Do Schnauzers Have Allergies? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Anyone with allergies understands how frustrating and even debilitating they can be. Unfortunately, our Schnauzer friends are not immune to them. In fact, they are susceptible to many of the same allergens we confront in our environment and food. Schnauzers are already prone to some skin issues, so mixing allergic reactions to their existing problems just adds insult to injury, especially since canine allergies manifest primarily as skin reactions. Because it might seem odd that animals have allergies, let’s first address the question and then dive into the causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Do Schnauzers Have Allergies? Yes. Although Schnauzers are a generally healthy breed, they are prone to many types of allergies. Canine allergy categories include bacterial, contact, food, flea, and inhalant allergies. Schnauzers will generally manifest an allergy with a skin reaction. Treatments vary based on the cause, and you should involve your veterinarian if allergies are severe or chronic.

Miniature, Standard, and Schnauzers all tend to be quite healthy. Standard Schnauzers, in particular, are a very healthy breed and suffer far less from disease and genetic problems than other dogs.

However, every dog breed may be prone to certain health problems that can be genetically inherited and recur from generation to generation. This can include allergies.

For example, Schnauzers can be prone to skin allergies along with other sensitivities, and all Schnauzers can have reactions to their environment.

Let’s cover allergy basics and then dive into the 5 common types of Schnauzer allergies.

What Can Cause Schnauzer Allergies?

Allergies in Schnauzers are fairly common conditions that can begin affecting your canine friend when he is between 1 and 2 years old.

If your Schnauzer begins showing symptoms of an allergic reaction, it will be important to narrow down the cause so that you can remove the allergen (if possible) and use an effective treatment.

There are different factors that can cause allergies in your pup.

Some Schnauzers may develop allergies as a result of genetic predisposition or simply early and constant exposure to an allergen. For example, it could be as a result of exposure to allergens such as dairy, egg, wheat, pork, fish, and rabbit. In other cases, environmental factors like grasses, pollens, and dust mites can lead to the development of allergies.

Later in this article, we’ll cover each category of allergic reactions your Schnauzer may experience. Specifically, bacterial allergies, contact allergies, food allergies, flea allergies, and inhalant allergies.

But first, let’s cover how allergies show up in Schnauzers, the most common symptoms they experience, and when to contact your veterinarian.

How Do Schnauzers Experience and Manifest Allergies?

Human beings generally react to allergens with nasal symptoms or hives, or possibly a combination of the two.

Dogs, including Schnauzers, manifest their allergies primarily with skin problems, gastrointestinal problems, or a combination of the two.

But why?

It’s because the mast cells that release histamines in dogs occur proportionately higher in their skin. As a result, the reaction to allergens primarily affects their skin, coat, and gastrointestinal tract.

When Should You Visit Your Veterinarian for Advice?

While all Schnauzer breeds are generally quite healthy, they are just as susceptible to various allergies as you are. In fact, all Schnauzers are prone to skin issues such as Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome, and staying alert to any changes in his skin and coat is important. Read my article What are Schnauzer Bumps? (Can They be Popped and Infected?)

As with humans, identifying the primary cause and settling on the most effective treatment of allergies can be complex.

Unfortunately, allergy symptoms are likely to be confused with other health disorders. As a result, it’s wise to include your veterinarian with any chronic or acute problem and not try to diagnose lingering issues yourself.

In addition, symptoms that may look like allergies could actually be symptoms of something much more serious. Please work with your veterinarian first to rule out more severe diseases. Read my article Schnauzer Health Concerns: A Comprehensive Guide for a guide to symptoms and treatments for the most common Schnauzer health issues.

Your veterinarian can review your Schnauzer’s medical history, perform diagnostic tests, and help you narrow down the possible allergens.

If any of the symptoms below linger, become chronic, or become much worse, it’s time to contact your veterinarian for guidance.

What are the Most Common Allergy Symptoms?

Is your Schnauzer rubbing her face, sneezing, scratching her ears, constantly licking, chewing, or scratching her paws?

If your furry friend is hypersensitive to allergens in his environment and is experiencing allergic reactions, these may be some of the signs.

The general signs may range from poor coat texture or hair length, to itching and chewing, to hot spots and self-mutilation, gastrointestinal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, and flatulence.

Your Schnauzer may experience itchy skin either overall or at a specific site.

Sometimes, as in humans, allergies can affect the respiratory system leading to symptoms such as wheezing, sneezing, and coughing. In some cases, allergies may also lead to runny discharge from the nose or eyes.

Allergies may also play a part in chronic ear infections.

Stay alert for the following symptoms as first signs that your Schnauzer is suffering from allergies.

• Scratching, itching, chewing
• Excessive gas
• Hair loss, poor coat texture
• Breathing problems
• Diarrhea
• Nose or eye discharge
• Head shaking or pawing at ears
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite

The 5 Most Common Types of Schnauzer Allergies

There are different categories of canine allergies. Namely food, flea, bacterial, inhalant, and contact allergies.

Each of these types of allergies can lead to different symptoms that include constant scratching, chewing and licking. If your furry friend spends most of its time outdoors, he may begin experiencing allergies to plants and grass. On the other hand, if your Schnauzer primarily stays indoors he may experience allergies to specific fabrics or detergents.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at each category of allergy your Schnauzer may experience, along with how to recognize and treat them.

Bacterial Allergies

Bacterial allergies usually occur when your Schnauzer’s immune system overreacts to Staphylococcus bacteria on her skin. Bacterial hypersensitivity may occur in case other conditions such as inhalant allergy, hypothyroidism, and flea allergy are present at the same time. This condition can be diagnosed via bacterial culture as well as an examination of a biopsy sample.

If a Schnauzers has a strong immune system then Staphylococcus might not be a big problem. However, if she has a weak immune system it may lead to an allergic reaction when exposed to this form of bacteria. 

Causes	Symptoms	Treatments
Bacterial allergies are caused by conditions like flea allergy and hypothyroidism.	Bacterial allergies may lead to symptoms such as hair loss and your Schnauzer’s skin may produce an unpleasant odor.	A blood test will be performed by a veterinarian to determine if your Schnauzer has a bacterial allergy. If the test results return positive, then it is likely that your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition.

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Contact and Skin Allergies

Contact and skin allergies are the least common form of allergies. This condition occurs when he comes into direct contact with allergens like pyrethrins which is found in flea collars and pesticides which are used on lawn and grasses. This category of allergy occurs whenever your Schnauzer comes into direct contact with any object to which they might be allergic, such plastic food bowls, dog toys, fabrics from clothing, and bedding. 

Contact allergies can form at any age. In case your Schnauzer is allergic to the above substances, he may experience itching and irritation in his stomach or feet. Most of the time removal of the allergen can solve the health problem.

Causes	Symptoms	Treatments
Contact and skin allergies are caused by different allergens such as flea collars, mold, grass, dust, pollen, plastic, and bedding.	Contact allergies may lead to symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. These symptoms usually affect your Schnauzer’s face, legs, and paws.	Treatment options for contact and skin allergies include frequent baths as well as allergy shots, hypoallergenic shampoos, and antihistamines. It will also require elimination of the allergen, if possible. For example, using stainless steel food bowls instead of plastic bowls can decrease allergic reactions to a common source.

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Food Allergies

Food allergies usually occur in response to a carbohydrate or protein component of food. Food allergies are commonly associated with a protein food, including wheat gluten, lamb, beef, soy, and dairy products. Your Schnauzer may develop this type of allergy at any age which is why you should know how to recognize and treat them.

This medical condition may lead to symptoms such as itching, respiratory distress, and digestive disorders. Treatment involves identifying the offending food components and eliminating them. If necessary, your veterinarian can recommend specific dietary restrictions.

Causes	Symptoms	Treatments
Certain foods such as beef, chicken, pork, eggs, wheat, corn, dairy, and soy are known to cause food allergies in Schnauzers. Generally speaking, your Schnauzer is probably reacting primarily to the protein component of these foods.	Food allergies include but are not limited to the following; itchy skin, diarrhea, and chronic skin infections.	To treat your Schnauzer for what seems to be a food allergy, you will need to determine the specific allergen. This is accomplished through an elimination diet which introduces entirely new and pure food to see if his symptoms improve over the course of at least 8 weeks, possibly needing 12 weeks for a complete test. Your will then need to reintroduce the food he was previously eating to see if he has the same reaction.

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How To Perform an Elimination Diet

The best way of testing for food allergies is through an elimination diet trial that is achieved using a hypoallergenic diet. Since it takes about eight weeks for the food products to be removed from the body, your Schnauzer must consume the special diet for about 8 to 12 weeks.

1. Stop feeding your Schnauzer his regular diet.
2. Begin a strictly elimination diet.
3. For the most reliable results, you’ll need to feed a simple ingredient diet (either commercial or cooked) for the entire trial.
4. The diet should consist of one animal or vegetable protein and one source of carbohydrate.
5. The elimination diet must contain a simple combination of one protein and one carbohydrate choice that your Schnauzer has never eaten before.
6. The protein and carbohydrate choice should be pure and without other flavoring. Common combinations include: venison and potato, rabbit and pea, and fish and potato.
7. During the elimination trial do not feed your Schnauzer treats, table foods, or even medications or supplements that don’t match the exact protein and carbohydrate combination you are introducing.
8. Continue the elimination diet for at least 8 weeks.
9. After the elimination trial of at least 8 weeks, reintroduce the original food that you suspect of being the allergen and watch for a return of allergic reactions. If the reactions return, it’s likely that you’ve identified the problem.
10. If you are able to identify the allergen, simply remove it from your Schnauzer’s diet or work with your veterinarian.
11. If you are not able to identify the allergen, work with your veterinarian to decide on the next course of action.

Flea Allergies

Flea allergies refers to an exaggerated inflammatory response to a bite caused by a flea. In case your Schnauzer is suffering from flea bite allergies, it is as a result of a reaction to the protein found in flea saliva rather than the flea itself. A sensitized Schnauzer who is bitten by a flea may experience intense itching.

Other insects such as ticks, spiders, including fleas, mosquitoes, and bees can cause allergic reactions in sensitive Schnauzers. However, the most common reaction is to flea saliva which results in flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). If your pet has FAD it will scratch or bite itself or remove a large chunk of hair. The most effective way of handling flea allergy in with FAD is through strict flea control. If flea control is not possible, your veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids or antihistamines which blocks allergic reactions.

Causes	Symptoms	Treatments
The primary cause of flea allergies is not the flea itself but to the flea saliva when your Schnauzer is bitten.	If your Schnauzer has flea allergies, it may result in hair loss, open oozing sores, skin damage as a result of scratching and chewing the tail and legs.	There are two primary ways to treat flea allergies. The first is strict flea control to prevent your pup from future bites. The second treatment includes the use of medications and antibiotics to control skin itchiness.

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Inhalant Allergies

This is the most common form of Schnauzer allergies. This condition is usually caused by allergens such as tree pollens (like cedar, oak, ash), weed pollens (ragweed), mildew, molds, as well as house dust mites. If your Schnauzer has an inhalant allergy, you may notice that he has bronchitis or allergic rhinitis (similar to humans), but in most cases, the condition manifests itself through itchy skin.

In addition, your Schnauzer may lick her feet, rub her face, and scratch her underarms. Most Schnauzers with an inhalant allergy start to manifest signs between the age of 1 and 3.

Symptoms of an inhalant allergy can be controlled via therapy but there is no cure, other than entirely removing the allergen.  

Causes	Symptoms	Treatments
This form of allergy arises from environmental factors which include dust mites, mildew, molds, and pollen.	The symptoms of inhalant allergies include intense rubbing, licking, and scratching. Your Schnauzer will most likely experience intense itching at one or more locations on his body. Any skin irritation that results in these symptoms could be a sign of an inhalant allergy.	Once your Schnauzer is experiencing symptoms of inhalant allergies, you can take her to a veterinarian so that they can conduct an intradermal skin test. This will help determine the antigen that is causing your furry friend to develop inhalant allergies. Treatment options for inhalant allergy or atopy involves one or more of shampoo therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy, and hypersensitive therapy. Anti-inflammatory therapy involves treatment using drugs such as antihistamines and corticosteroids which acts by blocking allergic reactions. Shampoo therapy entails frequent bathing using a hypoallergenic shampoo which helps soothe itchy, inflamed skin. You can find some therapeutic shampoos that have anti-inflammatory ingredients which can be beneficial to your Schnauzer. Once the antigens causing allergy is identified via testing, allergy shots or allergy injection serum can be administered.

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Top Tips for Reducing Allergies in Your Schnauzer

While it will be impossible to avoid or eliminate every potential allergen from your Schnauzer’s environment, there are ways to take some common sense precautions.

Here are some top tips for reducing exposure to allergens:

• Limit your Schnauzer puppy’s exposure to known allergens. Early and consistent exposure to known allergens increases the risk of developing a life-long reaction
• Groom your Schnauzer regularly using a flea comb and hypoallergenic shampoo for bathing
• Change your home air filter regularly and consider purchasing an air purifier to reduce inhalant allergens overall for your Schnauzer and your family
• Vacuum often using a HEPA filtered vacuum
• For seasonal allergies, consider keeping your car and home windows closed to block allergens such as pollen
• Keep your Schnauzer indoors when pollen counts are high if he seems to suffer from seasonal allergies
• Use hypoallergenic bedding, wash with hot water and unscented detergent
• Feed your Schnauzer with fresh, simple food to reduce exposure to additives
• Purchase glass or ceramic feeding bowls instead of bowls made of plastic, and clean regularly with vinegar

Natural, Veterinarian-Approved Options for Treating Schnauzer Allergies

As always, check with your veterinarian if your Schnauzer exhibits persistent allergy symptoms or seems to be suffering in ways that cause increasing concern.

While I do believe that many natural remedies can be safe and effective, there is also the possibility that you can do more harm than good with remedies (natural or not) that can actually make a condition worse. In addition, the ideal remedy is to identify and remove the allergen. This is easier said than done, however, so treating the symptoms is one way to at least begin addressing the problem.

With some cautions out of the way, here are some natural, effective, safe, and veterinarian-approved remedies for allergy symptoms and some of the associated discomforts.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has long been used to soothe human skin conditions, and it’s just as effective for Schnauzers.

In fact, Schnauzers with skin allergies and even superficial infections can gain immediate relief from oatmeal. It can be especially helpful for itchy feet.

Oatmeal is not only completely non-toxic and delicious to your Schnauzer, it also contains chemicals called avenanthramides and phenols, both of which have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

You can grind oatmeal to a fine powder, mix it with water, and apply as a poultice on hot spots or inflamed areas. The poultice is a drying agent that reduces irritation.

You can also bath your Schnauzer with a natural oatmeal shampoo or add your own ground oatmeal to the bath. If possible, encourage your Schnauzer to soak in the oatmeal for 5-10 minutes. Rinse him well and consider bathing him up to twice a week in oatmeal if his skin irritations are severe.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another time-tested treatment that can address many issues.

Diluted with water at 50/50 proportion, the mixture can be used as an effective cleanser and disinfectant.

You will want to test a small patch on your Schnauzer to ensure that he tolerates the acidity. If he does (which is likely) you can use apple cider vinegar in a variety of ways.

For example, use it as a rinse for your his paws to remove any accumulated pollen and other allergens. Spray on his coat to reduce dandruff and to fight rashes and even itchiness from yeast infections and allergies. You can also use it gently as a cleanser for his ears.

Do not use apple cider vinegar on open wounds or bites.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight the aging process by preventing free radical damage. It also has many other properties that make it helpful to your Schnauzer.

For example, Vitamin E oil protects against UV radiation and can be beneficial if your Schnauzer spends a lot of time outdoors. While it doesn’t address potential outdoor allergies directly, applying the oil to your Schnauzer’s coat and skin and offer protection against long-term skin damage.

It can also be used to moisturize his dry and irritated skin or paws. While you will want to identify the cause of the irritation and whether it is due to an allergic reaction, Vitamin E oil can provide some topical relief. You can massage the oil into his coat and also use it directly on warts, calluses, or dry areas.

The oil is non-toxic to your Schnauzer and he will not be harmed if he licks his coat or paws.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has many benefits to your Schnauzer. For one thing, it contains lauric acid which decreases yeast production.

When it comes to allergies, coconut oil offers a wide range of helpful properties. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of coconut oil reduces itchiness in skin, it contributes to overall healthy skin, and can even reduce the allergic reaction to fleas.

When used in combination with fish oil in your dog’s diet, coconut oil can also help suppress the inflammatory responses that come with allergies. It also has added benefits like aiding digestion problems and boosting the immune system.

If you decide to add coconut oil to your Schnauzer’s routine, whether it’s daily or every few days, give him up to 1 tsp per 10 pounds of body weight. To avoid diarrhea, you may also want to start out at just 1/4 of that amount and work your way up.

Calendula

Calendula ointment is derived from the pot marigold which is part of the sunflower family. It is one of the safest and most widely used herbs for dogs (and humans).

Calendula, whether used as an oil-based salve or a tea, helps with healing and has antimicrobial properties.

You can purchase an ointment and apply directly to itchy, irritated skin. You can also use the dried flowers to brew a tea and spray your Schnauzer’s coat. It can also be taken internally for stomach upset by adding a few drops of the tea to your Schnauzer’s water.

However, do not give Calendula to a pregnant Schnauzer.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera is another soothing, cooling herb that helps minimize skin irritation.

Be sure to only use the gel form since the Aloe plant itself can be poisonous to Schnauzers.

Omega Fatty Acids Fatty Acid Supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids can decrease inflammation in Schnauzers with allergies.

EPA, one of the two omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, acts as an anti-inflammatory. It will ease inflammation due to allergies, and reduce itchy skin and dandruff. This can also be an effective way to potentially decrease the incidence of hot spots on your Schnauzer.

You will want to administer the correct dosage for the best outcome and for overall safety.

The dosage guidelines in line with current research suggest that 20-55mg combined EPA and DHA per pound of body weight is safe.

Look for highly digestible sources of essential fatty acids that are loaded with the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.

Vitamins C and E

Vitamin E and Vitamin C may help as antioxidants. Just as you can administer Vitamin E oil externally, offering Vitamin E and C to you Schnauzer as an internal supplement can strengthen him.

Vitamin C in particular acts as an antihistamine that will help fight inflammation along with any allergic reaction your Schnauzer might be experiencing. In fact, if he frequently suffers from allergies, doses of vitamin C can help clear the reactions completely.

Dosage guidelines suggest: Vitamin E  at 100 IU per 10 lbs of body weight once daily, and Vitamin C at 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight once daily.

Be careful with exact dosage since too much Vitamin C can cause stomach upset that includes diarrhea.

Benadryl

Benadryl is the most commonly used antihistamine for humans and, thankfully, it is actually safe for canines.

The table form (do not use the liquid form) is safe at a dosage of 1 mg per pound of body weight, 2-3 times a day.

Your Schnauzer may not experience full relief for as long as two weeks of using Benadryl, and you may want to check with your veterinarian to discuss other options.

Electrolyte-Replacing Liquids

If your Schnauzer is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, and your veterinarian has ruled out anything serious, you may want to give him some type of electrolyte-replacing liquid to avoid dehydration.

Since allergies can cause some amount of vomiting or diarrhea, you will want to stay alert to your Schnauzer’s overall hydration level and make sure dehydration isn’t causing an even more serious complication.

While you are trying to determine the cause of vomiting and/or diarrhea and whether or not it is due to allergies, you can give your Schnauzer extra electrolytes and fluids.

You can safely give an electrolytic solution such as Pedialyte at a rate of 2 to 4 ml per pound of your Schnauzer’s body weight per hour. However, always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile can be used externally for irritations, and internally for stomach upsets. The herb can be brewed as a tea or purchased as a salve.

To gently soothe your Schnauzer’s stomach upset, whether due to allergies or not, simply add a few drops to his water bowl or even give it to him by mouth with a syringe.

For external skin irritations due to allergies, brew a strong tea, pour it into a clean spray bottle, and allow it to completely cool in the refrigerator. You can then spray the cooled tea directly onto irritated skin. It will provide immediate relieve with no stinging. You can also use a prepared, purchased salve on the irritated skin.

Probiotics

Your Schnauzer can benefit from probiotics as much as you can. However, the canine digestive system is different enough from a human’s that you should look for options specifically formulated for dogs.

Probiotics promote gastrointestinal health, and having a good population of healthy bacteria thriving in your Schnauzer’s gut can drastically reduce and prevent allergies.

Probiotic supplements for dogs are widely available in over-the-counter formulations and through veterinarians. Be sure to choose reputable companies and specifically look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal on the label to ensure that you are purchasing a safe and effective product.

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