support emotional balance with love and patience