Westies & Besties - July 2021 by Westies & Besties Magazine

THE UK'S ONLY WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER MAGAZINE TM

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WESTIES ON TV

TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC CONDITIONS

THE WESTITUDE STARS TO WATCH

LPADDLE AP P I NPOWER G IT U P

ST RUTTI N G T H EI R STUFF

WORK OUT TIPS

POLLEN & DUST MITES

ROUTINE NATURAL SKIN CARE

EYE CONDITIONS HOLISTIC THERAPIES

HOW TO CHOOSE A WESTIE WALKER

S UMMER LOVING

DOG-WALKING FASHION

RAINBOW BRIDGE

REMEMBERING OUR PALS

10-PAGE PHOTO SPECIAL

SNAPS OF YOUR WESTIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

Westies & Besties - July 2021

We’ve got some fantastic advice for you this month from leading vets and animal experts across the country. As any Westie owner knows, our pals are prone to skin issues, eye conditions, and ligament problems and our Health columns delve into these problems and what can be done to help ease the pain of our dogs. We’re joined by Dr Sue Paterson, Dr Margo Roman, Faye Andrews, a Canine and Human Osteopath, and Imogen Ratcliffe, a Veterinary Physiotherapist, all of which educate us on some of the best ways to tackle these health problems.

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Kelly Rose Bradford looks at the Westies making it to our television screens as she delves into what it takes to become an ‘influencer’ on social media and in television advertising and why big brands are partnering up with Westies with Westitude.

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For the first time, we’ve published 10 whole pages of photographs of your Westies this month and we’ve received so many amazing photos that we’re planning to do it again in August! So, keep an eye out for your dog!

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As the Summer months are upon us, many of you will be uprooting and heading into the Great British outdoors for some relaxation. Check out our Accessories column which reveals the latest gadgets and gizmos to take with you on your trip.

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Our Westie, Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer!

WE LC O M E

EDITOR’S NOTE Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Senior Writer Chantelle Horton Email: info@westiesandbesties.com Columnists Mark Randell Faye Andrews

Photography Front Cover image: shutterstock_1521968123

Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the “Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by Warners Midlands PLC. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westie & Bestie logo/ masthead are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All pictures have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the ASA. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert.

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS July 2021

6-7 HEALTH

8-13 HEALTH

14-17 HEALTH

Dr Margo Roman talks eye conditions that can be helped with alternative natural therapies

Imogen Ratcliffe explains how to manage the pain from arthritis through exercise

Faye Andrews reveals the health benefits of swimming on your Westie’s joints and tendons

18-21 HEALTH

22-29 FEATURE

30-39 COMMUNITY

Dr Sue Paterson updates us on Westie skin disorders and states why it’s so important to be proactive with your dog’s health

Kelly Rose Bradford reports on the Westies stealing the limelight on our television screens and across social media

A showcase of all the wonderful Westies sent in by our readers

Westies & Besties - July 2021

CONTENTS

40-41 TRIBUTE

42-45 BEHAVIOUR

Our brand-new obituary column in honour of the Westies we’ve loved

Katie Barnett tells us how to choose the correct dog walker for your lifestyle needs and your dogs

46-47 FASHION

48-49 ACCESSORIES

50 COMPETITION

Too hot to trot? Check out our latest fashion suggestions for your walking adventuress

Get ready for glamping and camping season with the latest gadgets and gizmos to keep you comfy outdoors

Win a £30 gift voucher from Hug

H E A LT H

Treating Eyes Holistically DR. MARGO ROMAN ON HEALING EYE CONDITIONS THROUGH ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES Above: Dr. Margo Roman

here are many eye conditions that could be helped with alternative therapies. The first thing to do is make sure that your Westie does not continue to rub and scratch their eyes. A well-directed Elizabethan collar, the cone type, needs to be put on the dog because it’s impossible to stop them rubbing their faces on furniture or stop their paws going into their eyes. The itchiness is hard to stop so protect your pet. Serious injuries to the eye need to have veterinary care immediately but there are many times where we can provide supportive therapies that can help stop common problems and injuries. Dry Eye When it comes to Dry Eye when there is a lack of tearing which has been measured by the Schirmer eye test, we can initiate more lubrication and tear production in the eyes to prevent corneal inflammation. Keratitis sicca is a condition that has a thickening of the corneal surface due to lack of tear production. There is hyaluronic acid which helps to make the cornea slippery. At home one can try concentrated green tea. Take one teabag to a quarter cup of hot water, seep, allow to cool and then use that solution to rinse the eye. One can then use the teabag as a compress. Using Echinacea tea is another choice as well as Eyebright Tea. Placing sterile saline eye drops into the eye multiple times a day will help keep the surface moist. But if one can use ozonated saline drops the benefits will be even greater. Ozone therapy owes its biocidal effectiveness because of its ability to oxidize organic material

in bacterial membranes, which weakens the cell wall and leads to cell rupture causing the immediate death of the bacteria cell. It also destroys viruses, yeast, bacteriophages, mycoplasmas, fungal and other infections. Therefore, allowing the eye to heal. When the ozone is flushed into a wound or into the eye, the colour of the tissue increases to more of the normal healthy colour of that tissue. Whether it be just conjunctivitis or pollen or an infection, the use of medical ozone as a saline eye flush has treated some of the most serious eye injuries with great success. Other methods of treating eyes include the use of the homeopathic Euphrasia 30C which is the homeopathic version of eyebright. It makes an excellent eye wash and can also be given on the tongue as a homeopathic remedy. To make a homeopathic remedy, you take four ounces of distilled water and three little pellets of the homeopathic. Place in a clean cup and use a very clean spoon and allow the pellets to dissolve in the distilled water, mix well, and then place one teaspoon on the tongue of the pet. You can also splash this into the eye. There are pharmaceuticals that address the eye but trying natural ways can also be very effective. Getting an ozone generator and making an ozonated saline has so many uses but can be a support for eye infections, corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, growths and issues with the third eyelid. For more information on Dr. Roman visit www.mashvet.com

Westies & Besties - July 2021

H E A LT H

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1027159237

H E A LT H

Exercise for the Arthritic Dog FROM HYDROTHERAPY AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TO SUPPLEMENTS AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES. LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR CANINE’S CONDITION, BY IMOGEN RATCLIFFE

steoarthritis, or ‘arthritis’ as it is most commonly known, is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions amongst dogs. Primarily, arthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage which has secondary effects on surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The pain associated is described as ‘chronic’ meaning ‘long term’. However, arthritis is not always easy to spot as dogs may not appear overtly lame. Instead, pain may manifest in behavioural changes, postural adaptations, muscular changes, or an altered walking pattern. Although it is believed to be a disease of the elderly, studies estimate that 35% of dogs over the age of two suffer from the chronic condition. Whilst 80% of dogs over the age of eight battle with this long-term diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis, instead, treatment involves managing the symptoms associated with the disease. Treatment should involve a multimodal approach including pain relief prescribed by your vet, complementary therapies such as physiotherapy or hydrotherapy, weight management, joint supplements, and alterations to the home environment. Is Your Westie Having Too Much Exercise? So, how should dogs clinically diagnosed with arthritis be exercised? The golden rule is little and often. Short frequent exercise is best to encourage synovial fluid to the joints, prevent tissue contracture and maintain muscle mass. Long, infrequent exercise is not suitable for those clinically diagnosed with arthritis as it places excess strain on the joints and can cause delayed onset muscle soreness. ‘Weekend warriors’ as

Above: Imogen Ratcliffe

they are commonly known are dogs that are only exercised during the weekend for long periods. This exercise regime is not suitable for those with arthritis. Instead, a daily regimen of short frequent walks should be implemented. Following diagnosis, your normal daily walk divided into two or three separate walks is a good rule of thumb, although this will vary between individual cases, so speak to your vet or veterinary physiotherapist. Slow lead walking with some off-lead exercise is beneficial for those with the condition. Walking slowly on the lead encourages equal weightbearing through all four limbs, therefore reducing the likelihood of gait adaptations or compensatory movement. However, this doesn’t mean walks should always be on the lead, short bursts of off-lead exercise are beneficial to maintain cardiovascular fitness and to provide mental stimulation particularly for young dogs. Slipping and Sliding Walking on varied surfaces, including grass and pavement, is beneficial for your dog. Believe it or not, varying walking surfaces provide neuromuscular feedback which improves ‘proprioception’ and coordination. Varying the walking surface is also a form of canine enrichment. Soft, non-slip surfaces are best for those clinically diagnosed with arthritis as the concussive forces are less than those experienced on hard surfaces. Dogs that are consistently exercised on hard ground only are exposed to excessive concussive forces which can negatively impact joint health and even predispose arthritis.

Westies & Besties - July 2021

H E A LT H

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Unsuitable flooring is a huge contributing factor to injury and joint disease and is often overlooked by owners.

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PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1504478210

H E A LT H

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Avoid high intensity, repetitive exercise including ball throwing. Those who are particularly ball-driven can over-exert themselves when retrieving balls and inflict injury.

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Westies & Besties - July 2021

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PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_74016175

It is also important to reduce your dog’s interaction with slippery flooring at home. Unsuitable flooring is a huge contributing factor to injury and joint disease and is often overlooked by owners. Dogs with arthritis are already less inclined to get up, therefore ensuring the home environment is suitable is of the utmost importance. Slipping and sliding is a contributing factor to injury, postural muscle tension and can lead to a downward spiral of injury and weakness. Make sure your home environment is suitable by introducing rugs and floor runners in the house to increase traction. Play Time Avoid high intensity, repetitive exercise including ball throwing. Those who are particularly balldriven can over-exert themselves when retrieving balls and inflict injury. Playing fetch encourages fast acceleration and heavy braking which is not recommended for those with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, those who retrieve balls are exposed to greater torsion which can negatively impact joint health. Instead of throwing the ball with a ball thrower, opt for rolling it or taking it away altogether. Lastly, tailor your dog’s exercise to their behaviour and presentation on the day. If your dog seems stiffer or is showing signs of lameness, reduce their walking distance that day. Replace the lost walking time with some brain-stimulating games or toys. Similarly, if your dog seems to be coping well with their daily exercise, increase your walk

Westies & Besties - July 2021

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_390729637

H E A LT H

by increments of five minutes each week and monitor them closely for any alterations in gait. The aim is to maintain muscle mass without putting excess stress through the joints. If you suspect your dog may have arthritis, contact your vet for more information and support. Rehabilitation is a rapidly growing area of veterinary medicine, with increasing research supporting its clinical benefit and application. Ask your vet if they think your dog is a suitable candidate for physiotherapy or hydrotherapy to support their condition. Your veterinarian will need to give consent prior to any alternative therapies. Imogen is a BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy graduate affiliated with the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP). With experience in neurological and orthopaedic rehabilitation at a purpose-built veterinary hospital. Imogen also runs her own physiotherapy business specialising in canine sports maintenance and rehabilitation. As the proud owner of three dogs, Imogen is passionate about canine rehabilitation and its integration into veterinary medicine.

H E A LT H

Let your Westie Swim His Way to Good Health Right: Faye Andrews, Human & Canine Osteopath

INDULGE YOUR DOG IN A NEW HEALTH REGIME TO EASE JOINT PRESSURE

ost of us are now, finally, enjoying that bright yellow ball in the sky and warmer weather. Yet with warmer weather comes the added problem of keeping our furry loved ones cool and exercising them becomes harder due to the heat. Swimming is a great form of exercise for our dogs, it helps to increase muscle strength, burn off excess energy and is a great cardiovascular workout, but remember :

joints and tendons, which means it’s a great exercise for dogs recovering from surgery or injury but remember to seek professional advice first to make sure it is appropriate for them. Dogs move differently when swimming compared to on land, because of the decreased pressure on the joints and tendons the result is hugely beneficial to your dog by improving their range of motion in their joints. This in turn helps to create better movement on land. All this means that swimming is clearly beneficial for dogs with joint disorders and/or arthritis.

NOT ALL DOGS CAN SWIM! It is so inviting, when out in the park or at the beach, to let your dog plunge into the pond/ stream or sea, but there are hidden dangers to consider whilst encouraging them to swim. Swimming is a great way to keep them cool whilst working out. A five-minute swim is the equivalent of a five-mile run, so if your dog is new to swimming don’t allow them to swim for too long at a time, 10 minutes total is a good starting point, and it can be built up slowly to a recommended total of 30 minutes once or twice a week.

If dogs move differently in water when swimming, then it would be fair to say that we would too. While swimming can be a good form of exercise for our dogs, it can also be used to help bond owner and dog further. By being in the water playing with them it helps to stimulate the dog further, plus you also get a leg work out by walking in the water......now that’s a double win in my book. So, while swimming is great for our furry friends (and us too) by helping burn calories and improve their metabolic rate, which is fantastic for overweight dogs, we also need to be aware of some dangers too:

Swimming decreases the pressure placed on

Westies & Besties - July 2021

H E A LT H

DANGERS Ear infections are not uncommon, so make sure you clean and dry the ears after swimming Drinking too much water can be a problem, pool water can cause upset stomachs whilst sea water can affect the kidneys

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_656190097

It won’t harm your dog if it has been swimming in a chlorinated pool, but it may irritate their nose and eyes. Just wash your dog thoroughly to prevent their skin from drying out

H E A LT H

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY DOG HAS BEEN SWIMMING?

ACTION As with any form of exercise they will need to recover. Don’t be surprised if they sleep more, after all they have effectively run for miles in a short swim! Let them sleep, it will allow their muscles to repair and build Give them plenty of fresh water, they sweat too remember

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1135421384

Make sure they have a healthy meal to aid muscle repair post exercise

Westies & Besties - July 2021

So let’s enjoy those lovely blue skies with that yellow ball of heat. Let’s all enjoy the summer safely and who knows - maybe your dog will keep swimming all year round, mine do!

LOOK FOR Polluted water Algae Dangerous water animals Tides and currents Can you see the bottom no sharp objects or waste that could cause harm

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1308199222

Faye Andrews qualified in human osteopathy in 2002 from the British School of Osteopathy. She then completed a Masters in canine osteopathy from the European School of Osteopathy in 2018. Faye runs her own clinic in Surrey alongside teaching both human and canine osteopathy. Faye has five dogs (three Westies and two Cockers).

REMEMBER TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEREVER THEY ARE SWIMMING IS SAFE:

H E A LT H

Remember: Not all dogs are good swimmers, if you are wanting your dog to swim and they are either a novice/not good/older or have a weak core it may be worth using a floatation jacket initially but keep in mind some jackets can limit the range of motion in their shoulder joints. If the dog isn’t a good swimmer, I would still advocate a floatation jacket but if they are comfortable in the water I would advise swimming without one as long as they are properly supervised.

H E A LT H

Westie Skin Issues WHEN TO COPE AND WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP DR SUE PATERSON, VETERINARY DERMATOLOGY SPECIALIST, TALKS SKIN PROBLEMS, SUPPORT, AND SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

Above: Sue Paterson and her dog

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1945391908

hilst anecdotally many people have suggested that the Westie is predisposed to skin problems there is now strong evidence to show that this has a scientific evidence base to support it. A study from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2019 which looked at over 6,000 Westies presenting to primary care vets showed that dental disease was the most common reason for a veterinary visit but after that in order, ear problems, over grown nails and allergic skin disease were the most frequent (1). The tables below show a more precise breakdown of the incidence.

Table 1 The most common reasons for vet visits (Data taken from O’Neill et al 2019)

Disease

% of WHWT in study affected

Dental disease

15.7

Ear disease

10.6

Overgrown nails

7.2

Allergic skin disorders

6.5

Westies & Besties - July 2021

H E A LT H

Table 2 The most common groups of disease leading to vet visits (Data taken from O’Neill et al 2019)

Grouped disorder

% of WHWT in study affected

Skin

22.7

Dental

17.8

Ears

12.3

The second table suggests that one in every three Westies that goes to the vet has either a skin or ear problem. Some authors have suggested that more than 60% of all Westies develop skin disease at some stage in their life. So, what can be done to reduce the risk of skin problems and how can they be managed?

Use Natural Skin Care Products The symptoms of allergic skin disease can range from mild redness and scaling to very severe irritation with excoriation, hair loss and thickening and darkening of the skin. One of the keys to preventing the “allergic march” of the disease is to spot mild signs early and manage them to prevent the escalation of signs to more severe dermatitis. Dogs with skin allergy are known to

PHOTO CREDIT Supplied by Sue Paterson

Choose your Dog Carefully As a Trustee of Battersea, I would of course always encourage people to rehome a dog from a rescue centre when they can. However as many of these dogs are signed over to rescues because of their skin problems it is really important to go in with your eyes open. The environment within a rescue centre is often very sterile and whilst dogs are of course kept in comfortable accommodation, their kennelling usually comes without the trappings of carpets, soft furnishings and central heating. The net result being that any skin problem can worsen once the dog moves to a loving home. If you want to buy a puppy or mature dog from a breeder, seek a registered breeder and ideally one from the Kennel Club Assured breeder scheme.

H E A LT H

have poor quality skin. Many have a reduction in the natural oils within the superficial layers of the skin, which means more water is lost through the skin making it drier and therefore more sensitive. In addition, the cells in the outermost skin layers of allergic individuals lose their regular arrangement to provide a poor-quality external barrier. This allows the normally innocuous things, like pollens, moulds and house dust mites, to induce an allergic reaction on the skin which manifests as itching, scratching and licking. The poor barrier function also increases the dog’s susceptibility to infection with bacteria and yeast which can present with redness and soreness on the feet and on the underside as well as the back. Routine shampoo therapy can help to correct many of the imbalances seen in allergic skin. Allergens can be removed from the coat by the use of a soothing wipe or a wash down after a walk. Moisturising shampoos can help to replace the natural oils within the coat. For routine use the an environmentally friendly soap bar enriched with natural oils such as olive oil, coconut oil or shea butter is recommended. Where a dog is prone to infections, then natural antiseptics such as tea tree and apple cider vinegar may be useful to help reduce the burden of bacteria on the skin surface. Reach for Veterinary Grade Products if Things Get Bad Whilst natural antiseptics and moisturisers are hugely beneficial there are occasions when a pet’s skin condition deteriorates beyond the point of routine care, and it is necessary to reach for veterinary topicals. When the redness turns into spots and scaling, where the itching, licking and scratching is more than occasional then intervention needs to go up a gear. There are a range of veterinary quality shampoos, mousses, sprays and wipes which can be purchased without prescription either directly through your vet or via an internet pharmacy. Veterinary grade antiseptics such as chlorhexidine are not as environmentally friendly as tea tree and apple cider vinegar but their use can avoid the need for antibiotics, so early intervention with these types of products can be really helpful. Shampoo therapy with chlorhexidine has been shown to resolve infection as effectively as antibiotics (2) and has also been shown to reduce the risk of a dog developing a “superbug” such as methicillin resistant staphylococcus. As well as its antibacterial properties, chlorhexidine has also been shown to have residual activity, remaining active on the skin for many days. This means the shampoo does not need to be used every day.

The use of shampoo twice weekly combined with a chlorhexidine leave-on spray and/or mousse to maintain high levels of antibacterial activity between applications could prove useful. These products can be used on a long-term basis on dogs but equally they can be alternated with more environmentally friendly products or used intensively if a skin problem flares. Speak to a vet if things aren’t getting better The tell-tale signs that things are really going wrong is the behaviour of your dog and the changes in the skin. Constant scratching, whining, restlessness as well as mood changes, signal that the skin problem is getting worse. Once the skin develops areas of soreness, extensive regions of hair loss or where the skin is becoming thickened or darker then it is time NOT to reach for Doctor Google but to speak to a vet. This may be your primary care vet, or a dermatology Internet vet help line. A vet is in the best position to assess the skin changes to decide if infection is present or something more severe is going on such as an autoimmune problem or a skin cancer, both of which can look like an allergy. They will be able to guide you on the best sort of diet to help with the skin and whether special tests such as skin scrapings, biopsies or allergy tests are needed. Specific tests at this stage to pin point a diagnosis mean specific therapy can be employed to stop the skin becoming severely damaged. Vets have access to much more specific anti-inflammatory and antiitch drugs as well as specialised allergy vaccines that cannot be obtained on the Internet So, for the take home message. It is important to be proactive with your dog. Use high quality natural products for routine care. Switch up to veterinary grade products if you think things are getting out of control and speak to a vet, even if it is a virtual vet, for telehealth advice if things are really going downhill. 1. O’Neill DG, Ballantyne ZF, Hendricks A, Church DB, Brodbelt DC, Pegram C. West Highland White Terriers under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2016: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine Genet Epidemiol. 2019;6:7. 2. Valentine B. Treating pyoderma without the use of systemic antibiotics. Can Vet J. 2019;60(12):1361-3.

Dr Sue Paterson is a Veterinary Dermatology Specialist

Westies & Besties - July 2021

F E AT U R E

A Very Good Influence COULD YOUR WESTIE BE THE NEXT INSTAGRAM STAR OR SMALL SCREEN SENSATION? BY KELLY ROSE BRADFORD

hat have Harrods, Marks & Spencer, and vintage whisky brand Black & White all got in common? Westies, that’s what!

Harrods have a souvenir collection depicting a West Highland Terrier on everything from shopping bags to umbrellas, while in 2013, the undeniable star of M&S’s celeb-filled Christmas TV ad was Rosie, the West Highland White terrier. And the commercial appeal of our favourite breed is evidently not new, for Black & White whisky chose to team a Westie with a Scottish terrier for their branding way back in the 1890s. Now in the era of social media, family pets are getting a piece of the limelight too, promoting goods and services as ‘influencers’, via photos and videos on Instagram and other platforms, and in some cases, even making the leap from online to the small screen and beyond. So, what does it take to make your Westie a star? Layla Flaherty runs Urban Paws UK (urbanpawsuk.com) a modelling and acting agency for pets. In 2018, the company branched out into influencing, and launched a pet influencer service, connecting pet bloggers and vloggers to brands for online campaigns and advertising. Today, the agency describes this as a ‘rapidly growing’ part of the business. “The landscape has definitely changed with the advent of social media,” Layla tells us. “America paved the way in terms of pet influencers, and now people get a puppy and the same day start an account for it. And not just dogs either – you get influencers who are rabbits, tortoises, cats... It has become very normalised for pets to have a social media account, and for people to follow the animal’s day to day life.”

In terms of scouting for talent, Layla says nine times out of ten, pet owners approach her for representation, although she does occasionally work with specific trainers when she needs a particular breed for a job. Layla warns though that anyone thinking of starting an account for their pet purely to launch them as a model or brand ambassador needs to be aware of the amount of work involved. “It’s not just a case of putting images and videos on social media and hoping for the best,” she says. “At Urban Paws we don’t take anyone on unless they have a minimum of 10k followers, and we also look at other statistics and engagement. There is so much to it; you need to have a creator account or business account, and you need to identify your niche and know where your engagement is coming from.” This, Layla explains, is knowing why your followers are following you, where they are from, and even the ratio of male to female viewers. “It’s very important to identify this. People will often think ‘we have a large following, we are going to do really well’, but they don’t know their niche or why they are being followed. If you are going to approach a company, you need to know who your audience is.” Layla currently has seven Westies on her agency’s books, including Louby, a hugely successful influencer, Instagram and TV star, who is not only extremely photogenic, but also highly skilled at tricks and poses. Louby, who will turn 10 in July, is owned by Amelia Barrable, who decided to combine her love of dog training and photography with an Instagram account (instagram.com/louby_love) to chronicle Louby’s life.

Westies & Besties - July 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Layla Flaherty

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“I began by sharing pictures and videos of her on my personal account soon after I got her,” Amelia says, “I was still at school at the time, and I remember friends complaining that I was posting too much dog stuff, so I decided to start an account specifically for her. That was in 2014, and since then, I haven’t stopped.” “It was slow to start with, but I wasn’t too bothered about the numbers at that point and was just having fun with it. I searched for other dog accounts to follow and began to make internet friends with a shared interest in dog training, and that’s when my own follower numbers began to build more and more.” Louby’s account now boasts a whopping 42.7k followers, something Amelia says is entirely down to ‘hard work and motivation’. “I’ve managed to get to that figure by posting daily and keeping to a posting schedule,” she says. “I’ve got 217,000 followers on TikTok, too, and we’ve had a few of our videos go viral, which really helps increase numbers.” Louby got her first job in 2015, in an online advert for dog food brand Cesar. “Considering she had never done anything like it before, it went really well!” Amelia says. “It was a small film crew, and Louby played an old lady’s companion. The ad was designed to show the bond between an owner and their dog. It was actually very nerve-racking for me, because I was only 15 at the time, and I had no idea how Louby would perform. But it was an amazing first experience, particularly getting to see how commercial filming works.”

“This is simply because I really enjoy watching those shows, so being a part of them with her was a dream come true, especially meeting all the celebrities and seeing behind the scenes.” Even though Louby is now firmly established as an artiste and influencer, Amelia still puts in the hours in terms of teaching her new tricks, and keeping her Instagram up to date on a daily basis. “I’m always concentrating on work and always looking for new ideas,” she says. “This includes making tutorial videos for our audience, and editing photos, as well as dealing with companies who have approached us about working together. Although it is a hobby, I am focussed on it 24/7 and it is a huge part of my life. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve, and work harder at it, too.” For anyone thinking influencing might be an easy way to get ‘freebies’ for their pet, or to make some cash, Amelia points out that when a company approach her to ask Louby to promote their product, the process itself takes up a considerable amount of time, as well as a lot of creative energy. “I have to take and edit all the photos and videos and think of a caption, unless the company have their own text requirements,” she says. “And then post them across all my socials. It can take a lot of time, especially if it’s an occasion where I am working with more than one business. It is great fun though, even when Louby has her moments of ‘Westitude’ and decides to be stubborn and refuse to do anything!

Louby has gone on to appear on Britain’s Got Talent, where she performed tricks on the red carpet alongside Ant and Dec, and Strictly Come Dancing, where she was the canine star of the 2019 Christmas special’s opening number. Louby’s impressive CV also features collaborations with John Lewis and myriad small brands and businesses, and proving there is no end to her appeal and talents, she’s even had a role in an opera!

Although she enjoys all Louby’s collaborations, Amelia says her favourite job was Strictly Come Dancing, with Britain’s Got Talent being a close second.

Westies & Besties - July 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Louby by Amelia

“It was at the Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton,” Amelia explains. “Louby appeared on stage and I got to be a background artist!”

PHOTO CREDITS Louby by Amelia

F E AT U R E

LOUBY

PHOTO CREDIT Kobe by Claire Rippon

KOBE

Westies & Besties - July 2021

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KOBE

The Emerging Star – Kobe Claire Rippon from the Isle of Wight started an Instagram account (instagram.com/ kobethewestiedog) for her new Westie pup Kobe soon after she got him, simply so her friends and family could see him, something that was proving difficult because of the outbreak of Covid19. Kobe, now 16 months old, soon caught the eye of numerous pet businesses and began to get offers for collaborations, even though his online presence was still in its infancy. “Once we reached over 1k followers I noticed we were getting more interest from brands who then began contacting us to model their items,” Claire says. “And it has really just grown from there – his latest collaboration is with a company in Australia. It was never my intention to put him out there as a model, but it’s been a welcome experience – I love to support small businesses, especially given the challenging year we’ve all experienced, and Kobe loves to pose.”

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There were a lot of ‘reality versus Instagram’ shots!

”

Having said that, Clare admits he wasn’t always as compliant as he is now, and there were a lot of ‘reality versus Instagram’ shots! “He quickly learned that the camera meant treats though,” she says. “And he’s a typical Westie and very food orientated, so that helped.”

Westies & Besties - July 2021 PHOTO CREDITS Kobe by Claire Rippon

F E AT U R E

TEMPTED TO GET YOUR WESTIE ON INSTA? WE ASKED OUR PROS FOR THEIR TOP TIPS:

Make sure you are doing it because you enjoy it, otherwise you’ll be wasting your time. And interact with other dog influencers so you can learn and get advice from each other. AMELIA & LOUBY

Creativity is key, no one wants to see the same photo every day. Change locations, shoot at different angles, and have some word play fun in the captions, too. Having a good camera really helps, along with a squeaky toy for attracting attention, and a brush on hand for stray hairs. CLAIRE & KOBE

Identify the type of influencer your pet is – it’s very important to know what your market is. And remember it can be a fulltime job for the owner. Every time someone comments on your picture or video, you have to respond LAYLA FLAHERTY, URBAN PAWS

WHAT MAKES A WESTIE SO APPEALING TO CONSUMERS?

PHOTO CREDIT Supplied by Cesar.

We asked the brand who are probably best known for their Westie mascot, Cesar dog food, what made them decide to use a West Highland White. Their UK spokesperson told us: “Mr Dog was launched in the UK in 1977, and when it rebranded as Cesar in 1989, our iconic Cesar Westie was part of the brand’s beginning. With the Westie being a very friendly, cheeky and playful breed, they were the perfect face for the brand.” We couldn’t agree more!

COMMUNITY

Westies & Besties Is Proud To Showcase All The Wonderful Westies From Around The World ENGLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, WALES, SCOTLAND, UNITED STATES & CANADA

Archie Owned by Andy Wallace

Westies & Besties - July 2021

COMMUNITY

Bruin Owned by David Olser

Charlie Owned by Ashleigh Hart

Daisy Owned by Claire Cawley

Dudley Owned by Sharon Gay

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Harry Owned by Sarah Cook

Ronnie Owned by Karen Crane

Haggis Owned by Jacqui Housley

Holly Owned by Michaela Bartle

Westies & Besties - July 2021

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Jack & Charlie Owned by Amanda Evans

Joey Owned by Helen Dufficy

Left to right: Issey, Lulu, Coco & Billy Owned by Mary & Phil Trudgeon

Luna and Okami Owned by Ligia Villajuana

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Queenie Owned by Angie Vicker Craddock

Westies & Besties - July 2021

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Milly Owned by Claire Cawley

Paddy Owned by Gill Gilchrist

Finn Owned by Carol Snaith

Nimbus Owned by Alison Trent

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Ted Owned by Katherine Kidson

Westies & Besties - July 2021

COMMUNITY

Tilly Owned by Gill Moss

Winston Owned by Katherine Griffiths

Lottie & Olivia Owned by Ana Uhrl

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Winston Owned by Deborah & James Bain

Martha, Monty & Mollie Owned by Heather Powell

Jimmy Owned by Isobel Hughes

Mac Owned by Rosemary Douds

Westies & Besties - July 2021

COMMUNITY

Lucy Owned by Natasha Vernon

TRIBUTE

Rainbow HONOURING THE WONDERFUL WESTIES WHO MADE OUR LIVES BETTER EACH AND EVERY DAY WITH THEIR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

DALLAS

LILY

My beautiful Dallas was a boy, he lived to 13, he loved one toy in his life, and it was his beloved bone, he used to eat his food then run to get his toy bone so we could chase him round the house with it. He hated getting his nails trimmed, poor wee soul used to shake as soon as he saw the groomer. I tried different groomers in case it was them, but nope he just hated his nails being trimmed. Dallas loved going to his favourite park to meet all his friends. When he got older, he was terrified of fireworks, but apart from that he loved life and was the happiest wee dog ever. On his birth certificate his pedigree name is Happy Gypsy and it fitted him to a tee. Miss him so much. He also loved to chase squirrels, thankfully he never caught one!

I could talk about Lily forever. She was the most amazing loving dog, my little sidekick who went everywhere with me. Very much a people’s dog who preferred humans to dogs. She was quite indifferent to them although she did have a few favourites on our local walks. She loved children (just as well as we have six grandchildren) often choosing to sleep on them if she could which they weren’t always in favour of. Lily was only 12 when she died which came as a bit of a shock as she had lived a totally troublefree life up until the last few months. People often commented that that she was still like a puppy. My previous Westies lived to aged 16 and one with a skin condition to aged 14. As long as she was with us, she didn’t mind where she was going. We took her on many caravan holidays, lots of boat holidays, and we travelled to Southern Spain twice on extended winter holidays. Say no more...my life is so empty without her.

Westies & Besties - July 2021

BEN My beautiful Ben went to play at Rainbow bridge one year ago. I still miss him and have a cry over him. I bet he is still playing ball. Ben was only nine when he went to play over the bridge, his three brothers still miss him. Ben would do anything for a tennis ball. He would love to grump at the vets. Everyone in the town loved Ben. He had such character with his floppy ear.

TRIBUTE

Bridge

SERGI My gorgeous wee baby boy Sergi aka Bubbalicious and Bubba. From the very first night I brought you home you had me wrapped around your tiny wee paw. Everyone warned me not to let you sleep in my bed but how could I resist those gorgeous eyes and cute little nose. We went everywhere together from day one even travelling down to Birmingham on the train for weekends away and no matter where we went everyone loved you. At the weekends we would go for brunch in town. You loved going with your gran and grandad to get your cone from the local cafe where you were treated like a superstar by the staff. The day you got your angel wings my heart wanted to stop. We still go everywhere together as keeping you tucked in there keeps it beating. Mummy loves you with every breath I take Bubba.

B E H AV I O U R

TIPS

CHOOSING A DOG WALKER IS NOT TOO DISSIMILAR FROM CHOOSING A NANNY – AN ESSENTIAL DECISION AFFECTING YOUR LIFE AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF YOUR PAL BY KATIE BARNETT OF KATIE’S CARDIFF DOG SERVICES

PHOTO CREDIT Leandra Mallinson

Photo: Katie Barnett

How to Choose the Right Dog Walker

Westies & Besties - July 2021

B E H AV I O U R

THERE ARE PLENTY OF THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SEARCHING FOR A DOG WALKER AND AS A DOG WALKER MYSELF, I ALWAYS SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING POINTERS WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING SOMEONE WHO IS ABOUT TO WALK AWAY WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND.

Do your research. Does the dog walker have a website or Facebook page? Do they have online reviews? Does their approach match yours? Not all dog walkers have a great online presence but ask for testimonials if there are no reviews online.

If someone has recommended a dog walker to you, meet them, and still do your own research. Every dog has different needs and preferences when it comes to walks, and it is still important to meet them and make your own mind up.

Always have a meet and greet with the walker and preferably bring another trusted person along. It is your opportunity to see if someone is the right fit for you and your dog. Ask lots of questions. I really encourage people to ask anything and everything. Email the dog walker and ask what services they offer and give them as much information as possible about your dog and their needs so they can check if they are a suitable fit for you. During the meet and greet; Do you trust and like this person? Does your dog warm up to them during the visit? (Note, that with more reserved dogs this may take a few visits). Do they seem to have a lot of common sense? Do they have a good understanding of canines and their body language? If your dog is reactive, do they have the necessary experience with reactive dogs? Look out for the questions they ask you. They should be asking about the personality of your dog, what their likes and dislikes are, how they behave around traffic, children, bicycles and other dogs, their recall if they are let off the lead, what commands they respond to and if they are allergic or intolerant to anything or have any health conditions. These are all very important things for a responsible dog walker to know.

B E H AV I O U R

Ask to see proof of their insurance; insurance is crucial for dog walkers and protects you and them against the worst from happening. Double check that it is in date and covers them for the services they are offering- it will say on the documents. Dog walkers do not currently need to be licensed like dog boarders or day care providers, but they must be insured.

Avoid thinking that the cheapest option is the best option. On a yearly basis I buy equipment such as leads and toys, puzzles, different water bowls and bottles for different dogs, cooling jackets and towels, treats, leads, collars, name tags, poo bags cleaning products, insurance, pay for travel and online courses and books about dogs to top up my knowledge. Other dog walkers have a car or van, crates, and licenses to pay for if they provide day care, or home boarding at their home. There is the cost of a dog first aid course, and many more expenses.

On the flip side, consider using a new dog walker. They often charge cheaper prices to begin with, but they can be a great fit for your dog too, and we all must start somewhere.

If you choose a group walk, ask them how they transport dogs. Multiple dogs should be transported in a van in crates to protect them in an event of a crash and to stop them from being thrown around together in the back. Check how long your dog might be in the van before and after the walk. The van should have good ventilation, with a fan or air conditioning ideally. How many dogs will be walked in the group? How do they group dogs together? How would they recall a dog?

Not all dogs like group walks and some may prefer a solo walk. Consider that this might be the case for your dog and think about what you would be happy with. Group walks offer the chance for your dog to play with other dogs and walk together in a pack, and a solo walk will mean the walker can give your dog one to one, undivided attention. There is no right or wrong and it depends on your, and the dog’s preference

Westies & Besties - July 2021

B E H AV I O U R

People who work with dogs should ideally have attended a dog first aid course. A first aid course will teach you how to break up a fight and how to help a choking dog, amongst other things. Ask if they carry a first aid kit with them on walks.

Trust your dog walker. I am very lucky and can honestly say that every single one of my customers have been great people. A dog walking relationship is built on trust and it goes both ways, and it means the world to us when you trust us and our judgement. Saying that, do not be afraid to ask for something that you want.

PHOTO CREDIT Leandra Mallinson

For more information on Katie’s Dog Walking Services visit her Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/KatiesCardiffDogServices/

FA S H I O N

Jubilant in July A LITTLE SUMMER SUN CAN WORK WONDERS AND LIFT OUR SPIRITS ESPECIALLY WHEN WE NEED TO BE OUT AND ABOUT WITH OUR CANINE COMPANIONS. CHECK OUT OUR COLOURFUL ARRAY OF ACCESSORIES FOR THE COMING DAYS. COMPILED BY KIM LATHAM

TK Maxx Black Striped Sun Hat This fun in the sun hat is brought to you by TK Maxx and is a must-have accessory for this time of year as we adapt to the summer heat. It’s half hat and half jewellery, making this the ideal centrepiece of any outfit. £9.99 www.tkmaxx.com PHOTO CREDIT TK Maxx

Kaleidoscope Gold Weave Mule Sandals These stunning shiny gold flat sandals from Kaleidoscope will go with any outfit be it smart or casual with their unique crisscross design £35 www.kaleidoscope.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Kaleidoscope

Westies & Besties - July 2021

FA S H I O N

Oliver Bonas Silver Necklace This silver Orson Stone Circle Segment necklace from Oliver Bonas makes a light summer outfit complete. The slightly patterned pastel green stone is sure to stand out from the crowd with its stunning, unique design. £32 www.oliverbonas.com PHOTO CREDIT Oliver Bonas

Monsoon Deea Dip Dye T-shirt in organic cotton blue This lightweight T-shirt will keep you cool while looking stylish during the hot summer days and barmy evenings. Its V-neck shape and subtle different shades of blue will keep you looking hot, hot, hot. £29 www.monsoon.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Monsoon

Radley London Charity Pride Reversible Beach Bag Some days you just need a bag that fits everything. A bag like Beach Close Pride. Its reversible with a rainbow-print to one side and a colourful logo to the other, bringing a touch of colour and fun to our busy lives. £109 www.radley.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Radley

ACCESSORIES

Happy Campers PLANNING TO HEAD OFF INTO THE GREAT BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE THIS SUMMER? CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF INNOVATIVE AND FUN CAMPING GEAR SO YOU CAN JUST SIT BACK AND RELAX. BY KIM LATHAM

Lights4fun Outdoor Summer Movie Night Glamping Make your outdoor adventure a cosy one with these summer movie night glamping outdoor lights to add a touch of fairy glamour to your funfilled evenings. £36.99 www.lights4fun.com

PHOTO CREDIT lights4fun

Westies & Besties - July 2021

ACCESSORIES

Regatta Great Outdoors Kolima 3-Man Inflatable Family Tent The key to camping is surely comfort and this Great Outdoors 3-man tent by Regatta is the perfect size for a small family wanting to escape everyday life to have some fun in the sun this summer. National Trust Waterproof Backed Rainbow Stripe Rug

£700 www.regatta.com PHOTO CREDIT Regatta

Made in the UK and made from pure new wool. This online exclusive from the National Trust sees 100% of profits support the work they do to care for the nation’s nature, beauty, and history for everyone, forever. £75 shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/ PHOTO CREDIT The National Trust

Cuckcooland.com Lotus Grill Smokeless Barbecue The smokeless Lotus Grill Barbecue will change the way you barbecue this summer. German-designed and engineered, the grill uses 90% less charcoal to cook the perfect meal. £139 www.cuckooland.com PHOTO CREDIT Cuckooland.com

FatFace Camping Kit in Blue This handy compact tin from FatFace comes complete with all the essentials you’ll need to survive your camping adventure. It comes with a handy torch, a compass, and other accessories such as cutlery, a corkscrew, and a bottle opener.

TK Maxx Red Foldaway Sling Chair Sit back, relax, and dream your worries away with this light-weight comfortable camping chair from TK Maxx that won’t take up all of the room in your boot.

£16 www.fatface.com

£14.99 www.tkmaxx.com

PHOTO CREDIT FatFace

PHOTO CREDIT TK Maxx

COMPETITION

COMPETITION TO WIN A £30 GIFT VOUCHER FROM HUG www.hugpetfood.co.uk ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

WHAT DOES HUG STAND FOR?

COMPETITION RULES: THE COMPETITION IS OPEN FROM 1ST JULY AND CLOSES ON 31ST JULY 2021. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON ONLY. ENTRANTS MUST EMAIL THE ANSWER TO INFO@WESTIESANDBESTIES.COM AND THE FIRST PERSON TO EMAIL IN THE CORRECT ANSWER WILL BE CHOSEN AS THE WINNER. THE WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED BY WESTIES & BESTIES MAGAZINE BY EMAIL AND THE PRIZE WILL BE SENT OUT TO THE WINNING RECIPIENT BY HUG.

Westies & Besties - July 2021