Luckily, where I stay, the temperature does not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But when I travel with my Jack Russells we would sometimes stay in an area where it gets rather cold.
A few years ago, right before my first road trip with my furry friends, I had to find out if Jack Russells get cold because we were planning on going to a colder area. I was specifically concerned about my oldest Jack Russell, Charlie.
Join me as I share my findings with you.
Do Jack Russells Get Cold?
Yes, Jack Russells can get cold, especially smooth-haired Jack Russells because their coats provide little protection against the cold elements. It is best to put a winter coat on your Jack Russell when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or when he starts to show signs of discomfort due to the cold weather. This is very important specifically for senior Jack Russells because they can’t handle cold weather as well as younger Jack Russells.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A Jack Russell?
As mentioned, if the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit then your Jack Russell might display signs of discomfort due to the cold. This temperature isn’t life-threatening though, however, it is still important to make sure that your pup keeps warm.
On the other side of the spectrum, if the temperature drops below 0 degrees Fahrenheit then your pup’s life will be in danger if he isn’t properly protected from the cold. You wouldn’t go out in that weather with just a t-shirt on, would you? 🙂
Do Jack Russells Need Winter Coats?
Yes, Jack Russells need winter coats when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or when your pup starts to show signs of discomfort, like shaking.
If you have a senior or a smooth-haired Jack Russell, then you need to take special care. Senior Jack Russells will need a winter coat because they can’t handle the cold as well as younger pups.
The same can be said for smooth-haired Jack Russells because their coat does not give them much protection from the cold.
Can Jack Russells Live Outside In The Winter?
I would not recommend that you let your Jack Russell live outside, regardless of the weather. They do not like to be left alone for too long, and they will display unwanted behavior, like digging up your yard, if you let them live outside.
If you live in an area where it gets cold then your pup will not be comfortable living outside, especially during the nights when temperatures drop even further.
Rather let your furry friend enjoy the warmth of your home with you, even during the summer months.
How Do I Know If My Jack Russell Is Getting Cold?
There are a few ways that your Jack Russell will express the discomfort he finds himself in when he is getting too cold.
The easiest way to tell that your furry friend is getting cold is when he starts to shake or shiver. I can often feel my pups shake when they cuddle up against me during colder weather, which is also a sign that they are seeking protection from the cold.
Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to Hypothermia, which can be very dangerous to your pup’s health. If your Jack Russell has Hypothermia then he might display the following symptoms:
- Shivering
- Shallow Breathing
- Fatigue
- Stiff Muscles
If you suspect that your furry friend has Hypothermia, speak to a vet immediately. In some cases, he might have mild Hypothermia, but this can soon turn to severe Hypothermia so it is always best to seek the help of a vet if you suspect that your Jack Russell is suffering from Hypothermia.
Conclusion
Jack Russells do get cold and it is important to make sure that your pup keeps warm during the winter months.
If you stay in an area, or if you’re travelling to an area where the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit then you need to make sure your pup keeps warm. A winter coat is a great idea to make sure that your furry friend is protected from the cold elements.
And finally, don’t let your Jack Russell outside. Apart from the cold, leaving them alone for long periods is not recommended.
