I will be honest, I hate winter walkies! I always have to wrap up really warm on a winters day. Then it made me think to myself – does my Jack Russell need a coat? Maybe you are wondering the same thing…
A lot of people think that all dogs needs one, but there are quite a few considerations to take into account. Doggie coats are not always suitable for dogs – it depends on the breed, their health and ultimately whether they like or will tolerate wearing one!
A coat is good for dogs if the owner wants them to have more protection from harsh weather. That being said, it’s not exactly necessary as long as they’re not in the harshest conditions. A coat is also nice to have if you live in a colder climate or they spend a lot of time outdoors – especially if you are somewhere the weather is unpredictable like the UK.
Does my Jack Russell need a Coat?
The same goes for Jack Russells! If you walk a lot in the winter months your JRT will probably need one. But Jack Russells are very small dogs and it can be difficult to find coats that fit them properly. Jack Russells off lead are very active and inquisitive, nosey-ing in bushes and so there’s always an increased risk for injuries when they are wearing one. Sometimes dog coats can get caught in brambles. So you may decide to get your Jack Russell a coat but keep him on lead during the coldest months.
Another concern is skin condition – a coat could also cause some skin irritation because they might be trying to take it off all the time which can lead to problems. If your Jack Russell has a skin condition it might be a good idea to double check with the vet whether it’s OK to put a coat on him or her.
So in short, a coat isn’t suitable for all dogs, but if you want one for your dog then do research and find out what’s best for their needs before purchasing anything.
We do have a doggy coat for our Jack Russell Cross Blake and we actually took him to pets at home to choose it and try it on! He is not the biggest fan of it, but he will tolerate it in the really cold months.
Smooth or Rough Haired Jack Russells
As a Jack Russell Terrier owner, it is important to know what coat type your dog has (doggy coat not jacket!) If they have a smooth coat then they will not need as much protection from the cold because their fur is naturally dense. A wired/rough coat can be susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite more easily so you should make sure that when its getting colder outside, an owner of this type of coat needs to make sure their dog has a jacket.
Measuring your Dog for his Jacket
If you are measuring your dog for a dog coat that you want to order online, make sure that you are measuring him from the base of the neck to the base of the tail – head and tail are not included in dog jacket measurements! Then refer to the size guide on the product that you want to buy. As a general rule, a SMALL will usually fit most Jack Russells but of course it depends on the brand.
What is the best type of Dog Coat for Jack Russells?
The best jackets for Jack Russells are ones that have an outer layer made from some kind of water resistant material, such as pile or nylon. These do not allow the cold air in and stop your pup from getting wet when they walk through snow or rain!
Best Jack Russell Coats you can buy on Amazon
IREENUO Dog Jacket
- 【Internal Waterproof Coating】Adopt upgraded build-in waterproof coating, this dog coat keeps dogs dry and comfortable in wet weather. And waterproof effect won't be affected by branches or grass scratching.
- 【Warm Winter Jacket】Made of 3 layer fabric, windproof surface, cotton interlayer and soft polar fleece lining maintain your dog super warm in the cold winter while providing them sufficient freedom of movement.
- 【Fit for Small Medium Dogs】Our IREENUO dog raincoat is specially Designed for small and medium dog breeds. Durable neck and chest velcro strips allow put on and take off quickly, and easy to adjust.
We love this IREENUO dog jacket as it has a built in waterproof coating and will protect your dog in all weather conditions. It is made using three layer fabric – a windproof surface, a cotton interlayer and the soft polar fleece lining to keep your dog super warm in the cold winters. It also has reflective strips to help your dog to be seen. The Small size will probably be the best fit for your Jack Russell.
Ancol Muddy Paws Stormguard Coat
- Inspired by professional outdoor pursuits
- Hook and loop tape fastening
- Elasticated leg straps
This Ancol Muddy Paws Stormguard dog coat is specifically designed with outdoor pursuits in mind. It is 100% Polyester and can be hand washed or even gently machine washed in cool water (use a handwash cycle). The SMALL is recommended for Jack Russells in the size guide.
Ginger Ted Harness Dog Coat
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The gorgeous Ginger Ted dog coat is available in 11 sizes so that you can get a really accurate fit for your dog. It’s a good quality waterproof and windproof dog coat with a harness slot, warm fleece lining and reflective piping. This dog coat comes in three colours – grey, cherry red and……wait for it…..the stunning TARTAN design! Practical and trendy for your designer dog!
Is it too cold to take my dog out?
It’s important for any animal, but especially dogs, to make sure they have access to a warm and safe place during the winter months. This is because exposure can lead them develop frostbite or hypothermia which are life-threatening conditions that require medical attention immediately.
What makes this worse is that when a dog has these conditions, they’re not as likely to show any signs of pain or discomfort. In some cases, the owner might even think their pet is just being lazy and refusing to go outside but it could be something much more serious if left untreated.
It’s best for an owner with a Jack Russell Terrier to take their dog out for a short walk, but not stay outside for long periods of time.
The best thing that can be done is make sure the animal doesn’t have access to areas where there’s snow or ice on the ground and find some way they can get warm (by bringing them inside while still making it possible for them to exercise or giving them a space heater).
What to do if my dog has frostbite?
If your dog starts showing signs of having frostbitten paws, ears, tail base and nose (they’re looking very pale in those areas), then it’s time to call the vet.
The best thing that can be done is make sure that your dog doesn’t have access to areas where there’s snow or ice on the ground and find some way they can get warm (by bringing them inside while still making it possible for them to exercise or giving them a space heater). Of course if there is ever any medical concern with your dog get veterinarian advice immediately.
If you enjoyed this article on ‘Does my Jack Russell need a coat?’ you might also want to read about the best brush for a Jack Russell Terrier.
