Listed below are the five most common Mini Schnauzer health concerns.

•diabetes

•liver problems

•hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

•bladder or kidney stones

•skin allergies and skin diseases

•pancreatitis

#1 Diabetes

Diabetes is a common disease among many dogs, but Miniature Schnauzers are affected at an even higher rate. When a dog becomes diabetic, they are unable to regulate and process sugars in their body. Frequently, they will require daily injections of insulin to manage this condition.

Along with managing your dog’s diabetes, diabetes also puts your pup at a higher rate of other serious issues, like cataracts. Cataracts obscure their vision and can even cause partial or full blindness in the affected eye. Studies estimate that 80% of dogs will develop at least one cataract within 16 months of a diabetes diagnosis.

Diabetes can quickly become expensive, but Spot Pet Insurance can help cover the bills for chronic conditions like diabetes so that you’re able to provide your dog with the best treatment. Research a pet insurance policy before conditions like diabetes occur or show symptoms so that they are not considered a pre-existing condition (which insurance won’t cover). It’s important to know that there is a 14-day waiting period after enrollment, if any symptoms or conditions develop during that period, they will be considered pre-existing.

Symptoms of diabetes in Miniature Schnauzers:

•excessive drinking

•frequent urination

•cloudy eyes

•increased or decreased appetite

•coat shedding excessively

#2 Liver Problems

Not to be confused with liver-colored Schnauzers, Miniature Schnauzers are more prone to liver problems, especially portosystemic shunt (PSS). PSS occurs when blood meant to go to the liver instead goes around the liver, depriving the liver of the necessary blood to function correctly. When the liver is unable to function properly, your dog cannot remove toxins from their bloodstream effectively.

The liver of Miniature Schnauzers are very sensitive. Your veterinarian can regularly screen for PSS with a liver function test. Surgery is often needed, but some dogs may be treated with only medication and a special diet. The special diet will likely be protein-reduced which is necessary for improving liver function for at least six to eight weeks.

Symptoms of PSS in Mini Schnauzers:

•stunted growth

•abnormal behaviors

•seizures

•weak muscle development

#3 Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE), also known as acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome, occurs when vomiting and bloody diarrhea occur in dogs. HGE often happens in dogs that otherwise appear healthy, and toy dog breeds, such as Mini Schnauzers, are affected the most.

The exact cause of HGE has not yet been determined. Still, it can be treated with intravenous fluid therapy that supplies the dog with plenty of electrolytes and potassium, as well as antibiotics to counter the potential for a secondary intestinal infection. If untreated, a dog will become severely ill and may even die.

Since the cause of HGE is unknown, there is no way to scan for it. If your Miniature Schnauzer has any of the above symptoms, immediately reach out to your veterinarian.

Signs and symptoms of HGE:

•vomiting

•bloody diarrhea

•tiredness

•dehydration

•fatigue

#4 Bladder or kidney stones

Miniature Schnauzers are more prone to developing bladder and kidney stones, particularly calcium stones, than other dogs for unknown reasons. Female Miniature Schnauzers or Mini Schnauzers over the age of six are at an even higher risk of developing this painful condition.

To prevent this, many veterinarians will periodically test your Miniature Schnauzer’s urine for any signs of kidney or bladder stones. It's great pet care to get your Schnauzer's urinary tract checked often for bladder or kidney stones, plus other potential urinary tract infections.

If you notice that your furry friend has blood in their urine, is straining to urinate, or cannot urinate, immediately contact your veterinarian. Bladder and kidney stones are incredibly painful!

Signs of bladder infections or kidney stones:

•blood in urine

•frequent urination (even if little comes out)

•poor appetite

•vomiting

•kidney pain

•abdominal discomfort

#5 Skin allergies and skin diseases

When humans develop environmental allergies, we typically experience an increase in sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. However, dogs with environmental allergies will develop itchy skin, otherwise known as “atopy.” The most sensitive areas of their skin include their ears, skin folds, belly, and feet.

If you notice that your Miniature Schnauzer is suddenly rubbing their face more, licking their paws, and has regular ear discomfort or ear infections, they may have allergies. There are a wide variety of available allergy treatments to relieve your pup’s discomfort. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss your treatment options.

Miniature Schnauzers are also prone to follicular dermatitis, also known as Schnauzer bumps. Schnauzer bumps are not a life-threatening condition, but they can be very uncomfortable for your dog. Schnauzer bumps are often described as “canine blackheads,” and they occur when bacteria infects your Schnauzer’s hair follicles.

If scratched or opened, these bumps can quickly become infected. As a Mini Schnauzer parent, it’s vital that you keep an eye on your pet’s skin for any bumps and signs of infection.

Number one cause for allergies in dogs results from diet! Food intolerance tests are available just ask your breeder for reccommendations!

Signs of skin infections and allergies in dogs:

•frequent or excessive itching

•skin redness

•chewing or biting at skin

•lesions, hot spots, or open sores

•sneezing or runny nose

#6 Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis in dogs is one of those conditions that owners must be informed about before it strikes because the warning signs may not always be obvious at first, the symptoms might be mistaken for something less serious, and yet it’s potentially life-threatening. The medical definition of pancreatitis is simple: “inflammation of the pancreas.” But like all serious conditions, there is more to it than that.

Because it is dangerous, a suspected case of pancreatitis needs to be addressed by a veterinarian as quickly as possible and not dealt with by “DIY” treatments. As with all medical issues, even the best online resource is not a replacement for the medical guidance from your vet.

Before looking at the details of pancreatitis, let’s take away the “ititis” and explain the small but vital organ itself:

The pancreas is responsible for releasing enzymes that aid in digestion. When the organ is working normally, the enzymes become active only when they reach the small intestine. In a dog with pancreatitis, however, the enzymes activate when they’re released, inflaming and causing damage to the pancreas and its surrounding tissue and other organs. According to the Whole Dog Journal, the enzymes can actually begin to digest the pancreas itself, which causes extreme pain to your dog.

Classic signs of pancreatitis in dogs

•Hunched back

•Repeated vomiting (either several times within a few hours or periodically over several days)

•Pain or distention of the abdomen (dog appears uncomfortable or bloated)

•Diarrhea

•Loss of appetite

•Dehydration

•Weakness/lethargy

•Fever

Causes of pancreatitis in dogs

There are a number of causes and risk factors that can bring on pancreatitis. Though often the attack appears seemingly out of the blue. Among them are:

•A high-fat diet

This is a major cause of pancreatitis, especially for a dog who gets one large helping of fatty food in one sitting

•A history of dietary indiscretion (a medical term for saying your dog will eat anything)

•Obesity

•Hypothyroidism (or other endocrine diseases)

•Severe blunt trauma

•Diabetes mellitus

•Certain medications or other toxins

These include cholinesterase inhibitors, calcium, potassium bromide, phenobarbital, l-asparaginase, estrogen, salicylates, azathioprine, thiazide diuretics, and vinca alkaloids.

•There may, in some cases, be a genetic predisposition. 

Certain breeds or types of dogs have been associated with higher risks of pancreatitis such as Miniature Schnauzers and some of the smaller toy and terrier breeds.

More about those fats: Human food is especially dangerous, though even high-fat dog food may cause pancreatitis. So owner vigilance is particularly required around holidays and other festive occasions—they can bring well-meaning guests who slip your buddy a fatty piece of lamb, or a tray of buttery cookies left within reach of an eager muzzle. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving is known for more than just Black Friday bargains. It’s one of the busiest days of the year pancreatitis-related emergency vet visits.

Basically, if your dog is showing any signs of abdominal pain, the worst thing to do is feed him a fatty diet. This is one of many reasons that giving your dog table scraps, as tempting as it may be, is not advisable.

Mini Schnauzer Health Outlook

Even with Mini Schnauzers health issues, these small dogs are great, low-shedding companions for your family. This is why health testing and a great diet is the utmost importance!!

According to the breed standard, Mini Schnauzers live to be 12 to 15-years old. In comparison, Standard Schnauzers live on average to be 13 to 16-years old.

Whether you have a black, silver, salt & pepper, liver, white, or any combo of colors Miniature Schnauzer, these energetic dogs will certainly bring happiness into your home.