I have a 10 month old westie bitch who is currently suffering from a skin complaint which may be an allergy (currently waiting fir blood test results). I just wondered if dogs go through the sort of hormonal problems that teenagers tend to go through ie. the ones that cause the like of acne/greasy skin?

This is our first dog so I have no other experience of my own to draw on - just wondered if any of you more experienced dog owners had any experience of this?

I suppose that I am really hoping that she may grow out of this skin problems.

i think as a breed westies have their fair share of skin problems , westie lover might be able to advise you,

I think they do but I would not think that you bitches skin trouble is caused by hormone changes, but the tests should help. I think that Westies do suffer from skin trouble, I should say may, hopefully a Westie breeder will reply and offer help. Jackie H

Oh my yes they most certainly do. It is why I warn puppy owners that just because their pup is doing so well at class, now is not the time to stop training, as puperty will make the erswhile angel into a little s**t! They must keep the training up and gird themselves in patience.

There is an excellent article in this weeks Our Dogs 'Coping With Teenagers' written by the obedience/Working Trials writer. It is also the reason many puppies and young adults come into rescue at this age, usually 6 to 18 months. The owners think they should have grown up by now, and now that they are not so cute anymore are unwilling or unable to cope!

I have usually found in my breed that they START to grow up at about 2, and are finally mature at about 4.