Owning dogs, in particular providing care for the jack russell terrier, is a specialty of humans across the globe. Some historians speculate dogs were first domesticated sometime between twelve thousand and twenty five thousand years ago—and that canines evolved from wolves. Since then, human beings have selectively bred more than 400 breeds, which vary in size from 4-pound teacup poodles all the way up to Irish wolfhounds, whose three-ft stature has earned them the title of the tallest pooch. However, the most widespread canines are non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mutts. The jack russell terrier is also a popular pick with dog owners. Many owners are unaware, however, of many of the most important jack russell terrier care tips.
Health care cost of your jack russell terrier
The yearly budget for providing for the jack russell terrier—to include food and snacks, veterinary care, toys and license—can vary between $420 and seven hundred eighty dollars. This does not even count capital costs for spay/neuter operations, collar and leash, a dog carrier and a crate. Tip: Make sure you have all of your items before getting your jack russell terrier home.
General jack russell terrier Care
jack russell terrier Feeding Schedule
- jack russell terrier pups between 8 and twelve weeks old need four meals daily.
- jack russell terrier puppies 3 to 6 months old should be fed three meals in a day.
- Feed puppies six months old to one year old two meals daily.
- When the jack russell terrier makes his first birthday, 1 bowl in a day is usually sufficient.
- Sometimes adult jack russell terriers, however, do better with two lighter bowls. It’s your job to learn your jack russell terrier’s eating schedule.
High-quality dry dogfood provides a balanced diet to full-grown jack russell terriers and can mix with canned food, broth, or water. Your jack russell terrier may be fond of cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits and vegetables, but these additions should be less than ten pct of her daily allowance. jack russell terrier pups should probably be fed high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Please try to cut down on “people food”, however, because it can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, tooth and bone issues, and may result in extremely finicky food choices and obesity. Give clean, potable water exclusively, and make certain to wash water and food bowls regularly.
jack russell terrier Care Tips: Make sure your jack russell terrier gets some daily physical activity
jack russell terriers need some exercise in order to stay in shape, stimulate their brains, and keep healthy. Exercise also really helps jack russell terriers avoid boredom, which often has the potential to lead to to naughty behavior. Getting out can quell most of your jack russell terrier’s desires to chew, dig, chase, retrieve and herd. Exercise needs vary based on your jack russell terrier’s level of health and her age—but ten minutes in back of the house and just a couple of walks around the block every day probably won’t suffice. If your jack russell terrier is a 6 to eighteen month adolescent, his requirements will be a little more.
jack russell terrier Grooming Tips
You can help keep your jack russell terrier clean and reduce shedding with brushing. Inspect for ticks and fleas every day during the summer or other warm weather. Many jack russell terriers don’t need a bath more than a few times during the year. Before the bath, cut out or comb any mats from the jack russell terrier’s hair. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or dirt will stick to the soap.
How to Handle Your jack russell terrier
Pups are obviously easier to manage. When carrying your jack russell terrier puppy, place one hand under your dog’s chest, with either the forearm or other hand supporting his back legs and rump. Never try to lift or grab your pup by his or her forelegs, tail or nape. When you must pick up a larger, full-grown jack russell terrier, pick it up from underneath, supporting his or her chest with one arm and rear end with the other arm.
Housing the jack russell terrier
Your jack russell terrier needs a comfortable quiet place to be able to relax apart from all drafts and off the floor. You may wish to think about buying a doggie bed, or make one from a wood box. Place a clean comforter or pillow inside the bed. Wash your jack russell terrier’s bedding frequently. If the jack russell terrier will be spending a lot of time outdoors, be certain she has access to shade and plenty of cool water in the summer, and a dry, covered, warm area in the cold.
jack russell terrier Identification
Your town has licensing rules to follow. Be certain you connect the license to your jack russell terrier’s collar. The license, together with an identification tattoo, can help you recover your jack russell terrier should he go missing.
Facts on jack russell terrier Behavior
Training Your jack russell terrier
A well-mannered, companion jack russell terrier can be a pleasure to raise. However, untrained, your jack russell terrier could be nothing but trouble. Training your jack russell terrier on the fundamentals—”Sit”, “Stay”, “Come”, “Down”, “Heel”, “Off”, and “Leave it”—bolsters your relationship both with the jack russell terrier and the relatives. If you’re the owner of a pup, begin training her on the appropriate responses immediately! Snacks should be used as a lure and a reward. Pups can enroll in obedience courses when they are sufficiently vaccinated. Call the local humane society or SPCA for training course recommendations. Invariably you should walk your jack russell terrier leashed when, even while a pup. Be sure your doggie will come to you if you call him. An aggressive or disobedient jack russell terrier shouldn’t play with people.
jack russell terrier Health
jack russell terriers should see the veterinarian for a full screening, immunizations and heartworm assessment annualy, and ASAP if he is ill or injured.
About your jack russell terrier’s Dental Health
While many of us may object to our jack russell terrier’s foul breath, it’s important to be aware of what it might represent. Bad breath is a symptom that your jack russell terrier requires an oral screening. Dental plaque , which is a result of germs creates a terrible stench that requires professional treatment. Once you have given your jack russell terrier a professional oral cleaning, the gums and teeth may be maintained by brushing the teeth regularly, feeding a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. Your veterinarian can provide you with more advice for eliminating dental problems as well as halitosis. You can use a baking soda and water paste or a dog toothpaste once or twice per week to brush your jack russell terrier’s teeth. Clean them with a nylon stocking stretched over your finger, a gauze pad, or a soft, child’s toothbrush. Periodontal disease,which is an infection between the gums and teeth, sometimes affects jack russell terriers. This dreadful disease will sometimes lead to tooth loss and also propagate disease to the body. Veterinarians can clean your dog’s teeth at a regular checkup.
Halitosis in jack russell terriers
Even though periodontal disease in isolation is not that serious when it is detected early enough, bad breath may also indicate fairly serious, long-term issues. A pleasant, even sweet smell can usually be indicative of diabetes, while diseases of the intestines or liver may cause foul breath. Kidney disease is a possible reason when your jack russell terrier’s breath smells of ammonia or urine. Set an appointment with a veterinarian whenever your jack russell terrier has halitosis along with other signs of disease like excessive urinating or drinking, depression or lethargy, weight loss, nausea, or decreased appetite.
Dealing with Fleas and Ticks in jack russell terriers
Regular, daily checks of your jack russell terrier for ticks and fleas throughout the warm seasons are vital. Use a flea comb to find fleas. There are many new technologies of tick control. Speak with your veterinarian about his recommendations.
Heartworm problems in jack russell terriers
This parasite resides in the heart and passes from a contaminated dog to your jack russell terrier by mosquitoes. Many jack russell terriers die each year from heartworms. It is wise to give your jack russell terrier a blood test for heartworms every spring—this is important for catching infections from the earlier year. A once-a-month pill taken throughout mosquito season can protect your jack russell terrier. Your jack russell terrier should be on heartworm medication throughout a winter trip to a warmer climate. There are some regions, usually the areas with hotter climates, where the vets advise worm pills be taken continually.
Poisions and Medicines
Please don’t give your jack russell terrier medicine that hasn’t been prescribed by a veterinarian. For example, are you aware that just one ibuprofen tablet will cause ulcers in some dogs Make sure your jack russell terrier is never exposed to rat poison and other rodenticides. If you think that your dog has consumed a poisonous substance, notify your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for twenty-four-hr. animal poison help.
Neutering and Spaying jack russell terriers
It is recommended that female jack russell terriers be spayed—which is the extraction of the uterus and ovaries—and males neutered—extraction of the testicles—by six months of age. Spaying before maturity significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer, which is a frequently fatal and common ailment of more mature female jack russell terriers. Spaying also eliminates the possibility of a sick uterus, a traumatic issue in more mature females that demands intensive medical care. Neutering male jack russell terriers prevents testicular diseases, certain types of aggressions and some hernias.
jack russell terrier Vaccinating
- The combination vaccine (also known as the “five-in-one shot”) must be given to your jack russell terrier at two, 3, and four months of age and then once annually. This innoculation immunizes your puppy from parainfluenza, parvovirus, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and distemper. Your jack russell terrier puppy’s innoculation program cannot be finished prior to 4 months old.
- If you have an unvaccinated jack russell terrier older than 4 or 5 months, she will need a set of 2 vaccinations given two or 3 weeks apart, followed by an annual innoculation.
- Your jack russell terrier puppy’s socialization should coincide with her vaccination program. Many vets recommend that new owners bring their jack russell terrier puppies to socialization classes, as early as eight or 9 weeks of age. At this point, they should have already received their first immunizations.
Since rules vary so much around the country, contact a community vet for instructions for rabies immunization. For instance, in NYC, the law requires any pets older than three months of age to be vaccinated for rabies. The original rabies innoculation must be followed by a subsequent vaccination the following year, and then every 3 years after that. There are many immunizations that could be right for your jack russell terrier. Ask your jack russell terrier’s vet for his opinion. By the way, if your jack russell terrier gets ill because she is not immunized, do not administer the vaccination until the dog has made a full recovery.
Intestinal Worms in jack russell terriers
jack russell terriers are often exposed to worms and possible infestation—especially in rural areas. Microscopic eggs created by intestinal worms are transmitted through an infested dog’s feces. Even the healthiest of jack russell terrier puppies carry hookworms or roundworms. The key to treatment is early diagnosis. Early, accurate diagnosis maximizes the possibility that prescribed treatment will be effective against your dog’s worms. A dewormer that eradicates hookworms, for example, will not kill tapeworms. Your vet can best determine the culprit—and assign the most effective medicine.
jack russell terrier Care Tips: Additional Information
jack russell terrier Supply Checklist
- Excellent-quality dog food and snacks specifically designed for jack russell terriers and similarly-sized dogs
- Food dish
- Water bowl
- As many safe toys as you can provide, especially chewable
- Comb and brush for grooming, including flea comb
- Collar with ID tag and license
- Leash
- Carrier (for puppies)
- Training crate
- Dog box or bed with quilt or towel
- Doggie or child’s toothbrush
The no-no list
Do not feed your jack russell terrier the following:
- Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor
- Chocolate
- Raisins or grapes
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Onions, chives & garlic
- Chicken, turkey, or any other poultry bones
- Salt or salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems and unripe fruit
- Dough
The scoop on poop
Keep your jack russell terrier on a leash whenever you are outside, unless you are in a secured, fenced-in location. If your jack russell terrier goes #2 on a neighbor’s lawn, his sidewalk or any other public location, please remove and dispose of it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about jack russell terriers
Was this post helpful? If so, please take a minute to Tweet and Share below on Facebook. I would also love to know your thoughts so leave me a comment 🙂
Follow