The Giant Schnauzer is a breed that originated from crossbreeding between rough-coated herding dogs and Miniature Schnauzers. The breed is known for its healthy and reliable temperament, rough appearance, and dense coat that can withstand various climates.
The Giant Schnauzer is a breed that originated from crossbreeding between rough-coated herding dogs and Miniature Schnauzers. The breed is known for its healthy and reliable temperament, rough appearance, and dense coat that can withstand various climates.
1. Heart Disease
Dogs are more likely to develop heart disease due to obesity or old age. When a dog has heart disease, it will mainly show symptoms such as easily getting tired and having difficulty in breathing. It is difficult to detect heart disease in dogs, often only noticed by the owner when the dog is already seriously ill.
2. Infectious Diseases
Canine distemper and canine parvovirus are common and highly lethal infectious diseases in dogs. Dogs that have not been vaccinated in a timely manner are susceptible to these two diseases. Once infected, symptoms may include lethargy, decreased appetite, increased body temperature, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Kidney Disease
When it comes to common diseases and symptoms in dogs, kidney disease cannot be ignored. The terrifying thing about kidney disease in dogs is that it often develops without being noticed, and when the owner realizes it, the dog's kidney cells have been damaged by more than 75%. When a dog's kidneys have problems, the usual symptoms are blood in the urine, abnormal urine color, and changes in urination habits.
4. Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms, as well as heartworms, are common parasites in dogs. When a dog is infected with intestinal parasites, the main symptoms include weight loss, depression, diarrhea, visible worms in the feces, and pale gums and mucous membranes. Heartworms are parasites that live in the dog's heart. After a dog is infected, it will show symptoms such as decreased vitality, coughing, anemia, dyspnea, and ascites.
5. Canine Pneumonia
Pneumonia is also a common disease in dogs, but it is often a complication of other diseases. It commonly occurs in dogs with abnormalities in the upper respiratory system, bacterial infections, canine distemper infections, viral infections such as the flu, impaired lung function, and heartworm infections. The main symptoms of canine pneumonia are coughing, nasal discharge, and increased body temperature.
Newborn period: The newborn period is when the puppies are just born, and they mainly rely on their mother's milk for survival. Their bodies cannot regulate temperature, so they need their mother to generate heat for warmth. They have no hearing or vision for the first day, and they rely only on their weak sense of touch to find the teat. Around day 13, their eyes start to open, and they develop hearing around day 15. They start teething around day 20. From days 21-28, the amount of mother's milk is not enough, so they need to transition from liquid to semi-solid food. It is common for them to experience diarrhea and constipation during this time, so it is important to feed them lactase, probiotics, or give them goat milk formula/pet milk formula. If they experience constipation when consuming formula, a small amount of vegetable oil can be fed, and massaging the abdomen can help with bowel movements. Deworming should be done for the first time between 14-28 days old.
Puppyhood: 1-2 months old. The puppies' digestive systems are not fully developed yet, so they need careful care from their owners. They should be fed at least three times a day, with small meals according to the puppy's condition. Soak the dog food in warm water or goat milk formula and feed it gradually. Do not overfeed, as it can cause poor digestion. Make sure to provide fresh water for them to drink and avoid giving them milk, as milk can cause diarrhea. Probiotics can be given daily to improve intestinal health. Puppies are not resistant to viruses and bacteria at this stage, so they should not be taken outside, and they should not have contact with people who have a cold to prevent the puppies from getting sick. They should start their vaccinations at 6-7 weeks old and complete them by 3 months old. It is recommended to bathe them after they have completed their vaccinations, and dry shampoo can be used in the early stages. Teething begins between 19-28 days old, and all milk teeth are present by 2 months old. They have some learning ability at this stage and can start potty training.
Adolescence: 3-6 months old. At this time, puppies can gradually transition from soaked food to dry food. Their eating schedule should be adjusted slowly to establish a regular routine. They still eat dog food and drink fresh water. However, their bones and muscles grow rapidly during this time, so they require a large amount of protein and calcium. Their fur also starts to change to adult fur, and they may go through an awkward stage. They also start to assert dominance and try to establish their territory. Destructive behavior may increase. Puppies grow rapidly in length and height during this time, so they need daily exercise to maintain their development.
Sexual maturity: 8-14 months old. The puppies enter sexual maturity at this age and experience their first heat. It is common for hormonal imbalances to occur during the first heat, leading to irregularities. Heat can last for a prolonged period, not occur at all, or result in false pregnancy. They need to be supplemented with nutrients that promote reproduction, such as vitamin E, organic chromium, folic acid, etc. It is important not to mate them during their first heat. Hygiene should be maintained during heat to prevent infections. If they will not be used for breeding, spaying can be done after heat.
Teenage years: 6-10 months old, 6-18 months old. Dogs can now eat dry dog food exclusively, and they can also be fed some cooked meat, such as cooked beef or chicken, to enrich their nutrition. However, it is important not to give them chicken or duck bones, as it can lead to poor bone development. If necessary (e.g. poor nutrition, weak immune system, picky eating), some supplements can be provided. Depending on the dog's condition, choose supplements that contain vitamins, calcium, protein, or nutrients for fur health. Do not overuse supplements and avoid feeding a large amount of supplements all at once out of sympathy. Adjustments should be made gradually. Their bones and muscles continue to grow rapidly during this time, so they require a large amount of protein and calcium. They are curious, have strong cognitive abilities, and have a good memory. This is the best period for learning.
Adult: Dogs aged 1-6 years old. Dogs are considered adults at 1 year old, and they have reached their full size at around 1 year old. Their eating habits can return to normal, and there are no strict dietary restrictions. However, it is still important to supplement their diet with appropriate nutrients and avoid feeding them chicken or duck bones, as well as salty or spicy foods. Feed them cooked food instead of raw food and avoid feeding them animal fats. If they catch a cold or become ill, take them to a veterinarian promptly and avoid self-diagnosis and treatment, unless you are a veterinarian yourself. Take responsibility for your beloved pet.
Senior years: 8-18 years old. Dogs over 8 years old are considered to be in their "senior years," similar to humans in their 50s. During this time, the dog's organs will start to decline in function, and they may experience age-related diseases such as diabetes, weakened liver and kidney functions, skeletal and joint diseases, etc. It is important to supplement their diet with calcium. You can choose to feed them more soy products and cartilage or use calcium supplements available in the market. Allow them to bask in the sun more often and take short walks. Maintain good hygiene and cherish the time you have with your dog.
1. Do not bathe frequently
When bathing dogs, of course, it is not possible to bathe them too frequently. The frequency of bathing dogs depends on the dog's hygiene condition. If the weather is hot in summer, bathe them one or two more times. In winter, it can be reduced by one or two times, but in general, it should not exceed 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage their fur and skin!
2. Regularly brush their fur
Dogs shed almost every day, especially in spring and autumn when they shed more. In order to promote good coat growth, regular brushing is an important step. Pet owners can use pet-specialized brushes to help dogs remove naturally shed hair and prevent tangling. Brushing once in the morning and once in the evening for about five minutes each time is sufficient.
3. Sunbathing
Sunbathing is beneficial for the growth of a dog's fur. In addition to making the coat shinier, letting dogs sunbathe can also help kill bacteria. During sunbathing, pet owners can let their dogs exercise a bit, which can help improve their physical fitness, promote blood circulation, and help grow healthier fur.
4. Deworming
Poor fur conditions are closely related to parasites. Parasites will absorb a large amount of nutrients from the dog's body, depriving them of nutrition. Therefore, deworming is essential. It is recommended to do internal and external deworming together. In addition, deworming medication can cause significant damage to a dog's stomach and intestines as well. Therefore, it is recommended to feed them with probiotics regularly to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Pay attention to diet
In order for dogs to have shiny fur, it is necessary to establish a good nutritional foundation and pay attention to their daily diet. On one hand, feed dogs with nutritious and healthy dog food. Choose a brand that is suitable for dogs and provides sufficient nutrition to meet their needs. On the other hand, you can also feed dogs with a moderate amount of lean meat, cooked egg yolks, and vegetable oil.
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