Taking Care of Your Toy Size Miniature Schnauzer

Taking Care of Your Toy Size
Miniature Schnauzer

THIS IS A MUST READ

Your toy size Miniature Schnauzer is no different from any other toy breed (Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian, Maltese, etc.). It is subject to the same health risks.
The toy size Miniature Schnauzer is relatively new to the veterinary practice. Most veterinarians have never seen a one pound eight week old schnauzer puppy. Because of their tiny size, veterinarian sometimes assume that they are a runt (prone to health problems), or that a heart or liver condition exists and is responsible for the puppy=s small size. Though in some cases this could be true, in most cases it is not. I have spent many years of breeding down the size of these precious little ones, and therefore don=t have runts. One pound eight week old puppies are very common for me. Sometimes I have whole litters of these tiny babies.

LIVER SHUNTS

The liver's job is to cleanse the blood of toxins. When a liver shunt occurs it prevents this job from being accomplished. The blood vessels responsible for feeding the liver have, in most cases, bypassed the liver. It has always been believed that this is a hereditary condition or a birth defect. New findings indicate that in some cases it can be brought on by stress. In any case, it can be diagnosed properly without surgery. A simple blood test can show an indication of a liver shunt. This test combined with a test done by fasting can give you a good idea of whether or not it does exist. If a shunt does exist, then surgery is necessary.

HYPOGLYCEMIA

A large percent of toy size puppies experience a condition called, Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia is not genetic. Hypoglycemia is preventable, treatable, and correctable. When a puppy, small in size, has a hypoglycemia attack, some vets jump to the conclusion that it is a liver shunt. In most cases this is not true. Symptoms of hypoglycemia is lethargy or depression, trembling, gums are white, teeth are clenched, and in extreme cases seizures. Should a seizure occur, death could be eminent. You must immediately give your puppy sugar. Nutra Cal or Nutra Stat on hand is excellent for this. Should you not have this, you can substitute Karo syrup, corn syrup, honey, etc. Do not try to use artificial sweeteners. Please read the article on "Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)@. Do not let one meal go by uneaten or unnoticed. Your puppy needs to eat three times a day. Until your puppy has adjusted well into it=s new surroundings, letting the food soak up warm water for each feeding is a must.
Sometimes a flavorful enticement with canned food is a necessary thing. Supplement your puppy two to three times a day with a nutritional supplement before feeding . This is to keep your puppy=s blood sugar level up. For persons who work and are not supervising their puppy all day, this is essential.

TEETH

It is all too common for toy breeds to have retained teeth. Retained teeth cause plaque and bacteria build up. This is a major cause of health problems in these tiny babies. It can cause heart and kidney problems, and others. You need to keep the baby teeth pulled as they become loose and be sure they are removed by the time they reach 8 months of age. Then keep your precious baby on a good teeth cleaning schedule. Brushing their teeth can certainly be of great benefit. Please practice good dental care. Rope toys, hard plastic chew toys, nyla bones, budda bones, edible bones, all natural treats, just to name a few, are good things to give your little one. DO NOT, however give your puppy rawhide chews, unless they are in tiny pressed together pieces. Any large pieces of rawhide that your puppy swallows can be lodged in the intestines causing expensive surgery or death. RAWHIDE IS NOT DIGESTIBLE. There are many denta bones out there that are mint flavored, good for the teeth, and the puppy likes them.

FOOD

I feed a food called Pro Pac Dog Food. Pro Pac is a food found only in small pet stores and feed stores. It is a premium pet food. I start your puppy on Pro Pac Performance Puppy. This is a very tiny kibble. A good, premium dog food should be fed till your puppy is 8 to 10 months of age. Then feed a premium adult food.
Pro Pac Pet Foods
Eukanuba Pet Foods

OTHER ISSUES

Another major risk is that of stepping on, kicking, or dropping your puppy, even when your puppy reaches adulthood. What may appear to be a minor blow to your puppy could be fatal. A bell fastened to your puppy=s collar could help to prevent an accident by allowing you to know where he/she is at all times. Make your entire family aware of the risks. Don=t allow your puppy unattended on the furniture or with your children.
You must not allow your puppy to get chilled or hot. Extreme temperatures can be life threatening and/or cause permanent damage.
Under NO circumstances will money be refunded on a toy size miniature schnauzer until an autopsy is performed. If the puppy should die, an autopsy must be performed by a teaching institution and then and only then will the puppy be replaced or refunded at my discretion. Replacement or refund will take place only if it shows without doubt that the puppy died from a genetic defect.
Thank you for allowing me the time to inform you of these issues. I am very concerned, as you surely are, about the welfare of your puppy. Please take special care of this precious little creature.
You can call me at any time with questions whether health related or not. I am only happy to be of any help that I can in keeping your puppy healthy and happy.
Janice Edwards

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