John Lewis Pet Insurance for your Jack Russell

• Choose from six levels of vet-fee cover, up to £12,000

• Lifetime cover, when you renew your policy with no break in cover

• 24/7 access to vetfone™ helpline

John Lewis Pet Insurance is arranged, administrated and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

Terms, policy limits, exclusions and conditions apply.

Why we love Jack Russells

Although they originated in the UK in the 1800s, Jack Russells are popular all over the globe. This small but mighty breed loves to run around and chase, so they make a good companion for an active owner.

• Natural-born hunters and diggers

• The first dog to set a paw on both the North and South Poles

• A royal favourite as the King’s companion
  

Jack Russell facts

Common health problems for Jack Russells

Just like all dogs, Jack Russells can suffer from a variety of health issues.

We hope that your friend doesn’t experience any of these conditions. But by knowing what health issues might develop, you can catch them early.

This list is not exhaustive, and any concerns you have for your pet's health should always be raised with a vet.

Luxating patella

When dogs experience this condition, their kneecaps pop out of their groove. In minor cases, they pop back in again without help, but in more severe cases, they could become stuck.

Signs to look for:

• Difficulty bending or extending their leg

• Walking with a skip in their step

• Limping

What to do:

If you think your Jack Russell may have a luxating patella, it’s best to speak to your vet for advice. There are several grades of severity of this condition. The lowest grade (1) often doesn’t need any treatment at all. If your dog has a higher-grade luxating patella (2-4), they may need surgery to stabilise the patella and prevent pain and lameness.

The earlier a luxating patella can be diagnosed, the better the prognosis for your pet. Early intervention can prevent arthritis and allow your dog to regain full use of their leg.

Primary lens luxation

Lens luxation is a condition that affects a dog's eyes. It occurs when the lens of the eyeball becomes dislocated and moves out of its original position. Primary lens luxation can lead to glaucoma or blindness if untreated.

Signs to look for:

• Noticeable change in the shape or size of the pupil

• Increased blinking or appearance of tears

• Cloudy film over the cornea

What to do:

If you think your Jack Russell has primary lens luxation, you should contact your vet for advice. Surgery will be required. It may require removal of the lens, or in advanced stages of the disease, the whole eye.

Portosystemic shunt (PSS)

Portosystemic shunt is a condition that affects the liver. If your Jack Russell has PSS, it means some of the blood that should go to their liver is flowing around it instead. This can restrict liver function.

Signs to look for:

• Stunted growth (your dog may be smaller than average)

• Disorientation (staring into space)

• Seizures

What to do:

If you think your Jack Russell may have PSS, you should contact your vet for advice. In serious cases, your dog may need surgery. In milder scenarios, it can be managed with medication and diet.

Glaucoma

When dogs experience glaucoma, fluid builds up in the eye and struggles to drain properly. This creates painful pressure in the eye that can lead to blindness if not treated quickly.

Signs to look for:

• Corneas turning blue

• Eyes looking watery, or increased squinting

• Swelling in the eye

What to do:

If you think that your Jack Russell might have glaucoma, immediately contact your vet. If outside of your vet’s opening hours, consider contacting vetfone’s 24/7 helpline. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

¹ As long as you renew your policy with us and there is no break in cover
² Cover forms part of vet fees
³ Covered if you cannot look after your dog or cat due to personal injury or illness that results in a hospital stay for more than 48 hours

What's not included with John Lewis Pet Insurance?

• Treatment for any pre-existing medical conditions

• Vet fees following an accident in the first 3 days of your cover start date

• Any new illnesses or symptoms that occur in the first 14 days of your cover start date

Pet insurance with six levels of vet fee cover

We understand that every owner’s situation is different. But this shouldn’t affect the quality of care for your pet. You can choose a level of vet fee cover that suits your budget — when you get a quote.

There are six levels of vet fee cover options available under lifetime insurance:

• up to £2,000

• up to £3,000

• up to £5,000

• up to £7,500

• up to £9,000

• up to £12,000

If you’re looking to reduce your premium costs, you can choose an excess fee to pay each time you claim. Choosing a higher excess means you will pay a lower monthly or yearly price, but you will need to pay the higher excess amount if you need to claim for Vet Fees. If you choose a lower excess, you will pay a higher monthly or yearly price, but you will pay the lower excess amount if you need to claim for Vet Fees. You will need to consider if a lower price would benefit you more than having to pay more towards the cost of a claim.

Average treatment costs for Jack Russells

Exact costs for vet treatments can vary. Factors like the severity of your Jack Russell’s condition and the vet you visit can affect the total bill. If you know the amount you may have to make a claim for, it can help you work out the level of pet insurance you could need.

Looking for insurance for your Jack Russell?

Pet insurance could help if your furry friend were to become unwell. John Lewis Pet Insurance offers six different vet fee cover levels, ranging from £2,000 - £12,000 per policy year.

Our pet insurance

This article is for promotion or information purposes only. You must not rely on it for advice.