Help Your Schnauzer Live Longer (24 Must-Know Tips)

The question of aging vexes all of us at some point. Scientists continue to study the complexities of human aging, its causes, and potential life-extending solutions. But what about our animal friends, specifically man’s best friend? Why do dogs have such a short life expectancy and can we do anything to extend it?

Can I help my Schnauzer live longer? Yes, possibly. Canine life expectancy has doubled in the last 40 years and can be attributed to better preventative and emergency health care. Keeping your Schnauzer mentally and physically active, reducing stress, and considering technological advances are all ways to potentially extend his life.

A healthy diet and lifestyle, along with protection from the elements and predators also contributes.

But before we can consider how to potentially lengthen your Schnauzer’s lifespan, you’ll want to understand that there are several theories regarding canine life expectancy and why it is so much shorter than ours.

It’s useful to know that the fundamental reasons for aging differ across species (for example human aging versus canine aging) and aging even differs among the same species when size is factored into the research. So, let’s take a look.

Why Do Dogs Have A Shorter Life Span Than Humans?

Although dogs are mammals like we are, and they have lungs, a heart, and everything else they need to survive, we always outlive them. So, why don’t they survive as long as humans? As you will see, it’s not a very easy question to answer.

Here are the most popular theories:

Metabolic and Free Radical Damage

One theory regarding animal aging (including aging in humans) is that a faster metabolic rate shortens life expectancy. This is “rate of living” theory, proposed in the early 1900s, suggested that faster metabolic rates produce oxidative damage to cells and speeds up the aging process.

While research into free radical damage continues, a more recent study in 2003 found that the faster metabolic rates in canines were actually a positive indicator for a longer life expectancy. Meaning, that smaller dogs (who always have a faster metabolism) live longer than larger dogs (who have a slower metabolism).

The bottom line is that we are still not clear on the role that metabolic rate plays in aging, both in intra-species comparisons (for example, dog breed to dog breed) and in inter-species comparisons (for example, human to canine).

Evolution Favors Large Animals

Another theory is that dogs have a smaller lifespan because of their small size compared to other animal species. For instance, huge animals such as elephants and whales live longer because they don’t have many natural enemies or rather the “evolutionary pressure” to survive. On the other hand, dogs and smaller animals have many natural enemies and thus a shorter lifespan.

This is a great example of factors that come into play when comparing the life expectancy across a wide range of animal species. Size dominance may indeed play a role in how long an animal can survive, especially in the wild.

However, the question as to why larger animals still have a longer life expectancy than smaller species, like dogs, even though domesticated dogs are generally not subject to natural predators isn’t completely understood.

In addition, smaller versions of a species generally live longer than their larger counterparts. Meaning that Miniature Schnauzers live longer than Giant Schnauzers. Research continues as to why this is true.

Dogs Are Bred By Humans Not Nature

According to this theory, most domesticated dogs are cross-bred by human beings, not nature. Life has a way of selecting the strongest breed over the weaker one. Unfortunately, during cross-breeding, dogs are bred according to what humans need or want over which breed is stronger in their natural environment.

Generations of cross-breeding, and then continued intra-breeding, tends to introduce health problems that can often shorten life expectancy.

Lifestyle

Recent concerns over how many immunizations dogs actually need has raised new health and longevity questions. Core vaccines are required, but several vaccines are voluntary and you should work with your veterinarian if you have concerns about overloading your Schnauzer’s body with vaccinations, while also protecting him from disease. My articles What Are The Scariest Schnauzer Health Issues and Can Schnauzers Get the Flu or A Cold will be helpful.

As with our human lives, low-quality food, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle will contribute to aging.

What Is The Average Schnauzer Life Expectancy?

As I mentioned above, larger dogs generally have a shorter life span compared to small dogs. However, many canine experts agree that dogs are living longer, up to twice as long they did 40 years ago. This increase in lifespan can be attributed to a better understanding of canine nutrition and advanced veterinary medicine.

On average, very large dogs have a life span of about 6-8 years, whereas medium and small dogs can live at least 12 years to 15 years.

Schnauzers break the mold here since each Schnauzer breed (Giant, Standard, and Miniature) has a general life expectancy of between 12-16 years. Great news for us and them!

However, each Schnauzer breed does seem to age differently and reach senior status at different times. This means that you will want to be alert for age-related diseases earlier for Giant Schnauzers.

Here are the general lifespan ranges and the approximate ages at which Schnauzers reach “senior” status:

Breed	Lifespan	Senior Age
Giant Schnauzer	10-12 Years	Age 7.5-9
Standard Schnauzer	14-16 Years	Age 10.5-12
Standard Schnauzer	14-16 Years	Age 10.5-12

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24 Ways to Lengthen Your Schnauzer’s Lifespan

If you’re like many dog parents, your Schnauzer is part of your family and probably a best friend, too. We all wish our pets lived longer. All we can really do is give them the happiest, healthiest lives we can.

Veterinary research and first-hand Schnauzer pet parent experience gives us some solid ways to offer our furry friends the best, longest life possible.

Here are 24 tips that could very well lengthen your Schnauzer’s lifespan.

Dental hygiene tops the list, but is an often-overlooked aspect of pet care. Unfortunately, tooth decay is a very common yet hazardous health problem for dogs, and Schnauzers don’t have genetically strong and healthy teeth to begin with.

When you leave your Schnauzer’s teeth unbrushed, tartar and plaque develop and contain harmful bacteria. If not caught and treated early, these issues can progress to periodontal disease. If not treated properly and completely by your veterinarian, the infections enter the bloodstream and can destroy your Schnauzer’s vital organs, including the heart, liver, kidney, and brain.

Plain and simple: you need to brush your Schnauzer’s teeth regularly. While recommendations vary, brushing daily at bedtime is preferable while brushing 2-3 times per week is still within an acceptable timeframe.

In addition, DO NOT use human toothpaste. If swallowed, it is toxic to your Schnauzer. Be sure to use a canine-approved toothpaste which is formulated to be safely ingested by your pet friend.

Read my article Your Schnauzer Has Genetically Bad Teeth! (What to Do) for a comprehensive guide to Schnauzer dental health.

You may think it doesn’t matter whether your Schnauzer eats organic, homemade, or low-quality store food, but it does. Schnauzers that are fed with high quality diet tend to have healthy skin, bright eyes, and shiny hair coat.

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in boosting the immune system, maintaining intestinal health as well as mental acuity. The next time you’re doing food shopping for your Schnauzer, don’t just read labels and recipes…learn your dog. For example, unpleasant odors, dull hair, and stomach problem is a sign that the food doesn’t necessarily agree with him. In this case, you may need to change the menu.

Each time you eat, your Schnauzer will probably look at you with her large, loving eyes and make you feel guilty for not sharing. Don’t.

Guilt aside, there are good reasons to exercise caution when it comes to sharing human food with your Schnauzer friend. While many foods that we consider “human” such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat are safe and healthy for your Schnauzer, many foods are actually toxic and even deadly.

Read my article Which Human Foods Should My Schnauzer NEVER Eat? for a detailed list of dangerous foods.

Some of the medications and common household products we take for granted are poisonous to your Schnauzer.

Household cleaners, antifreeze, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and even human toothpaste are all dangerous. You should treat your Schnauzer like you would a baby and toddler when it comes to household safety, including what they are exposed to.

My articles on Which Human Foods Should My Schnauzer NEVER Eat? and These Household Products and Plants Can Kill Your Schnauzer provide a must-know list.

As I mentioned above, things we surround ourselves with every day can become so commonplace to us that we don’t even consider whether they might harm our Schnauzer.

This is absolutely true for the plants we might have in our home or garden. It can be alarming to view a list of potentially fatal plants when they include much-loved herbs, flowers, shrubs, and succulents. Common and helpful plants to you are a potential nightmare for your Schnauzer. Widely popular aloe plants, chamomile, carnations, eucalyptus, and even onion plants, are on the list!

Be sure to keep my article on this topic handy for reference. Read These Household Products and Plants Can Kill Your Schnauzer for eye-opening information.

While Schnauzers were bred to work on German farms and are strong, muscular, hearty dogs, they are just as susceptible to outdoor elements as we are.

Their double coat (unless you’ve clipped the outer coat) can be a protection from both cold and heat. Even so, Schnauzers can experience the effects of extreme cold such as frostbite and hypothermia, and the effects of extreme heat such as dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke.

My articles Can Schnauzers Cope with the Cold? and Can Schnauzers Hack the Hot Weather? will provide guides for outdoor temperature safety as well as steps to take in case of a temperature-related emergency.

Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 toxic chemical that can pollute a home environment and become a serious health problem even for those who aren’t directly smoking. It has become a well-researched fact that secondhand smoke is dangerous to everyone.

A study at Colorado State University found that dogs are very prone to cancer due to secondhand smoke and that the shape of their noses is one factor in determining which type of cancer they will mostly likely develop. For example, short-nosed dogs like pugs are more likely to develop lung cancer, while long-nosed dogs, like your Schnauzer, is more like to develop cancer of the nose.

All environmental toxins, including secondhand smoke, can cause a Schnauzer to develop skin conditions, allergies, eye infections, and cancer.

Summer months aren’t the only dangerous time for parasites such as heartworms, fleas, and ticks. The truth is that these pests can be a year-round problem. You should commit to monthly treatments to avoid the very serious problems these tiny parasites can cause for your Schnauzer.

Veterinarians generally recommend year-round protection as a fundamental and easy-to-do precaution against serious disease.

We would never even consider traveling in a vehicle with our 2-year-old scrambling over seats or playing hide-and-seek on the floor! Bad, dangerous parenting is not allowed. Vehicle safety is no different as pet parents.

With so many terrific restraint, car seat, and travel crate options on the market, there is no excuse for leaving your Schnauzer unattended and unrestrained in your car. In addition to your Schnauzer’s safety, an unrestrained dog can be a dangerous distraction to you, putting your entire family at risk of serious injury or worse.

Buckle everyone up, including your Schnauzer!

Exercise isn’t just crucial for humans, it is essential in keeping your Schnauzer active and healthy.  Exercise is a proven way to lower stress, increase endorphins, and balance moods/emotions. In addition to helping your dog keep the cardiovascular system in good shape, and maintain a healthy weight, regular exercise help to keep your energetic Schnauzer happy.

Exercise recommendations for Schnauzers can vary depending on who you talk to. However, on average, Miniature Schnauzers should get around 30 minutes each day, Standard Schnauzers should get around 60 minutes each day, and Giant Schnauzers may need up to 90 full minutes of exercise each day.

You can also introduce your Schnauzer to a new sport, and my article What Are the Best Sports for Schnauzers? will give you a comprehensive list. You could also consider a doggie treadmill for colder months.

Unfortunately, all Schnauzer breeds are at somewhat higher risk for obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis. Plenty of exercise, a healthy canine diet, and regular veterinary checkups will help to keep these dangerous diseases under control.

Read my article What are the Scariest Schnauzer Health Issues? for details on which conditions you will want to understand and work to prevent.

In addition to the health issues above, Schnauzers are prone to hip displaysia (also covered in What are the Scariest Schnauzer Health Issues?) which can be painful. In addition to hip displyasia, Schnauzers can also develop joint problems that can cause them pain and overall health deterioration over time.

Large dogs, like Giant Schnauzers, are especially at risk for joint problems, but even the smaller Schnauzer breeds are at risk.

Investing in a high-quality therapeutic bed will give your Schnauzer both the support and comfort he needs.

While it might be good sign that your Schnauzer has the navigational skills to freely roam and then return home, it’s statistically not a good idea to let him wander the neighborhood solo or without a leash.

While it might sound over-protective, keeping your Schnauzer on a leash while outdoors can prevent him from darting in front of an oncoming car, getting into a tussle with another dog, or even nibling on your neighbor’s daffodils (which are toxic to Schnauzers).

The confines of a fenced dog park or in a wide-open space you are very familiar with can be safe exceptions to this recommendation.

We all like good-smelling dogs, and regular bathing and teeth brushing should be a regular part of a  basic hygiene routine. But what if your Schnauzer truly smells bad?

Foul smells can be a sign of infection, disease, tooth decay, and more.

If your Schnauzer is freshly bathed and his teeth are brushed and in good condition, but he still has an odor you can’t recognize, chances are there is an underlying health condition. It could be serious or it could be minor. Either way, it’s time to do some investigating. For example, if your Schnauzer’s clean paws still have a “corn chip” odor to them, he probably has a yeast infection.

Read my article Why Does My Schnauzer Stink? (And What to Do) for some guidance.

Schnauzers are highly social dogs and prefer to be around their human family, friends, and (generally speaking) other animals. In fact, Schnauzers actually need human relationships to be fully healthy and they thrive best within a human circle.

Keep in mind, though, that Schnauzers are also protective and somewhat territorial so it’s important to socialize him early. He will need to learn that human beings outside of your family are trustworthy and he’ll need to become familiar and comfortable with other animals.

Socializing your Schnauzer will lessen his territorial nature and strengthen his naturally affectionate tendencies, keeping him happy and healthy. Read my article Are Schnauzers Affectionate? for socialization steps and tips.

Did you realize that your Schnauzer can experience stress and anxiety? It’s true and it can be detrimental to his health and even shorten his lifespan. There are many things that can cause a Schnauzer to become stressed, including many of the day-to-day things that stress out you and me.

To avoid chronic stress and anxiety, you can train your Schnauzer better, socialize him early, give him a safe place to den and relax, and even include pet massage into your routine.

For important details and recommendations, read my articles Is My Schnauzer Stressed? (How to Tell & What to Do) and Should I Massage My Schnauzer? (Yes! Plus Beginner Tips).

The most common age to spay or neuter a Schnauzer is between four and nine months of age. Neutering and spaying prevent unwanted litters, assist in protecting against some severe health problems, and might reduce the behavioral issues linked to the mating instincts.

For puppies, the process is generally simple and requires a relatively short recovery time. For older Schnauzers, there are more risks of complications and a longer recovery period.

Unless you are interested in breeding, you should really spay or neuter your Schnauzer at an early age. For details on the process, along with pros and cons, read my article Why and When Should I Spay or Neuter My Schnauzer?

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Be sure to check in with your veterinarian so that your Schnauzer has the appropriate vaccinations at the necessary stages in her life. Of course, the government requires you to vaccinate dogs against DHPP and rabies. However, you can consider additional vaccinations that your vet recommends, or that you deem necessary. Some of them include canine Influenza, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and coronavirus.

Be an intelligent dog owner and select only vaccines that benefit your pet in the long run.

Schnauzers are intelligent dogs. Miniature Schnauzers consistently rank in the top 12, Standard Schnauzers rank in the top 22, and Giant Schnauzers rank in the top 35. It’s one of the many reasons we all love Schnauzers.

However, a mentally unstimulated Schnauzer can become depressed, anxious, and sick. So, another great way to prolong Schnauzer’s life span is to keep her busy and active. For instance, engage in enriching activities such as socialization, games, training, road trips, or even one-on-one attention. Remember to do these activities sparingly and allow time to rest.

Take a look at my article Are Schnauzer’s Smart (How to Tell and 5 At-Home Tests) for information on the latest canine intelligence research along with intelligence tests you can do at home.

Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and do not require surgery for implantation. Your Schnauzer will not even need any type of numbing or anesthesia.

The implantation procedure is similar to administering a vaccine and is performed at your veterinarian’s office. The injection is preloaded with a microchip and is injected within seconds under the loose skin between your Schnauzer’s shoulder blades.

Microchips do not use GPS tracking, nor do they need batteries. The devices are radio-frequency implants that simply serve as a permanent ID for your Schnauzer. Each pet ID number is unique.

If he is lost and returned to a shelter or veterinarian, the chip can be scanned to retrieve the contact information you have on file.

Microchips last for the duration of your Schnauzer’s life, but require registration with a national database and ongoing membership to service such as Home Again. Be sure to keep your contact information current so that your can be notified when your Schnauzer is located.

Prevention costs significantly less than treatment, and annual checkups can keep your Schnauzer more likely to be healthy and pain-free. Regular checkups ensure that your Schnauzer experiences optimal health. It also serves to build a detailed health record that will be a good reference point as she gets older.

Advances in Technology and Medicine: Can Pet Tech Help Dogs Live Longer?

It is natural for us to want our Schnauzers to live longer and more comfortable lives, and we are all willing to keep them healthy and strong. Veterinary science has also answered the call by developing life-extending technological and medical solutions.

Science Magazine offers an historical and evolutionary look at animal life expectancy, as well as current research suggesting that dogs, in particular, could live as long as 300 years at some point in the future.

Let’s take a look at some cutting-edge ways to potentially help your Schnauzer live longer:

Wearing fitness trackers has transformed pet care as they can detect health problems early. One advantage of this technology is that the wearable can be connected directly to the veterinarian’s data-driven insight, which exposes the problem instantly. This allows the veterinarian to treat any health issues early enough before they become too serious, thus increase life expectancy as well as quality.

This is a form of digital veterinary care where dog/pet owners can easily access tertiary services online. Companies are investing in digital technology to help pet owners access virtual vet. You can video chat or instant message the veterinarian in case of any non-emergency issue. This improved access to veterinary expertise has played a significant role in curbing health problems and increasing lifespan.

Stem cell technology helps to regenerate damaged tissues in a pet. According to research, the most successful stem cell treatment in pets was for Osteoarthritis disease in dogs. However, this technology is still in its initial stages and hopes to be a massive breakthrough for veterinary biotech.

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While we all work to keep our Schnauzers healthy and happy, and know that their lifespan is much shorter than ours, it’s helpful to know that there are many simple things we can do to make a difference.

Start by adding a couple of items from the list above to your current Schnauzer routine. Your efforts could make all the difference!

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