Introduction:
When beginning your search for your perfect schnauzer puppy, an important aspect one should consider are health & hygiene practices implemented within a breeding program.
What practices are utilized to keep the nursery clean and free of germs? If safe practices are not put in place, puppy has a higher chance of being exposed to an array of health issues.
At Happy Beard Schnauzers, we prioritize the health, happiness, and well-being of our beloved schnauzer companions above all else. In this blog, we unveil the measures and strategies we employ within our breeding program. Our goal is to prevent worm infestations, maintain pristine cleanliness, and uphold rigorous disease prevention protocols throughout our program.
We invite you to learn more about Happy Beard Schnauzers health & hygiene protocol. This is a system that has taken time to perfect, and we’re very proud of!
Section 1: Preventing Worm/ Parasite Infestations
Worm and parasite infestations pose a significant threat to canine health, potentially causing Gastrointestinal Distress , nutrient deficiencies , and even life-threatening complications if left untreated. 95% of puppies are born with worms! While not the most interesting topic to read, this is a reality in both breeding and looking for a new schnauzer puppy to welcome into your home. At Happy Beard Schnauzers, we prioritize proactive measures to prevent worm and parasite infestations and safeguard the well-being of our precious schnauzers and their offspring.
1.1 Regular Deworming/ Parasite Regimen of your schnauzer puppy:
We adhere to a meticulously planned deworming schedule recommended by veterinary professionals. Our deworming and Parasite protocol begins with our sires & dams.
Our deworming includes preventatives for basic worms as well as Giardia and Coccidia (parasites), requiring different routine medications. We start with adult schnauzers to keep them happy & healthy as well as to maintain optimal health and prevent the spread of worms within the breeding environment. We’ve worked with our entrusted veterinarian to implement proper worm and parasite management for both adults and pups.
The next step in gut health is keeping our dams healthy; mama’s are dewormed the first day of heat. This deworming will to get a jump start on keeping Dam & future puppies safe.
Our Schnauzer Puppy Deworming Schedule
Puppies receive their initial deworming treatments at two weeks of age. Subsequent doses are given to eliminate any existing parasites and prevent reinfestation. The following schedule is used in our schnauzer puppy protocol:
2 weeks – Pyrantel Pamoate– used to treat intestinal roundworm, hookworm, and stomach worm parasites. This initial dosage kills worms
4 weeks – Fenbendazole – used to treat a variety of parasites roundworms, hookworms, lungworm, whipworm, and certain types of tapeworms. Additionally, Fenbendazole is used for giardia when given over a 5 day period. This initial dosage kills worms
6 weeks – Pyrantel Pamoate – used to treat intestinal roundworm, hookworm, and stomach worm parasites. This second dose kills worms that may have been born from eggs that were incubating during the initial dose.
7 weeks – If needed, Sulfatrim for treatment of Coccidia. Note that we also mix Cocci-Guard in our puppy food to prevent coccidia.
8 weeks- Fenbendazole – used to treat a variety of parasites roundworms, hookworms, lungworm, whipworm, and certain types of tapeworms. It is also used for giardia if given over a 5 day period. This second dose kills worms that may have been born from eggs that were incubating during the initial dose.
1.2 Routine Fecal Examinations:
In addition to regular deworming, we conduct routine fecal examinations for our schnauzers. Fecal examinations are given to detect the presence of worms or their eggs. Fecal samples are also collected and analyzed to identify any signs of parasitic infestation. This proactive approach enables us to promptly address any worm-related issues and prevent their spread among our schnauzers.
Worms are a VERY common issue in dogs, especially puppies. Regardless of cleanliness, worms must be addressed consistently and on a schedule. Oftentimes worms are dormant in mama. Hormones during pregnancy and childbirth can “awaken” this problem as many stressors do. It should be assumed that all puppies are born with a worm issue. This problem must be addressed consistently with the proper medications throughout the first 10 weeks of life.
Your puppy will go home with Diamond Puppy Food mixed with Cocciguard. Cocciguard will assist with defending your schnauzer puppy from these problematic creatures. Your veterinarian will follow up with any additional worming required once puppy goes home.
1.3 Sanitation and Hygiene Protocols for our schnauzer puppies:
Cleanliness is paramount in maintaining overall canine health. Here at Happy Beard Schnauzers, we undergo rigorous sanitation protocols, including daily cleaning and disinfection of living quarters, play areas, and communal spaces. We use veterinary-approved cleaning agents, steam cleaning, bleach, and pet-safe disinfectants to eliminate germs, bacteria, and parasites, minimizing the risk of contamination and transmission.
Some of the cleaning products included in our program are :
Section 2: Upholding Pristine Cleanliness
A clean and hygienic environment is essential for promoting the health, comfort, and happiness of our schnauzers. At Happy Beard Schnauzers, we maintain rigorous cleanliness protocols to ensure that our program exceeds industry standards and provides a safe haven for our schnauzers. Our last AKC Inspection was conducted in July 2023. In these random inspections AKC goes through records, scans microchips, checks the area for safety and cleanliness, and inspects our schnauzers. We passed with flying colors. The only recommendation given was to weld or replace a panel in our play yard because one of the welds was a little loose.
2.1 Daily Cleaning Routines:
Happy Beard Schnauzers is dedicated to following a comprehensive cleaning schedule that encompasses all aspects of our program. From sweeping and steam mopping floors to disinfecting surfaces and sanitizing equipment, no detail is overlooked in our pursuit of cleanliness. We utilize high-quality cleaning products and state-of-the-art equipment to effectively remove dirt, grime, and pathogens, creating a pristine environment for our schnauzers, both adult and puppies, to thrive.
2.2 Laundry and Bedding Maintenance for your schnauzer puppy:
To ensure cleanliness and hygiene, all bedding materials are laundered regularly using hot water and pet-safe detergents. Little pups need their bedding and whelping box pads washed with pet safe detergents. We use Dirty Dog Laundry Detergent to clean puppies laundry with Rescue Disinfectant as an additive. We highly recommend Dirty Dog laundry detergent for the first few months of a puppies life. The detergent is made specifically with puppy in mind, using products that are not deemed harmful to puppies. If you are bringing a schnauzer puppy home, you should have it on hand.It can be purchased on our amazon affiliate link at : Dirty Dog Laundry Detergent. We adhere to strict laundering protocols to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and allergens, providing clean and cozy bedding options for our schnauzers.
Section 3: Rigorous Disease Prevention Strategies
Preventing the spread of infectious diseases is a top priority at Happy Beard Schnauzers. We employ proactive strategies and stringent protocols to minimize the risk of disease transmission and protect the health and well-being of our schnauzers
3.1 Vaccination Protocol of your schnauzer puppy
Fun fact: The series of puppy shots is not gradual, but rather “hit & miss.” Four vaccinations are given every 2-3 weeks because the vaccination will not work until immunity from mothers milk has gone down enough for the vaccination to take. The puppy vaccination series is simply finding that sweet spot immediately after mothers immunity is low enough for the vaccine to take.
We vaccinate our schnauzer puppies at 6 and 8 weeks. The vaccination they receive is Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPv Vaccine for Dogs
When puppy goes home, make sure they should receive 2 additional vaccinations, one at 11 weeks, and the last one at 14 weeks.
Until the series is complete AND you get a thumbs up from your veterinarian, “The Floor Is Lava.” To learn more about keeping your schnauzer puppy safe and healthy, check out our blog post: Guarding Your Schnauzer Puppy from Everyday Hazards
3.2 Isolation and Quarantine Protocols:
In the event of illness or suspected contagious disease, we have designated isolation areas to separate affected dogs from the rest of the population. Isolated individuals receive specialized care and monitoring from ourselves and our veterinarian, who follow strict isolation and quarantine protocols to prevent the spread of infection. We work closely with veterinary professionals to implement appropriate treatment measures and ensure the well-being of all our schnauzers.
In the case of illness or contagious disease, our schnauzers will stay with our vet if he deems this as beneficial to the patient.
3.3 Hygiene and Biosecurity Measures:
We prioritize hygiene and biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of disease transmission within our environment. Visitors are kept to a minimum. When we have them, they are required to adhere to strict hand-washing protocols and sanitation guidelines. This includes a bleach bath (stepping in a bleach/water solution), hand sanitizer and making sure that they have not been in contact with any other puppies in the last 48 hours.
Our visits are usually on Zoom, as it is SAFER for our schnauzer puppies. We cannot risk putting our puppies in harmway. Thanks to technology, our families can visit their puppies via zoom. You are able to make a connection with your future schnauzer puppy while keeping him and his littermates healthy. Our weekly zoom meeting are set up on Calendly, using this link: Schedule Your Puppy Visit
Promoting proper hygiene practices will reduce the risk of contamination. By maintaining a vigilant focus on hygiene and biosecurity, we create a safer and healthier environment for our bearded friends.
3.4 Collaboration with Veterinary Professionals:
At Happy Beard Schnauzers, we maintain a collaborative relationship with veterinary professionals to stay informed about emerging health threats and best practices in disease prevention. We consult with our veterinarians regularly to review and update our protocols in accordance with industry standards and evolving recommendations.
We’ve had a relationship with our vets for years. By leveraging the expertise and guidance of veterinary professionals, we continuously enhance our disease prevention strategies and ensure the highest level of care for our schnauzer puppies.
3.5 Continuing Education
In addition to working closely with our veterinarians, we continue education and learning. Science is always evolving. What I learned in the 90’s during my college program at Cal Poly Pomona pre-veterinary medicine and animal science laid a foundation for our program. The key word here is foundation; we must continue to learn and keep up with advances in science. This includes webinars from trusted veterinarians, ETraining For Dogs Certifications , and following studies from veterinary schools.
Conclusion:
At Happy Beard Schnauzers, the health, happiness, and well-being of our schnauzers are our highest priorities. Through proactive measures to prevent worm infestations, maintain pristine cleanliness, and uphold rigorous disease prevention protocols, we strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where puppies can thrive and flourish. Our commitment to excellence in canine care is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from our comprehensive health practices to our unwavering dedication to the welfare of our schnauzers, both young & old. With a steadfast focus on compassion, integrity, and professionalism, we are proud to set the standard for breeding.
Along with raising puppies in a clean environment, a solid breeding program will also have a learning and socialization protocol in place. For information on how we raise our schnauzer puppies mentally and emotionally, check out our blog : Raising Balanced Schnauzer Puppies
If our standards lineup with yours, we invite you to view our schnauzer puppies at : Available Miniature Schnauzers and Available Giant Schnauzers . Our Planned & Upcoming litters can be found at We’re Expecting
Our blog has a ton of information to assist you on your journey in finding the perfect schnauzer puppy to add to your home.
“Breeding Miniature Schnauzers since 92’ and Giants since 2015, we’re confident you won’t find a more well-rounded schnauzer”