Information on Mini Schnauzer Allergy Problems
Miniature Schnauzers may be more prone than other dog
breeds to allergies and allergic skin conditions. Allergies in Mini Schnauzers
are diagnosed by carefully reviewing diet, environment, medical history and
exercise. A veterinarian can prescribe treatment upon completing a medical exam,
tests and considering the breed.
History
Miniature Schnauzers, along with their cousins the Standard and Giant Schnauzers,
are considered to be among the most healthy of dog breeds. Miniature Schnauzers
are historically free of many genetic problems common among other purebred dogs.
Every breed of dog has certain health problems that recur in generation after
generation, however. Miniature Schnauzers do have a tendency toward allergies
and allergic skin conditions.
Types
Skin conditions may be a problem with a Miniature Schnauzer. Many Mini
Schnauzers have no skin problems or allergies, but some have sensitivities that
cause scratching, biting or excessive licking. Mini Schnauzers that lick and
scratch obsessively can create skin sores that become infected and painful.
Dog allergies are divided into three types: skin allergies, food allergies and
environmental allergies.
Miniature Schnauzer skin disorders are widely varied. Dogs that spend time
outdoors may be allergic to grass and certain plants; dogs that spend time
indoors may be allergic to detergents or specific fabrics. Allergic skin
disorders cause extreme discomfort and can cause a dog to scratch and bite
excessively. Miniature Schnauzers often suffer from flea bite allergies, which
is a reaction to protein in flea saliva, not to the flea. If a Mini Schnauzer is
sensitized to flea bites, it will experience intense itching. Just one flea bite
in a sensitized Schnauzer will cause intense and long-lasting itching. Food
allergies can also cause skin irritation, as well as stomach upset, diarrhea and
vomiting. Environmental allergies create breathing difficulties, watery or
oozing eyes, running nose and other symptoms. Environmental allergies that are
inhaled can cause allergic reactions similar to those in humans. Pollen, trees,
dust mites, other animals and mold can trigger environmental allergies in
Miniature Schnauzers.
Identification
Skin irritation, discoloration, raw patches and itching are the most common
symptoms of any one of the three types of allergies. If a Mini Schnauzer has
localized itching, the allergy is generally in response to something the dog has
touched. If the dog has itching over its entire body, the allergy is more likely
in response to food. Miniature Schnauzers that chew on their feet, rub their
faces or scratch their ears may be having an allergic reaction. A dog that
suffers from allergies can experience hair loss or skin abrasions. Miniature
Schnauzers seem to be prone to an allergic reaction that appears as a "hot spot"
in the neck area. A "hot spot" is a patch of raw skin that feels tender and may
ooze.
Sometimes the cause of an allergic reaction can be determined by the timing of
the itching and irritation. If the allergy seems to be year round, it might be
dust or mold. If it is seasonal, pollen is the likely cause. Food allergies
cause irritation on the feet or muzzle, diarrhea and vomiting. Soy, corn, beef,
dairy products, wheat and fish often cause allergic reactions in Miniature
Schnauzers.
Expert Insight
Dogs of all breeds can suffer from allergies. Once a dog is sensitized to a
particular allergen, the effects are usually there for the dog's lifetime.
Rarely is an allergy "cured." Instead, the allergen can be removed or avoided.
Treatments can relieve the symptoms of an allergy, but will not cure it. Owners
and breeders of Miniature Schnauzers have documented that the breed may be more
prone to allergies than other breeds.
Prevention/Solution
Allergies cannot be prevented, although avoiding early or intense exposure to
typical allergens can lessen the probability of developing an allergic reaction.
Miniature Schnauzers suffering from allergic reactions with itch and skin
irritation may be soothed by cool baths and shampoos containing aloe vera,
oatmeal or eucalyptus. There are some herbal shampoos and skin conditioners that
may soothe an allergy attack and irritated skin. It will be helpful to keep a
Miniature Schnauzer's feet and ears dry and dirt free. Eyes that are watery or
oozing from allergic reaction can be cleaned with a boric acid ophthalmic
solution or moisturizing Visine drops.
Oral antibiotics, antibiotic ointments and other prescription medications can
treat swelling or severe skin irritations. A veterinarian can evaluate a
Miniature Schnauzer's allergy problem and prescribe treatment that will
alleviate itching, discomfort and the anxiety that they cause a Miniature
Schnauzer.
Potential
Although Miniature Schnauzers may be more prone to allergies than other dog
breeds, they make a great companion for humans who suffer from allergies to dogs.
Miniature Schnauzers shed very little and produce minimal skin dander. They are
considered hypoallergenic, or low-allergen.