Schnauzers are adorable yet sturdy dogs with impressive mustaches and a beard. They are one of the most friendly and popular dog breeds around the world. If you have a Schnauzer or are considering getting one, you’ll probably wonder how long will your Schnauzer live.
Though humans tend to live longer, the situation is astonishingly different when it comes to the human’s best friend because a dog aged one year is equivalent to a human aged 15.
In general, Schnauzers are healthy and fit dogs. During their lifetime, they face very few health issues. On the whole, their size determines their lifespan to a greater extent as giant Schnauzers typically live a short life compared to miniature ones.
A Schnauzer has an average lifespan of 12—16 years. All three types of Schnauzers have different life spans:
- The miniature Schnauzer is expected to live from 12 — 15 years
- Giant Schnauzer can live up to 12 — 15 years
- Standard Schnauzer can live up to 13 — 16 years
How to Increase the Life Expectancy of Schnauzers
Who doesn’t love their dogs and want to keep them forever? Well, that’s impossible, but we can certainly extend their time with us.
Like any breed, Schnauzers are also vulnerable to some diseases more than others. Here are a few handfuls of tips you can use to deal with the health issues in advance.
Dental Care
Dental diseases are so common for dogs that around 80 percent of them go through painful dental issues before the age of two, and unfortunately, Schnauzers are no exception. The plaque and tar build-up are quite common, especially in their later years.
The bacteria in that tar are lethal because they get into the bloodstream and damage your friend’s vital organs like the liver, kidney, and heart. Keeping their teeth clean and brushed will prevent the smell and keep the dental issues away. Additionally, consider visiting dentists frequently to save your pet from discomfort later on.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Schnauzers can develop obesity, and like humans, obesity invites several fatal diseases, such as joint, stomach, heart, back problems, and the list goes on. While losing weight for these dogs could be challenging, having a balanced diet and vigorous activity levels can keep things on track.
Proper Canine Diet
Your pet’s long-term health depends on what he eats. Our furry friend needs organic and quality food to strengthen the immune system and save him from digestive problems. Whether you buy food at the market or prepare something at home, he must only consume food made especially for dogs. Besides, be mindful about feeding him leftovers and human food.
Maintain Good Activity Levels
Keeping Schnauzers busy is compulsory for their mental and physical health. Involve them in different games and activities so that they don’t indulge in any negative behavior. The exercise levels may vary depending on the age and size of your Schnauzer.
Schnauzers are more at risk of diabetes, obesity, and pancreatitis. Though there is no single reason behind these painful and life-threatening diseases, you can reduce the risk of him contracting diseases by keeping your pet active.
Prioritize Routine Checkup
It is never a good idea to skip a regular check-up as they are meant to catch diseases at an earlier stage. Also, get your pup vaccinated—canine influenza, rabies, leptospirosis, and coronavirus.
Other than that, if you notice anything strange about their skin, behavior, or body, speak with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Be Wary of Foul Smell
We all love it when our pets are clean and smell good. That’s why pup-parents make a concerted effort to keep their dogs clean and well-groomed. Nevertheless, if your pet continues to smell bad after cleaning, there may be a problem. It could be an infection, tooth decay, or even an injury.
Final Words
This article looked at the recurring question of how long Schnauzers live and some tips to improve their health ahead of time.
We all want to see our Schnauzers healthy and active. Despite their short lifespan, we can do a few things to improve their quality of life. After all, our small actions can make a huge difference to them.
Disclaimer
No information provided in this article is meant to replace your vet’s verdict in any way. Any time you see your pet suffering from any health condition, consider visiting a veterinarian as soon as possible.
