THREE-Year Miniature Schnauzer Health Guarantee and Contract Below. Information Below on Feeding Your Schnauzer. Health Issues Below.
My purpose as a breeder is to produce beautiful and healthy Miniature Schnauzers. The average life expectancy for a dog is 10 to 12 years old with some living longer (this applies to Schnauzers too). Only 1% of dogs live to be 15 years old or older. No breeder can claim they will never have a puppy/adult with a life threatening genetic disorder (Humans have over 3000 genetic disorders and dogs have them too). It is impossible to produce 100% perfection. Life does not work that way with humans or animals however, I stand by the health of my Miniature Schnauzers and their offspring. I have provided a contract and guarantee that reflects my commitment in producing healthy puppies that grow into healthy adults and live a long life as a companion pet.
My mission is that the Schnauzer will be free from LIFE THREATENING genetic disorders to the best of my knowledge through adulthood. This is not a guarantee against common health issues for this breed in general. I will not cover life threatening diseases caused by a bad diet, lack of exercise, or lack of vet care. LINK TO WHAT I FEED MY DOGS.
HEALTH CONTRACT AND SPAY/NEUTER AGREEMENT: Updated 09/10/2019
VET CHECK UP WITHIN THREE BUSINESS DAYS OF PICK-UP FROM BREEDER
The Buyer has THREE business days to have the puppy examined by a Licensed Veterinarian of choice. Failure to have the puppy examined by a Licensed Veterinarian within three business days of the adoption/purchase voids all guarantees and this contract. Failure to have the Schnauzer spayed/neutered between 7 and 18 months of age voids this contract. Do NOT let your vet talk you into spaying or neutering before 7 months of age. This is incredibly unhealthy. Source: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/09/30/neutering-health-risks.aspx
If within three business days of purchase; a veterinarian’s examination determines the Buyer has purchased an unhealthy Miniature Schnauzer puppy from the Breeder; the Buyer is to return the unhealthy puppy. The puppy will be replaced by a healthy Miniature Schnauzer puppy as soon as another puppy is available. The unhealthy puppy must be returned with a letter from the examining Veterinarian, stating the date the puppy was examined and explaining why this puppy is in poor health—including a description of the symptoms supporting his/her opinion.
My Mission:
*Pups are given preventatives prior to leaving for parasites (ticks, fleas, mites & worms)
*Pups have no ear, or eye infections
*Pups have no hernias (occasionally minor hernias do happen & I let the family know)
*Pups joints and patella’s are intact and in good condition
*Pups are hydrated and receiving proper nutrition (are at a healthy weight)
*Pups gums and teeth are in perfect condition for their age
*Pups glands are normal and not inflamed or enlarged
*Pups heart checked to be free of murmurs
*Pups lungs are free of abnormalities
AVOID PUBLIC PLACES UNTIL THE SCHNAUZER IS FULLY VACCINATED
Buyer understands that the Breeder has suggested the Buyer not to take the puppy to public places (including parks, neighbors, Petsmart, groomers, puppy classes, etc.) until the puppy has received his/her final puppy inoculations which is 12 to 16 weeks of age. However, you may socialize your puppy by inviting guests over and take the puppy in car rides regularly etc. The Buyer must protect the puppy and avoid contact with areas where infected or un-vaccinated dogs may have been or may be present with diseases such as PARVO, DISTEMPER, ETC. This requirement is to protect the puppy and this could save the puppy’s life. Any illness contracted from Buyer’s decision not to follow these guidelines will void this contract. Buyer has the right to communicate with the Breeders Veterinarian at any time (Bluffton Animal Clinic in Bluffton, Indiana 260-824-0924) and vice versa. The breeder can communicate with the buyer’s veterinarian at any time without permission from the buyer.
DIAGNOSIS OF LIFE THREATENING GENETIC DEFECT BEFORE THE AGE OF 5
If your Miniature Schnauzer is diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian with a serious life threatening genetic defect before the age of three years, the Breeder will replace the Schnauzer with a healthy puppy, assuming the Breeder is still breeding. Also the Buyer will provide the vet records where the dog has had regular vet care and inoculations, along with a written explanation from a licensed vet stating the defect. Any vet bills incurred to diagnose or repair a problem will be the responsibility of the Buyer. *Breeder will not pay for the vet care of the original Miniature Schnauzer. Defects include but are not limited to heart valve defect or liver shunt.
*Death as a result of a genetic defect: To make a claim, the Buyer must bring a Licensed Veterinarian's certificate stating the cause of death, a NECROPSY must be performed and description of the symptoms supporting the genetic defect. The dogs AKC paperwork and health care records will also be needed and provided to the Buyer. All information must be submitted within ten (10) days of the occurrence. This guarantee is not valid in the case of accidental injury or death. This guarantee is canceled upon any evidence of abuse or neglect, or if the Buyer fails to maintain annual checkups with a Licensed Veterinarian. *I will not cover any health issues for dogs that are given these preventatives or grain free foods. The flea and tick pills Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, and Credelio have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous to pets.
ANNUAL VET CARE EXPECTED AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Lastly, the Buyer must keep this Schnauzer under the care of a Licensed Veterinarian throughout the dog’s lifespan. The Buyer is not to allow the Schnauzer to become overweight, if the Miniature Schnauzer becomes overweight–this health guarantee/contract is void. *Miniature Schnauzers that are overweight develop health problems such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and pancreatic issues, which are caused by being overweight and a high amount of fat in the bloodstream. Make sure your Schnauzers weight is healthy for its height and consult your vet for more details on a healthy BMI.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Breeder, makes nor implies any warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, other than those written in this agreement. This document constitutes the entire agreement between the Buyer and Breeder, with respect to this adoption. The Buyer's signature below indicates that the Buyer has read, agrees, and understands all the conditions of this three page Health Guarantee. The puppy you are adopting is in good health as of this adoption date recorded on page 4 of the Buyers Contract and pg 5 of the Breeders Copy. All puppies from this Breeder are purebred and result from a litter registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Breeder makes no warranty against Coccidiosis, Giardia, or intestinal parasites. Coccidiosis, Giardia, intestinal worms, fleas, or ear mites are not valid reasons for returning this puppy and are COMMON with puppies. A hernia is not a valid reason for returning this puppy. The Breeder does everything within her power to ensure you receive a parasite free puppy—however, they can test positive after leaving here. There is no guarantee as to the disposition, life span, color, or show quality of any puppy.
Buyer can return the puppy/dog at any time during the dog’s lifespan. *If the puppy is returned within 14 days of purchase/pickup (for any reason or no reason at all); the Breeder will give you a full refund (less the deposit) of the purchase price (once the puppy is placed with another family). The Miniature Schnauzer puppy must be returned with all vet records and items sent with the Buyer from the Breeder. Items include registration papers, shot records, and other items sent with puppy in the Welcome Puppy Package. *Buyer is to return puppy/dog if Buyer cannot keep the Schnauzer—this includes the entire lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer however, after 14 business days of purchase there is NO refund. Returning a Schnauzer to the Breeder should ALWAYS be the last resort. The Buyer is expected to potty train, obedience train, and maintain vet care and if there are any issues with training/etc, consult a professional.
All Legal Fees, Collection Agency Fees, or any other fees, which would incur to enforce this contract, will be the SOLE responsibility of the BUYER. The seller/breeder reserves the right to use any collection method available to collect unpaid fees. Breeder also reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time prior to delivery of the puppy from Breeder to Buyer for any reason. All legal action is to take place in Blackford County, Indiana or the county the Buyer currently is residing. Buyer is responsible for all legal fees of Breeder if a court rules in favor of Breeder and enforces this contract in a dispute.
By signing / reading this document, both parties acknowledge that they have read, do understand and agree with the terms of this three-page contract. Both parties have a copy of this contract. This contract has been read and understood by the Buyer. Breeder will not be held responsible for the Buyers Vet or Lawyer fees accruing after this adoption (unless stated above).
This agreement is legal and binding. You are purchasing a puppy as a "pet” only. You will be required to have your Miniature Schnauzer spayed/neutered. Spay/Neuter Agreement
Permanent ownership of this dog is contingent upon your compliance with this Addendum. Proof of spay/neuter must be received within (30) days after the surgery. In the event that the dog’s health does not allow this agreement to be honored, DAPHNE RIGGS must be provided with a statement from your veterinarian that this dog is not yet in physical or emotional condition for surgery. Based upon the veterinarian’s evaluation of this dog the (BUYER/PURCHASER) will contact the veterinarian and establish the earliest date that the procedure can be performed. (PURCHASER) will notify the BREEDER of this amendment in writing, at which time all other conditions of this agreement will apply and be enforced.
This is the responsibility of the PURCHASER, not the veterinarian, to ensure that the BREEDER has received verification that the surgery has been performed. Failure to comply with this agreement by the age agreed upon, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, will be considered a breach of the Health Contract and Guarantee. PURCHASER will transport this dog back to Riggs Miniature Schnauzers and will not be entitled to a refund.
By my signature below, I (purchaser) agree to have this dog spayed/neutered by no earlier than 7 months of age and no later than 18 months of age and I (purchaser) understand that this spay/neuter agreement is an agreement that this dog will not produce a litter of puppies either as purposely bred or by accidental breeding. I (purchaser) also agree that should the Miniature Schnauzer not be altered that I (purchaser) will return said dog back to Daphne Riggs aka BREEDER with no refund.
The Buyer has THREE business days to have the puppy examined by a Licensed Veterinarian of choice. Failure to have the puppy examined by a Licensed Veterinarian within three business days of the adoption/purchase voids all guarantees and this contract. Failure to have the Schnauzer spayed/neutered between 7 and 18 months of age voids this contract. Do NOT let your vet talk you into spaying or neutering before 7 months of age. This is incredibly unhealthy. Source: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/09/30/neutering-health-risks.aspx
If within three business days of purchase; a veterinarian’s examination determines the Buyer has purchased an unhealthy Miniature Schnauzer puppy from the Breeder; the Buyer is to return the unhealthy puppy. The puppy will be replaced by a healthy Miniature Schnauzer puppy as soon as another puppy is available. The unhealthy puppy must be returned with a letter from the examining Veterinarian, stating the date the puppy was examined and explaining why this puppy is in poor health—including a description of the symptoms supporting his/her opinion.
My Mission:
*Pups are given preventatives prior to leaving for parasites (ticks, fleas, mites & worms)
*Pups have no ear, or eye infections
*Pups have no hernias (occasionally minor hernias do happen & I let the family know)
*Pups joints and patella’s are intact and in good condition
*Pups are hydrated and receiving proper nutrition (are at a healthy weight)
*Pups gums and teeth are in perfect condition for their age
*Pups glands are normal and not inflamed or enlarged
*Pups heart checked to be free of murmurs
*Pups lungs are free of abnormalities
AVOID PUBLIC PLACES UNTIL THE SCHNAUZER IS FULLY VACCINATED
Buyer understands that the Breeder has suggested the Buyer not to take the puppy to public places (including parks, neighbors, Petsmart, groomers, puppy classes, etc.) until the puppy has received his/her final puppy inoculations which is 12 to 16 weeks of age. However, you may socialize your puppy by inviting guests over and take the puppy in car rides regularly etc. The Buyer must protect the puppy and avoid contact with areas where infected or un-vaccinated dogs may have been or may be present with diseases such as PARVO, DISTEMPER, ETC. This requirement is to protect the puppy and this could save the puppy’s life. Any illness contracted from Buyer’s decision not to follow these guidelines will void this contract. Buyer has the right to communicate with the Breeders Veterinarian at any time (Bluffton Animal Clinic in Bluffton, Indiana 260-824-0924) and vice versa. The breeder can communicate with the buyer’s veterinarian at any time without permission from the buyer.
DIAGNOSIS OF LIFE THREATENING GENETIC DEFECT BEFORE THE AGE OF 5
If your Miniature Schnauzer is diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian with a serious life threatening genetic defect before the age of three years, the Breeder will replace the Schnauzer with a healthy puppy, assuming the Breeder is still breeding. Also the Buyer will provide the vet records where the dog has had regular vet care and inoculations, along with a written explanation from a licensed vet stating the defect. Any vet bills incurred to diagnose or repair a problem will be the responsibility of the Buyer. *Breeder will not pay for the vet care of the original Miniature Schnauzer. Defects include but are not limited to heart valve defect or liver shunt.
*Death as a result of a genetic defect: To make a claim, the Buyer must bring a Licensed Veterinarian's certificate stating the cause of death, a NECROPSY must be performed and description of the symptoms supporting the genetic defect. The dogs AKC paperwork and health care records will also be needed and provided to the Buyer. All information must be submitted within ten (10) days of the occurrence. This guarantee is not valid in the case of accidental injury or death. This guarantee is canceled upon any evidence of abuse or neglect, or if the Buyer fails to maintain annual checkups with a Licensed Veterinarian. *I will not cover any health issues for dogs that are given these preventatives or grain free foods. The flea and tick pills Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, and Credelio have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous to pets.
ANNUAL VET CARE EXPECTED AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Lastly, the Buyer must keep this Schnauzer under the care of a Licensed Veterinarian throughout the dog’s lifespan. The Buyer is not to allow the Schnauzer to become overweight, if the Miniature Schnauzer becomes overweight–this health guarantee/contract is void. *Miniature Schnauzers that are overweight develop health problems such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and pancreatic issues, which are caused by being overweight and a high amount of fat in the bloodstream. Make sure your Schnauzers weight is healthy for its height and consult your vet for more details on a healthy BMI.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Breeder, makes nor implies any warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, other than those written in this agreement. This document constitutes the entire agreement between the Buyer and Breeder, with respect to this adoption. The Buyer's signature below indicates that the Buyer has read, agrees, and understands all the conditions of this three page Health Guarantee. The puppy you are adopting is in good health as of this adoption date recorded on page 4 of the Buyers Contract and pg 5 of the Breeders Copy. All puppies from this Breeder are purebred and result from a litter registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Breeder makes no warranty against Coccidiosis, Giardia, or intestinal parasites. Coccidiosis, Giardia, intestinal worms, fleas, or ear mites are not valid reasons for returning this puppy and are COMMON with puppies. A hernia is not a valid reason for returning this puppy. The Breeder does everything within her power to ensure you receive a parasite free puppy—however, they can test positive after leaving here. There is no guarantee as to the disposition, life span, color, or show quality of any puppy.
Buyer can return the puppy/dog at any time during the dog’s lifespan. *If the puppy is returned within 14 days of purchase/pickup (for any reason or no reason at all); the Breeder will give you a full refund (less the deposit) of the purchase price (once the puppy is placed with another family). The Miniature Schnauzer puppy must be returned with all vet records and items sent with the Buyer from the Breeder. Items include registration papers, shot records, and other items sent with puppy in the Welcome Puppy Package. *Buyer is to return puppy/dog if Buyer cannot keep the Schnauzer—this includes the entire lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer however, after 14 business days of purchase there is NO refund. Returning a Schnauzer to the Breeder should ALWAYS be the last resort. The Buyer is expected to potty train, obedience train, and maintain vet care and if there are any issues with training/etc, consult a professional.
All Legal Fees, Collection Agency Fees, or any other fees, which would incur to enforce this contract, will be the SOLE responsibility of the BUYER. The seller/breeder reserves the right to use any collection method available to collect unpaid fees. Breeder also reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time prior to delivery of the puppy from Breeder to Buyer for any reason. All legal action is to take place in Blackford County, Indiana or the county the Buyer currently is residing. Buyer is responsible for all legal fees of Breeder if a court rules in favor of Breeder and enforces this contract in a dispute.
By signing / reading this document, both parties acknowledge that they have read, do understand and agree with the terms of this three-page contract. Both parties have a copy of this contract. This contract has been read and understood by the Buyer. Breeder will not be held responsible for the Buyers Vet or Lawyer fees accruing after this adoption (unless stated above).
This agreement is legal and binding. You are purchasing a puppy as a "pet” only. You will be required to have your Miniature Schnauzer spayed/neutered. Spay/Neuter Agreement
Permanent ownership of this dog is contingent upon your compliance with this Addendum. Proof of spay/neuter must be received within (30) days after the surgery. In the event that the dog’s health does not allow this agreement to be honored, DAPHNE RIGGS must be provided with a statement from your veterinarian that this dog is not yet in physical or emotional condition for surgery. Based upon the veterinarian’s evaluation of this dog the (BUYER/PURCHASER) will contact the veterinarian and establish the earliest date that the procedure can be performed. (PURCHASER) will notify the BREEDER of this amendment in writing, at which time all other conditions of this agreement will apply and be enforced.
This is the responsibility of the PURCHASER, not the veterinarian, to ensure that the BREEDER has received verification that the surgery has been performed. Failure to comply with this agreement by the age agreed upon, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, will be considered a breach of the Health Contract and Guarantee. PURCHASER will transport this dog back to Riggs Miniature Schnauzers and will not be entitled to a refund.
By my signature below, I (purchaser) agree to have this dog spayed/neutered by no earlier than 7 months of age and no later than 18 months of age and I (purchaser) understand that this spay/neuter agreement is an agreement that this dog will not produce a litter of puppies either as purposely bred or by accidental breeding. I (purchaser) also agree that should the Miniature Schnauzer not be altered that I (purchaser) will return said dog back to Daphne Riggs aka BREEDER with no refund.
Common Health problems in dogs... and Miniature Schnauzers
Cataracts in dogs are one of those Miniature Schnauzer health problems that affect many other purebred breeds. Indeed, it is one of the most common eye diseases in dogs, and suspected of being a genetic problem in about 97 breeds! Source:http://www.miniature-schnauzer-australia.com/cataracts_in_dogs.html
Which Dog Breeds Get Cataracts? One study looked at the records of almost 40,000 dogs presented with cataracts at veterinary teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003. Results of the study: health miniature problem schnauzer 1. Though cataracts in dogs are most common in purebreds, around 1.61% of mixed breed dogs get them too. 2. Apart from the Miniature Schnauzer (4.98% affected), Purebreds with the highest risk of developing cataracts, were: • American Cocker Spaniel (8.77% affected) • Bichon Frise (11.45% affected) • Boston Terrier (11.11% affected) • Havanese (11.57% affected) • Miniature Poodle (10.79% affected) • Silky Terrier (10.29% affected) • Smooth Fox Terrier (11.70% affected) • Standard Poodle (7.00% affected) • Toy Poodle (10.21% affected). Breeds originally used to develop the Miniature Schnauzer from the Standard Schnauzer included the Bichon Frise and Poodle – likely sources of the cataract gene in our breed! So, What are Cataracts in Dogs? All light information processed by the eye has to first get through the lens. A healthy lens is clear to allow light through. In this cross section of an eye, the lens is shown in yellow A lens that becomes cloudy or milky is called a cataract. It’s like looking through a foggy window! The extent to which a cataract interferes with the ability of the dog to see depends on how cloudy it is, as well as what parts of the lens are affected. What Cataracts in Dogs are NOT Hereditary • Cataracts in Old Dogs _______________________________________________________
Ear Infections in Dogs Dogs can get ear infections for any number of reasons. conformation of certain breeds predispose the ear to infections. Generally, genetic traits that inhibit air drying of the ear or normal drainage of ear debris tend to cause an increased incidence of ear infections (meaning the way that type of breeds ears are set and the amount of hair in the ear). Other reasons for ear infections in dogs are exposure to water and skin allergies. Certainly, many ear infections occur for no specific reason at all. http://www.doghealthproblemsadvice.com/dog-ear-infections.html Breed Links on Health (Mini's)http://www.dogbiz.com/dogbiz-genetic-disease-guide.html
http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/miniature-schnauzer#health www.canadasguidetodogs.com/schnauzermin.htm http://www.mscc.ca/health.html |
Canine Diabetes Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatment Would you recognize canine diabetes symptoms in your dog? It pays to become familiar with the warning signs!
Diabetes is an increasingly common disease in dogs and people, now affecting about one in every 150 dogs. Is your dog at risk? And what is the risk to Miniature Schnauzer health? What treatments are available and what can you do to avoid this disease? What is Diabetes? The energy that body cells rely on to power them comes from blood glucose. Glucose can only get into cells with the help of the hormone insulin, normally produced by the pancreas. In diabetes this mechanism is disrupted, which can happen in one of two ways... Canine diabetes mellitus Canine diabetes mellitus, or Type I diabetes, is where the pancreas stops producing enough insulin to cope with the body’s glucose load. So this type of diabetes will respond to insulin injections. This is also the type most commonly seen in dogs. Canine diabetes insipidus Canine diabetes insipidus, or Type II diabetes, is where there is sufficient insulin available, but the body cells become less able to respond to it to let glucose in. Canine Diabetes Symptoms EARLY CANINE DIABETES SYMPTOMS Early canine diabetes symptoms all stem from the inability of cells to get the glucose energy they need to function. Hunger and weight loss So, while there may be plenty of available glucose in the blood, the cells are starving. As a result, while the dog will be hungry, and eat more than usual, it will lose weight. Increased drinking and urination The body gets rid of excess glucose by using water to flush it out into the urine. So a common canine diabetes symptom is increased drinking and peeing. Weakness and depression Low cell glucose means low cell energy. So a common canine diabetes symptom is weakness. And because the brain is a big glucose user, the animal will also be depressed and lethargic. LATER CANINE DIABETES SYMPTOMS Blindness The excess glucose circulating the blood can infiltrate the lens of the eye, causing it to go cloudy and form cataracts. This can happen very rapidly leading to relatively sudden blindness in some dogs with diabetes. Loss of appetite As the disease progresses, untreated dogs become too weak and sick to eat. They will be very depressed and may also vomit. Kidney, heart, liver and brain disease Naturally, the hardest working organs in the body need the most glucose to function normally. So in the untreated diabetic dog, serious degeneration and failure of the kidney, heart, liver and brain can develop, leading eventually to coma and death in severe cases. At the risk of such severe complications it is imperative to seek a veterinary diagnosis as soon as you notice any signs that look like canine diabetes symptoms in their early stages. Diagnosis The key to diagnosing diabetes is the presence of excessive glucose in the blood and urine. Because of normal fluctuations in blood sugar after and between meals, it can take several tests to be sure. Canine Diabetes Causes and Risk Factors As we have seen, today about one in every 150 dogs will develop diabetes. Back in 1970 only one in every 526 dogs got it! What’s going on? Could processed convenience dog foods have something to do with it? We’ll discuss that hot topic under “control”, below. But first, what are the main risk factors for canine diabetes? Age While dogs of any age can get diabetes, it is usually seen in middle aged to older dogs between 7 to 9 years of age. Sex Female dogs, particularly if they are unspayed, are twice as likely to get diabetes as male dogs. Obesity The risk of developing canine diabetes mellitus is higher in overweight dogs. Either over feeding or a high fat and sugar diet can be to blame. Many commercial dog foods contain high levels of processed fats and sugars (eg corn, sugar and sorbitol), so feeding a natural diet and keeping your dog slim is a wise preventative strategy. Damage to the pancreas If the pancreas is damaged or diseased, its insulin production can be compromised (canine diabetes mellitus). Causes include viruses, immune disease, steroid drugs, and inflammatory disorders (pancreatitis). Reproductive hormones Natural progestagen hormones in unspayed female dogs between heats or the use of synthetic progestagens can precipitate diabetes. These reproductive hormones both overstimulate insulin production by the pancreas (leading to pancreatic exhaustion and canine diabetes mellitus) and cause body cells to lose their responsiveness to insulin (canine diabetes insipidus). Stress Under the influence of cortisol, one of the stress hormones, fat cells become less sensitive to insulin (canine diabetes insipidus). Genetic Some dog breeds show a higher risk of diabetes, indicating that there’s a genetic predisposition for it too. In one US study involving 180,000 insured dogs, the highest incidence of developing canine diabetes mellitus was reported in the following breeds: Australian Terriers, Samoyeds, Swedish Elkhounds, and Swedish Lapphunds. Other pedigree analysis studies have confirmed a genetic predisposition in Keeshonds and Samoyeds. Though it hasn’t yet been proven, other studies involving smaller numbers of dogs report a higher incidence in the Cairn Terrier, Keeshond, Puli, and Miniature Pinscher. Inconclusive research confounded by breed popularity also suspect the Alaskan Malamute, Beagle, Chow Chow, Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, Finnish Spitz, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Old English Sheepdog, Poodle, Schipperke and West Highland White are possibly at higher risk. How long will my diabetic dog live? With early diagnosis, the average survival for dogs with diabetes is two years. Remember, most dogs are around 8 years of age when they are first affected. Apart from premature death, dogs with diabetes are at higher risk of cataracts, infections (especially bladder) and pancreatitis. Prevention and Management of Canine Diabetes Symptoms Dogs with diagnosed diabetes will require your veterinarian’s monitoring and help with management. They may also need twice daily insulin injections under the skin that dedicated owners will need to learn to administer themselves. And of course, if they are overweight, they will need to go on a diet and exercise programme until their ideal weight is achieved. Feed a natural diet Commercial dog food, no matter how expensive, is processed. And we all know processed foods are harmful! For a start they contain heat treated, unnatural fats. In the absence of natural essential oils in the diet, the body is forced to make its cells with these fats, causing problems throughout the body. For example, fats are an important building block of cell walls. As they are warped by processing they fit poorly, diminishing the function of cell walls and leading to problems taking in glucose (canine diabetes insipidus). As discussed above, many commercial dog foods contain sugar, which overstimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, leading to its eventual exhaustion (canine diabetes mellitus). So, to prevent diabetes or manage it in a diabetic dog, stick to a raw, natural unprocessed diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. Several small meals at scheduled times of the day are recommended. Helpful herbs and supplements Recommended herbal remedies include bilberry, stinging nettle, garlic, Fenugreek, chromium (found in brewer’s yeast), and olive leaves. Vitamin C helps the immune system and Vitamin E reduces the need for insulin. Daily exercise To remain healthy, fit and at their ideal weight, all dogs need regular daily exercise. In the diabetic dog exercise must be very consistent – the same type and amount of exercise at the same time each day. This is because exercise promotes increased blood circulation and stimulates glucose uptake into cells. So exercise can cause a drop in blood sugar that can be dramatic if not anticipated and managed for. Proper diet, medication and exercise will hopefully keep your pet healthy and living a long, happy life. <a href="http://www.miniature-schnauzer-australia.com/canine_diabetes_symptoms.html">Canine Diabetes Symptoms, Types, Prevention and Treatment</a> |