We use and recommend supplies for all your puppy needs!

 Go Shopping at JeffersPet.com!

 Mars Coat King

Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover  

Kalaya Emu Oil Shampoo

Super White Coat Brightener Shampoo by Bio-Groom

 

Omega-3 Fish Oil Concentrate Gel Caps 

Four Paws Brewers Yeast with Garlic

Ear Cleaner

Westie Supplies

This cute pair lives with Steve and Kathy in TN. Bailey and Gabby's parents are Gigi and Darby.

 

Quite often, people ask us questions concerning the Westie products we use with.  This page is designed to answer those questions from our perspective.  All breeders have their own way of doing things.  This information is tried and proven as far as we are concerned.  It works for us.

You hear a lot about Westies and baths.  Some say "never" bathe your Westie.  We have always bathed our dogs every week to 10 days.  You want a clean, neat dog.  Here is the key;  use the right shampoo!  We use Kalaya Emu Oil Shampoo from JeffersPet.  It is formulated in a hypo-allergenic detergent free base.  It keeps the hair follicles healthy and preserves the natural moisture of the dermis and epidermis. It promotes hair growth by keeping hair follicles and hair shaft openings healthy and contains pure bacteria-free Emu oil.  It does not contain steroids or hormones and may be used as often as necessary.  It dilutes 1 part shampoo to 4 parts water.  We buy it by the gallon for about $30.  We use "tearless" Bio-Groom Super White Coat Brightener Shampoo to wash their face.  This shampoo can also be used to bath your entire dog to whiten the coat.  It is also hypo-allergenic.  It is important to rinse, rinse, and then rinse again.  We occasionally use Lite-N-Easy Cream Rinse Conditioner.  Work it into the coat, wait a minute, and rinse again!  Rinse, rinse, and then rinse again.

Be sure to keep their ears clean.  Determine a plan for good ear health.  A weekly ear cleaning plan can avoid ear mites/infections.  It is always wise to clean the ears after a bath.  Be very sure the ear is dry.

For accidents, you can use Natures Miracle Stain & Odor Remover.  It removes odor and pups will not go back to that place to potty.  It is amazingly good in cleaning stained carpet spots.  You can also use  Simple Solution Stain and Odor Remover. Another product that has been successful is Get Serious! Stain Remover. For use on tile, you can simply use undiluted White Vinegar to clean up an accident.  It is actually better to use in a spray bottle and after you clean up the accident, mist spray the area and let it dry. If you have tile floors and want to use a cleaner that is also a disinfectant, try Kenic Ken'L-Lan-128.

If you are interested in any of these products, let me ask a favor.  Click on any JeffersPet banner or text and it will take you to their site.  The price will be the same for you, but we get credit for the sale.  Each time you make a purchase, if you will go to our site and access JeffersPet, we would appreciate it very much.  Thanks in advance if you do!

We give our Westies Omega-3 Fish Oil Concentrate Gel Caps from Puritan's Pride. We have changed our doses and give them (1) 1200 mg each evening with their other supplements after their meal.  This should start around 4 months of age.  You can buy it at Sam's, Walmart, or Costco for around $13 for 300 gel caps.  Or, you can click on the Puritan's Pride banner on the left and purchase them even cheaper. Fish oil strengthens the skin follicles and boosts the immune system.  Also, one vet who owns a Westie said that "Fish oil which contains omega-3 is thought to help improve the cells that prevent infections and allergies." They will chew it up and will love it.  The first time, they may seem uninterested, but they will eventually beg for it.

We also give our Westies Four Paws Brewers Yeast with Garlic.  It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and natural proteins to promote healthy coats.  This can begin at 4 months also.  Brewers yeast helps control shedding, while the garlic formulations are known to be a natural deterrent for fleas and mosquitoes.  You can buy 1000 for about $6.  We give one each evening after meal.  They enjoy them like treats.

All of these items, except the Omega-3 Fish Oil Gel Caps, can be purchased at JeffersPet and is likely the best price available. Thanks again, if you order through our site.

Soft Puppia Mesh Harness

NOTE:  We enjoy getting those creative "New Puppy Announcements" many people send out to their friends when they get a Down South Westie!  The addition of a new Westie pup is an exciting experience that must be shared!

More and more people are giving "Puppy Showers" for their friends who get new puppies.  Oftentimes we are asked for suggestions...Read More!

Flint River Ranch has all the necessary nutrients in proper balance to achieve and maintain good health. Proteins, carbohydrates, essential oils and fatty acids, along with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and trace elements are universally recognized as essential for good health.

For treats we use Newman's Own Organics Dog Treats for Small Size Dogs.  We use the chicken or Peanut Butter flavor and occasionally Cheese. They like chicken best. This treat has no wheat, corn, or beef. You can buy it at Petsmart, PetCo, Publix, and Kroger. We usually shop around for the cheapest price, usually the grocery.

There is much controversy today related to "over-vaccination".  Some of the leading Vet Schools have changed their protocols related to vaccines.  Discuss this with your vet.  I would suggest doing your own research on this issue.  An informative site is www.critterfixer.com.  Click on the advocacy link related to vaccines. 

Studies for several years have proven that the vaccination schedule used by many vets, also encouraged by pharmaceutical companies, was causing problems with some dogs.  The August 2006 issue of The AKC Gazzette reports that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has issued new 2006 guidelines.  The 2006 guidelines state that "vaccines against canine distemper, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus produced by major biologics manufacturers all produce excellent immune responses and can be reliably administered in extended duration of immunity protocols."  This means that puppies should be given an initial vaccine and then a booster at three to four weeks.  We give the first vaccine at 7 1/2 weeks.  This means your pup should get a second vaccine from your vet 4 weeks later, which is a total of two puppy shots.  The vaccine should be administered a year later, then every three years thereafter. 

The "core" vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, rabies) should be given to every dog.  "Non-core" vaccines - including parainfluenza, Bordetella, and Barrelia (Lyme disease) - are required only under special circumstances, where exposure to the disease is likely.  For example, if you board your dog, Bordetella is required.  Some vaccines are not recommended such as Leptospiral or Giardia vaccines. 

We send our pups to their new homes with their first vaccine, Intervet PROGARD PUPPY-DPv (Distemper and Parvovirus).

We worm our pups with Nemex-2 at 2,3,4,6, and 8 weeks.  We also suggest worm treatments at 10 and 12 weeks.  We worm our adult dogs every 4 months.  You will need to begin heartworm treatment monthly upon recommendation of your vet as well as Rabies around 4 months of age.  Work closely with your vet. 

Be sure to get your pup on a consistent flea treatment such as Advantage.  If you do this consistently, you will not have fleas nor run the risk of discovering your pup is allergic to fleas.

It is important to keep the hair trimmed next to the nose so the eyeball will not be irritated and begin to water, causing stain.  Until recently, we suggested you use distilled water so the beard will not stain.  Most tap water will cause the beard to stain over time.  New studies show that prolonged use of distilled water is not good.