The Jack Russell Terrier, originating from the United Kingdom, is a type of working terrier. It is small in size, but intelligent, enthusiastic, lively, and easy to get along with. This adorable little fellow has been increasingly loved by many. So, how can we take good care of it?
　　1. Spring
　　Spring is the season for the Russell Terrier’s heat, mating, reproduction, and shedding. Attention should be given to managing dogs in heat, grooming the coat, and preventing skin diseases.
　　During the heat period, Russell Terriers often experience some special physiological functions and behavioral changes. Female dogs in heat tend to wander about, so they must be carefully supervised, especially excellent purebred dogs, which should not be allowed to roam freely for mating to prevent breed impurity. Male dogs often fight over mates and can get injured; any wounds should be treated promptly.
　　Spring is also the shedding season. The thick winter coat will shed; if not groomed frequently and in time, unclean skin can cause itchiness. Dogs will scratch and rub their bodies to relieve itching, which can easily break the skin and lead to bacterial infections. An unclean coat is also prone to matting, providing a favorable place for external parasites and fungi to breed, causing skin diseases. Therefore, during spring, attention should be given to grooming and cleaning the coat to prevent skin diseases.
　　2. Summer
　　In summer, the climate is hot and humid, so it is important to prevent heatstroke, dampness, and food poisoning.
　　Jack Russell Terriers can easily get heatstroke in hot and humid environments due to difficulty releasing body heat. To prevent this, avoid exercising under the blazing sun, move the kennel to a cool place, and give frequent cold water baths during hot weather. If symptoms like difficulty breathing, increased skin temperature, and accelerated heartbeat occur, quickly apply a wet cold towel to the head, move the dog to a cool and ventilated place, and immediately consult a veterinarian.
　　To prevent dampness, bedding should be frequently weighed and sun-dried. After washing the kennel with water, wait until it is completely dry before allowing the dog inside. Dogs wet from rain should be dried with a towel promptly.
　　In summer, dog food spoils easily and can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is best to feed dogs freshly cooked food that has been cooled. The amount should be appropriate, with no leftovers. Food that has fermented or spoiled must be discarded firmly—do not save it to avoid waste, as spoiled food may contain bacterial toxins that cannot be destroyed even by heating. Eating toxic food can cause food poisoning and, if not treated timely, death. After feeding, if vomiting, diarrhea, or general weakness occurs, consult a veterinarian promptly.
　　3. Autumn
　　In autumn, Russell Terriers have vigorous metabolism and increased appetite, resulting in more food intake. Summer hair begins to shed, autumn hair starts to grow, and it is also the second breeding season of the year. Management methods are similar to those in spring.
　　Food is abundant in autumn; the feeding amount should increase, and quality should improve to build body reserves for winter.
　　Pay attention to grooming to promote winter hair growth. During late autumn, when the temperature difference between day and night is large, make sure to keep the kennel warm at night to prevent colds.
　　4. Winter
　　In winter, with cold weather, the focus of management should be on keeping warm and preventing respiratory diseases.
　　Due to low temperatures, exposure to cold air, or improper management including lack of cold protection, being wet and windy after exercise, or damp kennels, dogs can catch colds. Severe cases may lead to secondary tracheitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases. Effective prevention of colds includes keeping warm, thickening and promptly replacing bedding, keeping it dry, and preventing drafts. On sunny and warm days, increase outdoor exercise to strengthen the body and improve disease resistance. Sunbathing not only provides heat but the ultraviolet light in sunlight disinfects and kills bacteria, promotes calcium absorption, supports bone growth and development, and prevents rickets in puppies.
　　With seasonal changes, our care methods should also adapt accordingly.