Don’t you love those little bearded ladies… and gentlemen? The miniature schnauzer is one of the cutest pup breeds on the block. Not only are they cute, but they’re smart too. And you may have noticed your mini schnauzer is a bit of a clown. Indeed, schnauzers are quite funny.
The miniature schnauzer breed started in Germany in the 1800s. This particular pup was a great answer to vermin problems on farms and ranches. Miniature schnauzers tend to have good health. Their average lifespan is about 14 years.
These pups are social animals and love playing with their families. Mini schnauzers are playful, reliable, and loyal. Not only that, but they’re highly trainable dogs.
They’re sponges when it comes to learning. And they’re nearly always in the mood to play, jump, and wrestle. What fun!
Like all pets, mini schnauzers need to be cared for properly. If you have a mini schnauzer or plan on getting one, it’s important to know which health concerns are common among this breed, and how to keep them healthy.
Read on to learn about miniature schnauzer health problems, and be sure to talk with your vet before making any changes to your pup’s routine.
Some conditions your schnauzer experiences are genetic. Learn how to keep those soulful eyes happy and healthy. Speaking of happy, let’s start with your pooch’s smile.
Why Is Dental Care Important For My Schnauzer?
Veterinary dental clinics see 80 percent of dogs with signs of dental issues by the time they’re 3 years old.1 And mini schnauzers are no exception. Dental disease begins with tartar build-up. This can quickly lead to big problems with a dog’s gums and the roots of their teeth. Prevention is key.
Dental hygiene is of the utmost importance. Why? Well, it’s not just about your pup’s smile. If your miniature schnauzer loses their teeth, it could lead to other health concerns. These might affect their joints or heart health. In fact, dental care issues are the number one cause of kidney problems in dogs.2
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is a small price to pay to ensure longer-lasting wellness for your dog.
Your Miniature Schnauzer And Illness Prevention
Like all dogs, miniature schnauzers are prone to different kinds of infections like parvo, rabies and distemper.3
By vaccinating your pup, and following the care plan your vet lays out for you, you can shield them from many of these potential problems.
Take your pooch to the veterinarian as soon as they join your family. Your vet will know about vaccines, preventive care, and how to keep your dog healthy.
Which Digestive Disorders Are Miniature Schnauzers Susceptible To?
Obesity isn’t just a problem for people. It can actually cause health issues for schnauzers too. What does obesity look like for your pooch? Well, it can lead to joint discomfort, heart health issues, and digestive concerns. When it comes to human food for your pup, don’t give in.
Food allergies could also affect your pooch. If you see vomiting and diarrhea, your mini schnauzer may be dealing with a digestive issue. If your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms, bring them into the vet’s office immediately.
- Regular vomiting
- Chronic diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Pain in the abdomen
- Fever
- Significant weight loss4,5
Your Miniature Schnauzer And Their Bladder, And Kidneys
Bladder stones or kidney stones are more common in schnauzers than other breeds.7 Is your dog straining to urinate or experiencing pain while urinating? These can be symptoms of kidney and bladder stones. Get to your vet asap if your dog has blood in their urine, discolored urine, or is straining to urinate.
What Causes Unexpected Weight Loss In Miniature Schnauzers?
Parasites and pests are no joke. Do all you can to protect your pal from fleas, ticks, worms, mites, and other bugs. If you notice your dog losing weight quickly and unexpectedly, take them to the vet to check for parasites.
Keep your dog from drinking unsanitary water. This could help protect them from parasites like:
- Heartworms
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
Protect your schnauzer from pests. Ask your veterinarian for the best year-round flea and tick prevention for your pet.
If you notice bites on your dog’s skin, or if your dog is biting and scratching at themselves a lot, make sure you head to your family veterinarian.
Be on the lookout, symptoms of parasites and pests could manifest as:
- Itching
- Hair loss
- Infection8
Let’s Talk About Your Schnauzer’s Heart
When it comes to miniature schnauzer health problems, these pups are more prone to patent ductus arteriosus than other breeds. If your dog has PDA, one of the smaller vessels that carry blood between chambers in the heart doesn’t close.
If this occurs, blood carried to the lungs might cause a build-up of fluid. Signs that point to patent ductus arteriosus are:
- Coughing
- Exercise intolerance
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness in hind limbs (take hip x-rays)10
Another heart-health issue schnauzers may face is sick sinus syndrome. With sick sinus syndrome, the sinus node which gives the heart its signal to beat, isn’t working right. Fatigue and exercise intolerance are signs here as well.11
Stay on top of your pets health and visit your veterinarian’s office regularly.
Spaying Or Neutering
Spaying involves surgically removing the uterus and ovaries. Neutering is surgically removing the testicles.
Beyond ruling out motherhood or fatherhood for your pup, spaying or neutering might also help limit the chance of certain illnesses.13
Metabolic Concerns For Your Mini Schnauzer
Unfortunately, diabetes mellitus is common in several breeds of dogs, including the mini schnauzer. A schnauzer with diabetes mellitus can’t regulate the metabolism of sugars in their body. When this occurs, your pup may need you to administer medicine daily.
Symptoms include:
- Increased appetite
- Urge to drink more
- Urinating more often
- Significant weight loss14
Again, if your schnauzer is experiencing any of these symptoms, see your vet as soon as possible.
Taking Care Of Your Miniature Schnauzer At Home
Do your best in avoiding miniature schnauzer health problems by bringing your dog to the vet regularly.If you have a fenced yard, give your schnauzer plenty of room to run. Watch their diet and exercise routine. And remember, dental care is key.
Also, you should go ahead and set up a good pet health insurance plan. Part of being a dog owner means facing the costs of care. Pet health insurance can help you shoulder the financial burden. When you care properly for your miniature schnauzer, they can live a long, happy life by your side.
Learn More:
Lethargic Dog? This Could Be Why…
Dogs and Milk – Not a Great Combination
Can Dogs Eat Grapes? The Answer is Truly Life-Saving
Sources
1 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/brushing-dogs-teeth-dental-hygiene-oral-canine/
2 https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/kidney-problems-in-dogs#1
3 http://www.vetstreet.com/care/canine-distemper-parvo-bordetella-and-rabies-vaccine
4 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis-in-dogs
5 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs
6 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/portosystemic-shunt-in-dogs
7 https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/miniature-schnauzer—calcium-oxalate-urolithiasis-
8 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/parasites/
9 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia-in-dogs
10 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/patent-ductus-arteriosus-in-dogs
11 https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/companion-animal-hospital/cardiology/arrhythmias-abnormal-rhythms-dogs
12 https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/companion-animal-hospital/cardiology/leaky-valve-disease-older-dogs
13 https://www.brown.edu/Research/Colwill_Lab/CBP/spaynueter.htm
14 https://www.merckvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-pancreas/diabetes-mellitus-in-dogs-and-cats
