Miniature Schnauzer Puppies Blog

Miniature Schnauzers are known generally to be a healthy breed. This small dog breed however do have some known health problems that may be an inconvenience to you and your pet so identifying these and knowing how to prevent them is crucial. Here are some health issues your Mini Schnauzer may encounter and how to prevent them:

Pancreatitis

Simply put, this condition is the inflammation of the pancreas, the gland that produces chemicals that controls sugar and fat absorption. Mini Schnauzers are known to suffer from high fat levels and this triggers their pancreas to be overworked.

Prevention: Preventing pancreatitis from occurring revolves around the dog’s diet. Make sure to give food that is low- or non-fat. Taking your Mini Schnauzer in daily walks as exercise would also help in burning stored fat.

Diabetes

Like in humans, Mini Schnauzers are prone to having high blood sugar levels. This goes hand-in-hand with Pancreatitis because the gland affected by this is the pancreas. Once the pancreas is affected and is unable to produce insulin (hormone that regulates blood sugar), the excess sugar is then left in the dog’s blood rather than being absorbed by the body.

Prevention: The diet of the dog should comprise of high fiber and complex carbohydrates. Make sure to check dog foods for sugar content. Serve the meals in several small ones rather than one big meal to allow proper absorption of nutrients. Exercise is necessary.

Schnauzer Bumps

Bumps or “comedone” is similar to a black head to humans. Hair follicles are plugged with oil and dirt and become irritated. This becomes infected and eventually is filled with pus.

Prevention: Proper grooming is the key in treating this condition. Use dog shampoos that get rid of excess oil in your Mini Schnauzers’ skin and coat. Keep the coat trimmed as to aerate the skin. Giving food that is rich in zinc, omega oils and Vitamins A & E would be beneficial.

Miniature Schnauzers are very pretty and handsome dogs when they have been properly groomed. If the standard is followed, you will have “Little Generals” with their mustaches trotting around the house. But grooming is just one of the many important aspects of total dog care. The people factor is important. One cannot keep a Schnauzer locked in a cage for the whole day. These dogs need to play and run around with people as it is their nature.

They are a very good choice for children but must be taught to discriminate what is rough play from actual intent to harm them for they can be suspicious. Another factor knows about the breed’s health. This breed is prone to eye infections as well as the tendency to develop diabetes and bladder stones. Don’t just get the dog without knowing this. Prevention is always better than the cure. These are only two of several good practices of taking care of the Miniature Schnauzer. Always take people, place and the dog’s health into account when speaking of the total care of the canine.