The Show Coat
The coat of the Jack Russell is never sculpted it should not be altered in such a manner as to give it an artificial, overdone appearance. Grooming should not be done to try to cover any conformation faults. This is a natural earthdog and his look should reflect that attitude. If you are showing your JRT, the judge will be looking for the dog who best suits the standard of the working terrier and who he or she would most like to take out into the field that day. Exaggerated leg furnishings and...
Fleas
These pests are a long-standing annoyance to dogs and owners. Flea dirt digested dog blood can be seen as dark specks in the dog's coat. If the dirt is moistened, it becomes a rusty red color, distinguishing it from soil. White specks that you may find on your dog are flea eggs. The saliva of the flea is very irritating, and dogs who are allergic to the saliva will break out in a rash, called flea allergy dermatitis. The itching can become so Take out the floor mats and hose them down with a...
Ticks
Various species of ticks may attach themselves to your dog. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can also carry such ailments as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and canine ehrlichiosis. Prompt removal of ticks will help prevent the transmission of these diseases. The most common areas where you will find ticks are the ears, neck and head, and between the toes. If you find only a few ticks on your dog, the easiest thing to do is remove them as described in the box on page 69. During regular grooming...
Crate Training
Jack Russells love their crates and use them as dens. When the door is left open and there is a comfortable bed inside, the dog will seek the crate for privacy and rest. Either a wire crate or a molded plastic carrier is suitable, as long as it is large enough for a grown Jack Russell to stand up in and turn around comfortably. If the crate is too large the dog may choose to sleep at one end and eliminate at the other. The bed or pad inside should be one that is not easily torn. An added baby...
Poisons
Poisons and toxins that can be dangerous for your Jack Russell are all over house, garden, garage, everywhere. In your house may be such plants as dieffen-bachia, philodendron, asparagus fern, ivy, and poinsettia. Also dangerous are all the pesticides, cleaning supplies, and medicines that must be closely guarded. In the garden are acorns, lily of the valley, wisteria, daffodils, morning glory, holly, rhubarb, and tomato vine, among others. t gt ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center The ASPCA...
Bathing
It is not necessary to bathe a Jack Russell Terrier unless he gets skunked, rolls in something completely objectionable, or has a serious flea problem. If a bath truly becomes necessary, be sure his ears are plugged with cotton balls and his eyes are protected from soap. Most dogs do not like baths, and the added stress of soapy eyes may make for more resistance to a bath the next time around. The shampoo you choose should be made especially for dogs with a harsh coat. Anything that contains a...
Grooming Your Jack Russe Terrier
Although the Jack Russell gm - Terrier is considered a no-frills kind of dog, all working terriers need their coats maintained to keep them efficient and neat. Weekly maintenance of the Jack Russell Terrier's coat will give you a chance to look your dog over carefully and make sure all is in good order. This chapter outlines procedures for the thorough care and grooming of your JRT's coat. However, the average dog will do just as well with basic grooming, together with proper care of the nails...
Supplements
One more consideration is supplements. Don't give them unless your veterinarian prescribes them for some special reason. All good-quality dog foods labeled as complete will provide all that your dog needs in the way of nutrition. There may be rare or special circumstances, such as pregnancy and lactation, when your dog requires some supplementation of one or more nutrients, if recommended by your veterinarian. But casual supplementation can cause serious imbalances and unexpected problems. More...
Anal Glands
Anal glands provide lubrication for the passing of stools and also function as scent glands. The sacs that produce these secretions are located on either side and slightly down from the anus. They normally empty when the dog defecates, but may have a tendency to fill or even become blocked in some dogs, and so should be checked from time to time. Regular tooth brushing is as important for your dog as it is for you. Regular tooth brushing is as important for your dog as it is for you. When a dog...
Grooming a Rough or BrokenCoated JRT
Rough or broken-coated JRTs require a bit more work. Left to grow naturally, the coat may not look neat and tidy. Although grooming the roughs or brokens is more involved, you may derive more satisfaction from the finished product. Always keep in mind the Jack Russell is a double-coated breed He has an undercoat and an overcoat. The overcoat is made up of the coarser hairs that protect the dog from briars and brush in the field. Begin by thoroughly combing and brushing the dog to loosen dead...
Internal Parasites
When you first get your dog or puppy and take her for her first visit to your veterinarian, be sure to bring along the health records the breeder or previous owner gave to you. These records should reflect not only the vaccinations your dog has received, but also a schedule of dewormings. Also bring with you a fresh stool sample for analysis. The vet can quickly diagnose what, if any, types of worms your dog is harboring, so treatment can begin right away. Please do not think that...
What to Feed Your JRT
Dry food, or primarily dry food, is recommended. Some warm water may be added to kibble to release more food odors. Canned foods are not always necessary but, if you feel you must add them, take care that they do not exceed 20 or Dog food labels are not always easy to read, but if you know what to look for they can tell you a lot about what your dog is eating. The label should have a statement saying the dog food meets or exceeds the American Association of Feed Control Officials AAFCO...
In the rest of the house
Tape up or cover electrical cords consider childproof covers for unused outlets. Knot or tie up any dangling cords from curtains, blinds, and the telephone. Securely put away all potentially dangerous items, including medicines and medicine containers, vitamins and supplements, cigarettes, cigars, pipes and pipe tobacco, pens, pencils, felt-tip markers, craft and sewing supplies, and laundry products. Put all houseplants out of reach. Move breakable items off low tables and shelves. Pick up...
Accidents Happen
If you see your pup about to eliminate somewhere other than the designated area, interrupt her immediately. Say wait, wait, wait or clap your hands loudly to startle her into stopping. Carry the pup, if she's still small enough, or take her collar and lead her to the correct area. Once your dog is in the potty area, give her the command to eliminate. Use a friendly voice for the command, then wait patiently for her to produce. The pup may be tense because you've just startled her and may have...
Choking
Choking can be a life-threatening condition. Puppies, who are curious by nature, are always picking up all sorts of objects and are the most susceptible to choking on so many of the things that catch their eye. You may be able to reach into the dog's throat and dislodge the object, or you may have to perform the canine Heimlich maneuver. Lay the dog on her side and, with your palms just behind the last rib, give four quick thrusts. Check the mouth for the object and repeat the maneuver if...
Roundworms
If your puppy's dam has ever had roundworms and it is quite likely that she has , her pups probably will be born with roundworms. Some larvae encyst in the mother's tissue and, in the late stages of pregnancy, the dormant larvae are released and carried to the unborn puppies. They are also passed on through breast milk. This is why it is always advisable to deworm a female before she is bred although doing so will not rid her of the encysted larvae. For this reason, puppies must be dewormed by...
How to Trim Nails
Always keep your JRT's nails well tended. If you are diligent about trimming nails, you should have no trouble maintaining a well-rounded foot which your dog needs to move properly. Ideally, you will have the opportunity to manicure the nails from puppyhood, thereby establishing proper ground rules and conduct. Handle your puppy's feet often to get him used to being touched and held this way. When clipping nails, it is of the utmost importance that you work in the best light possible. You...
Tapeworms
Perhaps the most familiar internal parasite for dog owners is the tapeworm. There are different kinds of tapeworms, but the most common is the one transmitted by fleas. The flea ingests tapeworm eggs when it bites an infected animal and your dog then swallows the flea. Another type of tapeworm is acquired by Puppies can acquire roundworms and hookworms from their mother. Puppies can acquire roundworms and hookworms from their mother. eating animal parts, including mice. The head of the worm...
Leash and Collar
You will need a leash and a collar or collars that fit properly at all stages of growth. Rolled leather collars work very well and are comfortable. Be sure to adjust the collar so that it fits securely but not tightly, and check it regularly, particularly as your puppy grows. The collar should be snug enough that it will not slip over the dog's head, but loose enough to allow you to comfortably insert two or three fingers between the collar and the neck. A nylon leash is often best for puppies,...
Hookworms
The same medication used to treat roundworms is also very effective against hookworms. It is uncommon for a pup to be born with hookworms, but these parasites can be acquired through the mother's milk during the first two or three weeks of life. Left unchecked, an affected puppy can quickly die. Give a subsequent booster shot every three years, unless there are risk factors that make it necessary to vaccinate more or less often. Noncore vaccines should only be considered for those dogs who risk...
Loss of Appetite
If your dog refuses to eat for more than a day or two, or has diarrhea or a cough, call the veterinarian. These could be symptoms of a number of ailments. If the dog has diarrhea, remove all food but be sure fresh, clean water is available. Jack Russells are tough little dogs and recover quickly from almost any problem, but they do have a tendency to eat icky things, bringing on any number of consequences or, surprisingly, no consequences at all. My favorite true JRTs-eat-icky-things story...
Feeding Your Jack Russell Puppy
Having started life on mother's milk, puppies are weaned between five and six weeks of age. The timing depends on the dam's willingness to nurse and the practices of the breeder. While the pups are still nursing, at about four weeks, the breeder will begin to feed them a fine-textured, well-moistened, nutritious gruel to begin to accustom them to solid food. At first the food is all over the place. It must be served in a low dish or pan so the pups can reach it, but then, of course, they can...
Sarcoptic Mange
This condition is caused by a microscopic arachnid called a mite. Jack Russells love to poke around in holes they discover, and if the last resident of that hole carried mange mites, the JRT may pick them up. Mange appears in many areas of the country and is especially hard on red foxes, which are often seen missing large patches of their red coat and proud brush tail . Mange frequently shows up first on the face, ears, belly, or thighs of the dog, and then spreads with itchy patches of missing...
Heartworms
Heartworms are very serious and difficult to treat, but can be prevented from infecting your dog. After a bite from an infected mosquito, larvae work their way into the dog and eventually develop into small adult worms. The worms then enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, where they mature. The female gives birth to thousands of live young, called microfilaria, which move into the bloodstream and wait for their host the mosquito to come along to help them develop into larvae ready to...
Luxating Patella
A luxating patella is a slipped kneecap. The kneecap patella tends to pop out of the joint because the groove in the thighbone femur in which it sits is too shallow. When the patella becomes dislocated, there may be pain and difficulty straightening the knee. The luxation may be permanent or it may be intermittent, with the kneecap popping in and out of position. The dog may move in a normal manner one minute and be lame the next. This condition can lead to the premature development of...
Von Willebrands Disease
Von Willebrand's disease vWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. Both males and females carry it, and both sexes can be affected. Deafness may be genetically linked to the white coat color. Responsible breeders screen their dogs before they are bred. Deafness may be genetically linked to the white coat color. Responsible breeders screen their dogs before they are bred. Bleeding in affected individuals is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of the von Willebrand factor vWF...