Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long West Highland White Terriers Live. West Highland White Terrier Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the West Highland White Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in West Highland White Terrier, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in West Highland White Terriers
- How Old is Your West Highland White Terrier in Human Years
- How Long Do West Highland White Terriers Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your West Highland White Terrier Live Long
- Conclusion on West Highland White Terrier Life Expectancy
How Long West Highland White Terriers Live. West Highland White Terrier Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the West Highland White Terrier is from 12 to 16 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the West Highland White Terrier. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 127 pet West Highland White Terriers lived.
From the study, it was found that West Highland White Terriers have a average lifespan of 13 years. Furthermore, the study found that West Highland White Terriers can live for as long as 18.1 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in West Highland White Terriers.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in West Highland White Terriers are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Respiratory Disease: Problems with lungs and breathing
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Urogenital Disease: Problems with the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive organs
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your West Highland White Terrier to make your West Highland White Terrier live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your West Highland White Terrier have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your West Highland White Terrier is in human years? Then, check out our West Highland White Terrier age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the West Highland White Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the West Highland White Terrier compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Swedish Vallhund Lifespan | 14.40 |
| West Highland White Terrier Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Siberian Husky Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Irish Setter Lifespan | 12.00 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer Lifespan | 12.00 |
| English Springer Spaniel Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Miniature Schnauzer Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Standard Schnauzer Lifespan | 11.90 |
| Australian Cattle Dog Lifespan | 11.60 |
| Pekingese Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Old English Sheepdog Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Giant Schnauzer Lifespan | 10.00 |
| Akita Lifespan | 9.92 |
| Great Pyrenees Lifespan | 9.58 |
| Rottweiler Lifespan | 8.92 |
| Mastiff Lifespan | 6.83 |
Common Causes of Death in West Highland White Terrier, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in West Highland White Terrier, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your West Highland White Terrier.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in West Highland White Terriers
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 26.3 percent of all deaths in West Highland White Terriers.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in West Highland White Terrier
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in West Highland White Terriers
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in West Highland White Terriers (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in West Highland White Terriers is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in West Highland White Terriers is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in West Highland White Terriers is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting West Highland White Terriers with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your West Highland White Terrier. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your West Highland White Terrier`s gums look pale.
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Respiratory Disease in West Highland White Terriers
Respiratory diseases includes asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other conditions. May also be related to left-sided heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.
Respiratory Disease is responsible for 14.1 percent of all deaths in West Highland White Terriers.
Causes of Respiratory Disease in West Highland White Terrier
Some lung conditions can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other lung conditions, such as asthma, can be related to allergies and genetic conditions. Some breeds (called brachycephalic breeds) are more susceptible to breathing problems. These breeds appear to have their noses and snouts kind of squished into their faces. Although they are very cute, these breeds can have serious breathing problems throughout their lives which may require surgery. Additionally, dogs and cats can often get colds and other upper respiratory infections because of stress. Common causes of stress in dogs include separation anxiety, thunderstorms and other loud noises, the introduction of other animals into the home, and more.
How to Prevent Respiratory Disease in West Highland White Terriers
Respiratory diseases can be prevented by supporting the immune health of your West Highland White Terrier, by making sure you feed your West Highland White Terrier a good, nutritious dog food brand, give them plenty of exercises, and help them live in a stress-free environment. There are several options for supplements and therapies that can help reduce stress in your West Highland White Terrier. Some West Highland White Terrier do really well with thundershirts, which are snug shirts that swaddle the dogs and help them calm down during thunderstorms and other stressful events. Furthermore, West Highland White Terriers that are anxious with loud sounds might also benefit from calming supplements, such as Anxiety TFLN. For general anxiety, the supplement Composure or Composure Pro might help calm your West Highland White Terrier`s nervousness. Some West Highland White Terriers do really well with supplements, but just like with people, supplements do not work for everyone. If you are not seeing results after a few weeks of putting your West Highland White Terrier on a supplement to calm anxiety, you should talk to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy and stronger medications.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in West Highland White Terriers
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 11.7 percent of all deaths in West Highland White Terriers.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in West Highland White Terrier
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your West Highland White Terrier eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your West Highland White Terrier stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your West Highland White Terrier is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your West Highland White Terrier has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in West Highland White Terriers
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your West Highland White Terrier`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Neurologic Disease in West Highland White Terriers
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 11.3 percent of all deaths in West Highland White Terriers.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in West Highland White Terrier
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in West Highland White Terriers
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
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Urogenital Disease in West Highland White Terriers
Urogenital problems most often involve infections and blockages, which various degrees of seriousness.
Urogenital Disease is responsible for 11.3 percent of all deaths in West Highland White Terriers.
Causes of Urogenital Disease in West Highland White Terrier
Probably, the most important urogenital issue seen in intact female West Highland White Terriers is the pyometra. A pyometra is an enlarged, pus-filled uterus caused by a severe bacterial infection. A pyometra is several times larger than a regular uterus and is a life-threatening condition. To treat a pyometra, the West Highland White Terrier`s uterus must be removed, which is a difficult and expensive surgery. Another urogenital infection seen in both female and male dogs is urinary tract infections, which are very similar to human UTIs. If left untreated, UTIs can ascend up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys, which can also be life-threatening. If you notice that your West Highland White Terrier is urinating much more or less frequently than usual, or if the color or smell of the urine seems different from normal, you should talk to your veterinarian. Another common urogenital issue in male West Highland White Terriers is urinary blockages, which (as the name suggests) is when there is something stuck in the urinary tract which prevents the West Highland White Terrier from urinating. If you see your West Highland White Terrier lifting its leg and trying to urinate but nothing is coming out, you should call your veterinarian. Cancer is also a major urogenital issue in West Highland White Terriers, just like it is in humans. Urinary incontinence can also be an issue in both male and female West Highland White Terriers, just like in humans.
How to Prevent Urogenital Disease in West Highland White Terriers
The only way to completely prevent a pyometra is by getting your female West Highland White Terrier spayed. Another major benefit to spaying your West Highland White Terrier is that it dramatically reduces her risk of breast cancer. A spay is a major surgery and does tend to be a bit more expensive than a neuter, but a pyometra surgery is probably 3-4 times more expensive and dangerous than a regular, routine spay. Neutering your male West Highland White Terrier will also dramatically reduce his risk of prostate cancer and urinary blockages, especially as he gets older. If the spay and neuter estimates from your regular veterinarian are a little out of your price range, low-cost high-volume (LCHV) spay and neuter clinics are also an excellent option. If you find that your West Highland White Terrier is prone to blockages even though they are sterilized, there are many diets and supplements like this that can help. There are also diets like this and supplements that can help with urinary incontinence, but if these don`t work, your veterinarian can also prescribe prescription medications.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in West Highland White Terriers
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the West Highland White Terrier is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your West Highland White Terrier`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your West Highland White Terrier`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in West Highland White Terrier offsprings by only breeding West Highland White Terrier that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a West Highland White Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your West Highland White Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your West Highland White Terrier has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your West Highland White Terrier for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your West Highland White Terrier a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen West Highland White Terriers for:
How Old is Your West Highland White Terrier in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your West Highland White Terrier. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your West Highland White Terrier is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the West Highland White Terrier is 13.0 years.
West Highland White Terriers are small-sized dogs. West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of West Highland White Terrier in converting West Highland White Terrier age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your West Highland White Terrier`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your West Highland White Terrier`s age in the calculator and it will compute your West Highland White Terrier`s human age. If you do not know your West Highland White Terrier`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your West Highland White Terrier is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your West Highland White Terrier`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your West Highland White Terrier`s up-to-date human age.
West Highland White Terrier Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a West Highland White Terrier age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your West Highland White Terrier`s human age based on your West Highland White Terrier`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your West Highland White Terrier`s human birthday! Try it out!
| West Highland White Terrier Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 19 |
| 3 | 25 |
| 4 | 30 |
| 5 | 35 |
| 6 | 40 |
| 7 | 44 |
| 8 | 48 |
| 9 | 52 |
| 10 | 56 |
| 11 | 59 |
| 12 | 63 |
| 13 | 67 |
| 14 | 71 |
| 15 | 75 |
| 16 | 79 |
How Long Do West Highland White Terriers Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the West Highland White Terrier is 13.0 years. In human years, the West Highland White Terrier lives for 67 years.
How Old is 5-year-old West Highland White Terrier in Human Years?
A 5-year old West Highland White Terrier is 35 years old in human years.
How Old is 6-year-old West Highland White Terrier in Human Years?
A 6-year old West Highland White Terrier is 40 years old in human years.
How Old is 8-year-old West Highland White Terrier in Human Years?
A 8-year old West Highland White Terrier is 48 years old in human years.
How Old is 12-year-old West Highland White Terrier in Human Years?
A 12-year old West Highland White Terrier is 63 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your West Highland White Terrier Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your West Highland White Terrier live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your West Highland White Terrier fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight West Highland White Terrier does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight West Highland White Terrier will have a shorter lifespan than a West Highland White Terrier that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your West Highland White Terrier high-quality dog food without overfeeding your West Highland White Terrier. Check out our West Highland White Terrier feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your West Highland White Terrier from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your West Highland White Terrier existence. Therefore, you should make sure your West Highland White Terrier has access to clean water whenever your West Highland White Terrier needs water. However, too much water is bad for your West Highland White Terrier. See our West Highland White Terrier water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your West Highland White Terrier.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your West Highland White Terrier might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your West Highland White Terrier.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your West Highland White Terrier is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your West Highland White Terrier’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your West Highland White Terrier teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on West Highland White Terrier Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your West Highland White Terrier`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.