AboutCarol Ferraro Expertise Questions on "Jack" Russell Terriers pertaining to their health, well being, general questions on breed, types, size, shape, health, personalities, behavior problems, genetics, so called standard, what to look for when purchasing, and if you would be a good match with this wonderful and unique dog. Too many times, people buy jack puppies because they are absolutely adorable, and then a few months down the road they own this dog that they know nothing about and haven't prepared or trained for. I love the breed and everything about them and hope to provide some help, education and advice to current and prospective owners. I am a veterinary technician, dog trainer and breeder of Jack Russells.
Experience I own three Jack Russells and I have been working with dogs for 30 years. My personal interest is in helping educate people about the very special qualities of this breed. I advocate education and research of the breed before you buy one, they are wonderful pets if suited with the right person/family. Do your homework first! I can help you determine if you are a good match with this breed. I want people to know also that there are two types of Jack Russells, the Parson hunter with long legs and the Shortie or Russell Terrier and their very distinct differences. I also hope to allay fears about their CRAZY reputations - which is not always the case.
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PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT ENDORSE THE SALE OF ANY JACK RUSSELLS OR JACK RUSSELL PUPPIES THAT MAY BE ADVERTISED ON THIS PAGE. BEWARE OF PUPPY MILLS OR OTHER PLACES THAT SELL MANY DIFFERENT DOGS OVER THE INTERNET. ALSO I DO NOT ENDORSE ANY VIDEOS OR TRAINING TAPES THAT ARE ADVERTISED ON THIS PAGE. I WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP YOU PICK OUT A REPUTABLE TRAINER/VIDEO SERIES OR EVEN PUPPIES IF PRIVATELY ASKED. I DO NOT ENDORSE ANY SALES ADVERTISEMENTS ON THIS PAGE.
Question Hello Carol,
Please help! My 2 year old Jack Russell Terrior, Lucy is constantly chewing on her feet and in between the pads of her paws. I have checked for any little splinter or scratch but she seems to chew on them so frequently she has chewed all the hair off all 4 of her paws. I took her to the vet and she was given an allergy shot. How can I give any relief to my dog? I feel so bad, Ive tried everything from changing her shampoo, wiping her paws when she comes in from outside, basically carry her when I take her with me. Please help my little long legged Lucy. :) All she wants is some relief.
Thanks,
Susan
Answer Susan,
I'm sorry Lucy has allergies - unfortunately it is an all-too-common trait in Jack Russells. They can be fine from puppies and then all of a sudden develop allergies to things. They haven't found an exact cure yet but you can help keep her more comfortable by trying to find the cause (USUALLY wheat or beef in food) or grass, weeds, or some other thing she comes in contact with. It could be the laundry detergent you use, it could be something in the carpet or it could be mold from outside. It could be any number of things. :( It's tough to find the cause and takes lots of work and commitment by eliminating one thing at a time to find out what the allergen is, but it can be done. There is also allergy testing you can have done with the vet but it can be quite expensive.
There are many over the counter meds as well as prescriptions that can make her scratching and itching less irritating but it's really important to find the cause and eliminate it from her diet/life to ultimately improve the quality of her life. Many Jacks live with allergies; it's more heartbreaking to us than it is to them, and I know how upset you must feel. Take her to the vet for an official diagnosis and they will give you something to get rid of the itching. Best of luck with Lucy!
