How to Get Rid of Darkening in Westies

West Highland white terriers are small dogs that are well-known for their snowy white coats. But like all dogs, Westies can become dirty, which can cause their coats to darken. To lighten the coat and make sure it stays looking its best, groom the dog often. Keeping your Westie clean is important for its health as well. Show your Westie how much you appreciate it and you'll get plenty of love in return.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Metal brush
  • Clean cloths
  • Dog shampoo
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your Westie every day. Use a slicker brush first, which will help remove dirt as well as any tangles or mats in its fur. Finish the brushing with a metal comb, which will remove anything missed by the slicker brush and help distribute oils throughout the coat to bring out its shine.

    • 2

      Dry your Westie's mouth with a clean cloth after it drinks. Brown-colored fur is common around a Westie's mouth, and this is caused by moisture remaining in the area.

    • 3

      Clean your Westie's eyes, where like the mouth, the fur commonly turns brown. Use a warm, wet cloth to gently wipe around the eyes. Do this daily to prevent the area from becoming discolored again and accustom your Westie to having its eyes groomed.

    • 4

      Thoroughly wash your Westie about once a month or whenever it gets excessively muddy or dirty. Use a dog shampoo that has been specifically developed for dogs with white coats to get the fur as snow-white as possible.