She has lived for approx 9 years outside as a yard dog but now indoors with us. Continuous twitching! do you think this is due to being out in all weathers? When we first saw her she was a bundle of bones, had her indoors now for approx 4months and she is good as gold, extremely affectionate, not snappy and normal weight. Will all that time out in the cold and the twitching shorten her lifespan?
2007-01-28 11:37:38 · 13 answers · asked by mistickle17 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sounds like the dog has a far better home now!
As for living outside all that time , it wont shorten her life! Jackrussells are outdoor dogs , we have had them all our life, and they usually do seem to prefer outside! As for the twitching jackrussells tend to have this alot usually out of excitment or fear!
Being she is eleven yrs old she has probably slowed alot down now our last jack lived to 17 very good age! We found as they do get to these ages , they do prefere to be indoors more cuddled up! So you have given the dog a lovely new home, you dont have any problems there just enjoy your new addition to the family!
2007-01-28 20:50:18 · answer #1 · answered by Elise 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you haven't yet, I would take her to the vet and get a good once-over to make sure everything's going as it should be, since she was obviously neglected for 9 years of her life. You've done great work so far getting her back into shape. Jack russels are very energetic, even at that age, and the twitching could just be a sign that she needs more exercise. Try taking her for longer walks or playing more games with her. The twitching could be a sign of a more serious problem though, so you should at least call the vet - they'll usually tell you if it sounds serious or if it's something you can wait and see about, and maybe even some tips to help her with the twitching. The tmie out in the cold itself shouldn't shorted her life, but she may have picked up a disease that could have an effect, You should get her tested for heartworms, and usually the test will also include lime disease and ehrlichia, both are tick-borne disease.
Keep up the great work with her, I'm sure she appreciates all you've done for her. She should have some good years ahead of her yet - small dogs can live to be close to 20. My dog's 13 and still going strong. And by the way, the AKC changed the name from Jack Russel to Parson's Russell...I have no idea why, but I can;t get used to it, I still call them Jack Russels:)
Good luck!
2007-01-28 17:53:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some dogs are just of a nervous disposition,she's not used to being indoors,and it doesn't sound as if she's used to getting a lot of affection,she's probably thinking it's all too good to be true and is waiting for you to start mistreating her...give her time she'll settle down,treat her like a baby,in terms of getting her into a routine...feed her at the same time every day,take her for a walk at the same time...just make a fuss of her...she's only 11 and Jack Russell's can live to about 18...she's got plenty of years left in her..if you're really worried about the twitching take her to the vet...you're doing a great job with her.
2007-01-28 11:52:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
jack russels are high strung -- that could be the twitching. they are really sweet dogs and an older one is a great companion. the cold wouldn't affect her lifespan as much as the other things she could have picked up living outdoors and whatever she was fed while she was out there. usually yard dogs don't get quality food or frequent trips to the vet. if its fine now though i would pamper it a little and get good quality food without a lot of fillers. i used to cook just plain chicken and chop it up and keep it in the fridge and add it to my dogs food.
2007-01-28 11:49:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some small dogs twitch all of the time, especially Chihuahuas. It may stop and it may not. I would call your vet and ask. I do not think that it is because the dog is living outside, and I do not think that either will shorten her lifespan.
2007-01-28 11:43:19 · answer #5 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would take her to the vet, just to put your mind at ease. Lots of small dogs tend to twitch. It's unlikely that the cold has affected her as she is healthy now, but the quality of the food may have done, so just continue to feed her a sensible diet. High quality but not too rich as her stomach won't be used to it.
Jack Russell Terriers and Parson Russell Terriers are 2 different breeds.
2007-01-28 20:01:17 · answer #6 · answered by anwen55 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Russells usually do better in colder weather, that is to say, 75 degrees and below, being bred for the English countryside, and outdoor life. The twitching could be due to some neurological problem and I would let a vet check it out.
2007-01-28 11:46:34 · answer #7 · answered by wackadoo 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That might just be a nervous habit she's developed since she's moved inside. Try directing her energies elsewhere-give her chewy toys or bones. Seek a vet's advice. She might have an allergy to something indoors.
2007-01-28 11:45:17 · answer #8 · answered by Peggy M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
has she been to the vet? the twitching could have been going on for some time. i can't imagine anyone leaving the poor thing out in the cold. but people are cruel and stupid. she's obviously been very neglected. only a vet can tell you what's going on. she's old . could be neurological. no telling thank god you saved her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-01-28 11:47:06 · answer #9 · answered by dog whisperer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is anything to worry about, unless she develops other bad symptoms too, like lack of appetite, lethargy or vomiting, fever etc. I think a check up at the vet should be OK. So long as she is happy and eating well, all should be good.
2007-01-28 12:34:13 · answer #10 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋