Entropion causes the lower eyelid to fold inward toward the eye. The result is chronic irritation of the surface of the eye.
Fortunately, it can be corrected by surgery.
Miniature Schnauzers are a small dog breed that is intelligent, affectionate, and sometimes stubborn and are easily recognisable by their signature beards and walrus moustache.
The breed originated in Germany in the late 19th century as ratters, but their popularity started to rise after World War 1 and they're no longer used as working dogs, but they're in the top 15 favourite breeds in the UK.
They may well look like they’re just a small version of the Giant and Standard Schnauzer, but they are in fact a breed of their own after crossbreeding Standard Schnauzers with smaller breeds like the Miniature Pinscher or the pomeranian, with the first documented Miniature Schnauzer dating back to 1888.
You’ll never be bored or lonely with a Miniature Schnauzer around because their mischievous and playful personalities will keep you on your toes until they’re tired out at which point they'll have a nap on your lap or by your side.
Their high level of intelligence makes them a regular at agility and obedience competitions in which they fair very well.
The Miniature Schnauzer is well known for their mischievous personality and their high intelligence means they can get bored easily, so it is important to keep their exercise up and keep them stimulate.
They’re affectionate with the family, loyal and require a lot of attention, but most importantly, they just want to have fun and be the centre of attention.
They seemingly have no idea how small they are, so they won’t think twice about taking on a much bigger dog which can get them in trouble and even hurt, so it’s important, as a responsible dog owner, that you keep them in check.
Expect them to be protective of you and your family as they are often cagey with strangers, until you let them know they’re welcome.
They may be miniature, but they make an excellent watchdog thanks to their piercing bark which will alert you of any guests, unwanted or not, and they won’t be greeting any burglars with just a lick.
They can be incredibly stubborn and will often play the ‘I can’t hear you’ game when you tell him to do something. To avoid this, you must let them know who's boss early on and never give in because if you give them an inch, they will take a mile.
They are a terrier at heart, so keep them on a leash in unfenced areas or they will quickly chase after anything and will likely ignore your calls.
The Miniature Schnauzer is perfect for someone who wants a small dog with a lively, mischievous personality, but will also happily snuggle on your lap.
They are generally good with children, especially if they’re raised up together and they will be affectionate, playful and protective of their small humans and they play well together to burn off steam.
Unlike other terriers, most Miniature Schnauzers are good with other dogs, meaning they are suitable for a household that already has dogs however they're not good with smaller pets like rodents as their ratter instincts will kick in and they will attack which no amount of training will help.
They don’t shed much at all which makes them a perfect choice for someone with asthma who wouldn’t fare well in a house with lots of loose dog hair.
You must be committed to provide a 45 minute walk every day, after which you will be rewarded with a tired, less mischievous Miniature Schnauzer.
His small size makes him suitable for apartment or city life, but he needs exercise and they also enjoy larger spaces, so they'll better suit suburban or farm families.
They need an owner who will take charge, won’t let them get away with anything and will let them know early on that you’re the boss, and won't give in even once.
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming to keep up their signature look and for that, most owners will turn to professional groomers every 6 to 8 weeks. You could do the grooming yourself, but it's difficult, and you should expect to take a few attempts before getting it right.
They don’t shed much at all, but you should still brush them two or three times a week, particularly their face and legs, to avoid tangles.
Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria, but daily brushing is even better to prevent gum disease.
Trim their nails once or twice a month, but always bear in mind, if you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long and should be cut immediately. Not only does trimming the nails keep their paws in good condition, it also protects you and anyone else when they jump up.
They are prone to ear infections, so check ears regularly for any sign of infection which could be redness, sores, or bad odour and gently wash their ear with a cotton wool bud and cleaning solution, but to avoid damaging the ear canal, only clean areas you can see.
Miniature Schnauzers can gain weight easily, and they just love their food so will easily overeat if you offer them scraps or lots of treats.
Generally, they’re a healthy breed, but there are some health problems they're more prone to than others.
Entropion causes the lower eyelid to fold inward toward the eye. The result is chronic irritation of the surface of the eye.
Fortunately, it can be corrected by surgery.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina.
Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind, with the loss of sight during the day occurring as the disease progresses.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment, but it is known that the condition doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort and most dogs will adapt well to their limited or lost vision, so long as their surroundings and environment stay the same.
Urinary Stones are stones that form in the bladder of the dog. Symptoms include straining when urinating, passing blood in urine, urinating more often and the urine can be cloudy or foul-smelling.
Most small bladder stones may pass on their own, however it is still recommended to speak to your vet for guidance.
Dietary changes can’t rid the dog of existing stones, but it can be preventative as some manufacturers do provide special food that doesn’t include many of the minerals that are regular culprits for causing stones.
Encouraging water intake is also another prevention method as stones don’t develop as well in diluted urine.
Myotonia Congenita is a hereditary skeletomuscular disorder that is similar to muscular dystrophy. The disorder causes muscles to contract easily and most sufferers will have prominent muscles in the shoulders and thighs.
Symptoms can be severe and range from difficulty standing up, to enlarged tongues and difficulty swallowing.
Von Willebrand’s Disease is an inherited blood disorder that hinders the bloods ability to clot.
The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. You will find that a wound just simply won’t stop bleeding like it would on a normal dog or human.
Other less severe symptoms are bleeding gums, nose bleeds and bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
Sadly, there’s currently no cure and a blood transfusion from unaffected dogs is the only treatment.
Generally, a dog with this condition can live a normal life, but you will need to pay closer attention and take precautions to limit the likelihood of injury.
Congenital Megaesophagus is an unfortunate condition that causes food and liquid to get lodged in the dog’s oesophagus, causing them to regurgitate their food.
Severity can vary from one dog to another and can often depend on their food. For some, regurgitation may happen once every few days whilst for others it may occur daily.
There is no treatment, so prevention is key. Affected dogs should be fed a high calorie diet, in small frequent feedings, to make up for the meals they don’t keep down. Perhaps more importantly, you should utilise the effects of gravity by feeding them upright which will help food travel through the oesophagus.
The biggest issues that come from Congenital Megaesophagus, besides suffocation, are pneumonia and malnutrition but unlike the initial condition, these can be treated.