my healthy 8 yr old schnauzer just died...why?

His name was Tybo and I don't know why he died. Two days after his 8th birthday I called him to come eat but he didn't come and I found him laying next to the couch unable to move. I got him up on the couch and he was in much distress. He was breathing heavily and within minutes he was gone. Could someone have poisoned him? I miss him so much and have never been in so much pain.

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX: So sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Hopefully you will have many happy memories of Tybo and can at least console yourself with the thought that at least Tybo did not suffer.
I'm sorry we cannot offer any real insight as to why Tybo died so suddenly. It may be like with humans, some of them may have a heart problem but know nothing about it and then they are gone, even though they seemed so fit and healthy.
It sounds like Tybo was dearly loved and had eight happy years on this Earth, which is a lot more than many dogs.
Our condolences.

Comments for my healthy 8 yr old schnauzer just died...why?

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Aug 01, 2023
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My Dash
by: Keri

Just lost my beloved 10 yr white toy Dash. Had a fainting incident on a Thursday so we took him to an animal hospital. Slightly elevated kidney and liver values but not alarming. Said to take him to our vet for urine sample which we did not because he started acting normal. Acted a little weird shaking and staying in his bed. Next day normal- even got groomed. Monday normal laying with us in the evening, climbed the steps jumped up in bed, threw up (which was common with him birdseed, human food etc) so we thought nothing of it. By 5:00 I woke to him struggling to breathe- it was excruciating to watch. There was a stool in the bed and his gums were completely white. Got him in his bed to take to Emergency vet we think he was gone before we left. I want answers I will never get- organ failure? Heart issue?

MESSAGE FROM LINDA: So sorry for your loss. At least Dash didn't suffer for a long time. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Dec 28, 2022
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Sorry for your loss Devestated
by: Doggy lover

Sorry for the sudden loss of your of your miniature schnauzer. I understand. It is a mystery and so tragic when they are suddenly gone and you don’t even know why. When my seemingly perfectly healthy, active, robust schnauzer was 9y.o. I came home from school to find her dead/cold under the couch. I had called her bc found vomit and feces just next to the couch which was so unlike her. We buried her in our yard and to this day we still wonder…..was it something she ate? Heart attack? aneurysm ?. Our family regrets not getting an autopsy as even though this was over 40 years ago (yes! 40!!🥺) We still think of her and wonder if there was something we missed…. She was so healthy. Or so we thought.
I am glad you were able to re-susitate your doggy and spend some final moments with her/him. Though sad you had to lose your dog ultimately. At least you will always know that you did what you could. It seems you loved your little dog very much and he/she was loved while here. My condolences sent to you and your family.

Nov 17, 2022
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Devestated
by: Anonymous

My miniature Schnauzer was 10 yrs old and had developed afib. She fell over and I quick picked her up and did mouth to Snout. She came around and I rushed her to the 24 hr emergency vet. She seemed ok when I left but by 3:30 am she was gone….😭 I am Devastated at the loss of her. I’ve had her since she was a small puppy and my life will never be the same. We did everything together and I miss her greatly already.

May 07, 2022
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Very sorry for your loss
by: Linda

So sorry to hear of Lyria's passing. She sounded like a wonderful dog,
Linda

May 05, 2022
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I lost Liria
by: Anonymous

I just lost my 4 year-old schnauzer mini called Liria. She was the most sweetiest thing I've ever seen. We pet her like a human, altough I always used to tell her that she's a canine! She loved to play and run... And my gosh she always was running, unstopabble! And suddenly when we got to the park where she used to go, I opened the door and she ran to the street and a truck ran over her... My heart stoped. I lost my mind and got there and she was... she was dead. The truck driver never saw it coming. I felt very bad and desperate. I just love my sweet Liria. I cried buckets. She was the most beautiful dog in the neighbourhood, she had all the style with her mustache and sometimes she used goggles that I bought for her. Me and my wife were very attached to her and she used to sleep with us sometimes. She was afraid of lightning and thunders because her little ears were so sensitive... She could hear me arriving home when I was very far! And she always jumped at me. My wife used to kiss her paws and say that she loved her. I hope she rest in peace. Just know Liria, we loved you!

Feb 17, 2022
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so sorry, Ed
by: Linda

Ed, so sorry to hear your little man has gone. It's such a tough time.
The diabetes would have taken its toll on him, poor fellow.
Maybe his body had just had enough, or maybe there was another reason. you may never know, but by the sound of it, he was blessed to have you.
Try and think of the 9 beautiful years you had together. The end, by sound of it, was very quick, which is also a blessing. He didn't suffer very long at all.
Although it's harder to take when it happens so suddenly, it's kinder on the dog.
Try and remember all the lovely memories you made together, and he's at peace now.
Our thoughts are with you, Linda

Feb 12, 2022
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So sad
by: Ed

My nine year old mini just died , he had diabetes and went blind about 5 months ago he was given his shots he was well taken care of spent thousands on vet bills i felt so bad watching my baby fall away running into walls and no longer able to take him for walks or play with him (he loved to play) he was so smart and would follow you everywhere even blind he showed so much love ive never had a dog that had the spirit of this dog like he was a person , Last night he started vomiting blood and his stools were bloody i rushed him to the vet i was there 3 hours they were going to keep him overnight 1 hour after getting home i got a call from the vet that there was nothing they could do that he would not make it threw the night i drove back to the vet tears rolling down my face i put my hand on his head told him i loved him and that im sorry this is happening to you baby , his eyes were closed his breathing was really heavy he didnt know i was there ,Im lost for words how much pain im feeling, ive lost part of me . The vet put him to sleep and i may never know what caused this ive looked into geese that maybe he was eating poo and had a parasite but im so lost why this happened to my baby my best freind Buddy its been one day and i wish i went with you if anyone knows what would have caused him to bleed and pass away so suddenly pls comment

Dec 19, 2021
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Sorry for your loss
by: Linda

So sorry to hear about Mighty's passing.
Try and remember all the great times you had together, and think what a wonderful life he had with you. He was lucky to have you.
Kind regards,
Linda

Dec 13, 2021
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Mighty
by: Anonymous

I appreciate reading all the comments I have been so upset and devestated i lost my mini schnauzer Mighty to Histiocytic Sarcoma about 8 weeks ago i recently moved and the very day he started labored breathing i rushed him to the vet and it was fluidon his chest from there a month of hell a surgery to remove a mass and daily draining til no more could be done - He Never Showed ANY signs ans was so healthy- I miss him so much i cry every day and being Christmas is almost here just very sad!

Jun 05, 2020
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thank you for sharing, Mary Ellen
by: Linda

thank you for sharing, Mary Ellen.
At least your Daisy was fit and active right to the end and didn't suffer.
we will always remember them. They are in our hearts forever.

Jun 01, 2020
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Daisy
by: Mary Ellen

I had a 12 year old white mini schnauzer,Daisy who was very healthy.She had a few seizures.I took her to the vet.He took an x-ray and found an enlarged liver and kidney stones. She was running around like nothing happened. One week later I was going to take her for an ultrasound. She had labored breathing the day before and passed away right in front of me. I was taken by surprise. I will never forget my beloved Daisy.

Dec 16, 2019
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So sorry for your loss
by: Linda

So sorry for your loss, Mercedes

Dec 12, 2019
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Lost my almost 4 year old giant and we are devastated
by: Mercedes

We just lost our beautiful loving giant boy just one month before his 4th birthday. This is much too young. Why? We are so devastated. He had been sick for a year, we had seen about 10-15 vets, no one could diagnose him. Ultimately they treated him using daily steroid dosages and he was doing ok, but not back to normal. This week we lost him. We are so lost without him.

Aug 15, 2019
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My mini schnauzer
by: Anonymous

I’m so sorry hear about the passing of Max. My Schnauzer, Snowball passed away 3 weeks ago from diabetes mellitus/ketoacidous/ pancreatitis complication. He was 11 and was running around that morning. It came on suddenly and the veterinarian did everything they could to get his blood level back to normal. I know the hurt that you feel. There hasn’t been a day that I shed a tear. I wish that I could have a one more day just hold Snowball. My prayers 🙏 are with you.

Feb 04, 2019
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Lost my schnauzer suddenly
by: Anya

Hello, I am so sorry to read these stories and I understand what it feels like. We just lost our Schnauzer Toby so suddenly and unexpectedly, I can’t believe he is gone. He was a kind and loyal soul, always happy, and never left my site and followed me (or whoever was home when I wasn’t) around everywhere. He was also healthy, lean, and very strong!

We rescued him from a high kill shelter a little over 2 years ago, it was an owner surrender and he had a tumor so we rushed to take him out of there and treat him. The tumor was removed, biopsy showed it was just a benign tumor resulted from a hair follicle which was just never addressed on time by prior owners. I cannot believe someone could just get rid of such a loving, caring and intelligent dog. Very well mannered and with a huge heart.
Toby lived with us for 2 years and became a part of our family. This passed Thursday, in minutes, he passed at the age of 6 without any sign of ilness or distress. He was home with my dad, left his side 5 minutes - right before I got home from work, and laid down under the office desk - his favorite spot. It is where I found him, breathless, and he had bowel movements passed so I immediately knew he was gone. I tried to hold him and checked if maybe maybe he was just simply not feeling well or still scared of the thunder and this is why we didn’t come out to greet me.... but no he was gone forever.

It has been 3 days and I’m in disbelief and can’t stop crying. My other schnauzer keeps looking for his friend. I feel so guilty and so upset, did I miss something? What happened? We had our regular vet appointment scheduled for Saturday and he suddenly died on Thursday night. We had a very scary thunderstorm in the morning which Toby was so terrified about, as of all loud noises like fireworks. He was shaking for at least 20-30 minutes but the storm passed and the rain stopped and Toby was acting normal, eating, playing, barking at the strangers he saw through the window. And then he passed in the evening between 6:40 and 6:45 pm, right before I walked into the house. I am so devastated and I miss and love him so much :( He was the most loyal, grateful, and kind dog I have ever had

NOTE FROM LINDA:
I am so sorry to hear your sad news. It sounds like Toby passed his last years in complete happiness with you and, when the end came for whatever reason, it was quick. you did your best for him, God rest his soul.

Nov 06, 2018
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RIP My schnauzer
by: Anonymous

Hey y’all, I just lost my schnauzer, my baby was only 9 and we had just moved to a brand new house with a big backyard, my mini schnauzer was outside with her playmate , a young Pomeranian. Anyway, they were just outside for about 5 minutes and when I had gone back to let them in after getting their breakfast ready, I noticed someone had unlatched my front gate door and they both had left the yard. I immediately ran in panic looking for them, but unfortunately after searching for hours and posting flyers, a vet clinic called me and gave me the news that my babies were involved in an accident. A car had hit my mini schnauzer and she died instantly and the Pomeranian had just missed the car avoiding being hit also. I remember letting them out at 10:30am and going back for them at 10:36am , the witness to the accident who i later spoke to had told me that the accident had occurred around 10:33am and she immediately rushed them to a near by veterinary clinic and that’s the reason I had searched for them for so many hours and didn’t find a trace of them. I was so angry and in so much pain missing my little schnauzer , my baby girl was happy and healthy, just full of life and she was such a great guard dog , always alert with her obnoxious barking. Anyway, today I still have my Pomeranian who I’m grateful that she still with me and she’s only 4 , so my kids enjoy her a lot. But I miss my schnauzer , I love you baby and I’m sorry this happened, I was always alert and paying attention making sure my doggies were secure and this just happened so fast. I just wish I had time to run out and try to catch you before anything bad could have happened, just happened so fast and my heart hurts knowing my baby is gone and I just feel like this could have all been prevented. I’m sorry baby , so sorry, I love you and I hope you know our whole family misses you and the new house we bought isn’t the same without you baby girl. Love you Bebesito

NOTE FROM LINDA: So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. It sounds like your Schnauzer had a lovely life with you, think of all of the good times.

Apr 02, 2018
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comment on ed t's post
by: Anonymous

This is for Ed T. my mini started drinking water constantly leaving his bowl dry. didn't think anything of it until he started peeing in the house from drinking so much water, which he never did. We took him in and it ended up being diabetes. NITE FROM LINDA: thank you for sharing that. Diabetes is not uncommon in middle aged and elderly dogs.

Mar 09, 2018
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I love my Shakespeare
by: Ed T

I have an 8 yr old mini Schnauzer. New behavior-Shakespeare has been drinking water outside from puddles, a small birdbath, a planter we have in the yard and from the hose when it drips. He eats all his food and runs around like he always has. I thought maybe he looked a little thinner than usual I love this dog and took him in for a regular check up. After some blood work/tests they said he showed signs of bacteria and his gall bladder fluid is thick. They did a sonogram today and there are no signs of cancer. They did say his labs don't look right. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

NOTE FROM LINDA
Sorry, Ed, I have not come across this, but
here is an article with some information which includes the fact that Minis can be prone to gall bladder issues:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_dg_gallbladder_mucocele?page=show

Good luck to you and Shakespeare.

Oct 29, 2015
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13.5 year old Schnauzer suddenly dies
by: Paul Dunbar

We also just had our little Tiffany die suddenly Oct 27-2015 at8;00PM
she layed down on the kitchen floor, had a bowel movement, breathed heavily through her mouth for 30 minutes as I comforted her and then just died
No warning, not sick, was very alert that day as per normal etc/We are in shock and have been crying our eyes out for 2 days

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX: So sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like Tiffany's end was pretty quick and painless, which is what all Schnauzers would wish for - and she lived to a good age.
Think of all the good times you had with her. Our thoughts are with you.

Sep 06, 2014
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Rainbow Bridge...
by: Michele ( Benji & Rebel )

So sorry to here you have lost Toby.. but the good thing is that he isn't in pain now and he is with many other schnauzers having lots of fun and good food.. I still miss my beloved Rebel1 and Ringo.. but I think of them being alive and with my beloved husband who is no longer with me either.. they are waiting for us to join them one day..
I have two more Schnauzers.. Rebel 2 who is 6 and 2 year old Benji.. also a wonderful Australian Silky, Rambo, who's 11 and thinks he is still a puppy.. !! please visit Rainbow Bridge where you'll see my story as well as others who have said good-bye to their wonderful Best Friends.. I'll not go on as I have a tear or two coming on..

Sep 03, 2014
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Our Toby
by: Anonymous

Our lovely mini schnauzer died August 28 around 10:00 am plus...no indication, although he was taking a medication for seizure since June but he looks healthy and the blood test was good...I miss him terribly

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX: So sorry to hear of your loss. At least it sounds like it was quick and Toby would not have suffered.

Jul 11, 2014
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Lost Sarg suddenly
by: Sarg's mom

We lost our little schnauzer very suddenly. My girls let him out yesterday to do his bathroom business. He never barked to come back in. I had a client that came in shortly after that and mentioned that he was out in the yard. It was cloudy and overcast, not really hot, he was hydrated so I was puzzled. He had not acted right all morning and by 3:30 he had passed. I was working (home business) so I had to go remove him from the yard. I was just very upset and miss him so much. I've never had a dog quite like him. He was so pleasant, calm and well mannered. He followed me everywhere and was always happy to see me. The one thing I did notice was that the day before he died, he had accidents everywhere (very unusual for him....) I really am lost without my boy! I'm sorry for all of you that have gone through this.

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX: So sorry to hear of your loss, and what a shock.
Unless you have an expensive autopsy you may never know how Sarg died. He may have had a heart attack or a stroke, or his kidneys may have failed or something entirely different. It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you and that he was happy right up to his last seconds on this earth.

Aug 25, 2013
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I had this happen about 6 years ago as well
by: Anonymous

My Alex was two weeks past his second birthday. Healthy as could be. We had just moved to Florida from Germany a week prior and he'd had an indepth physical exam for the move. He started breathing differently. It didn't seem quite like normal panting but was fast. He also just wanted to lie on the floor on his side and be left alone. We took him to the vet and they immediately began tests. He died within a few hours. The vet was so frustrated and perplexed that she asked for permission to do a necropsy free of charge. It turns out that he had a tumor in the base (atria end) of his heart. She said that while extremely rare, they do happen in mini schnauzers. They come out of nowhere and grow incredibly fast. So fast that the dog usually dies the day that symptoms begin. She also stressed that even if we had found the tumor prior to death that there is nothing that could be done about it. There aren't heart transplants for dogs and that is the only way that they could be fixed. I'm so sorry for your loss. Having been through what sounds like the exact same situation, I know the devastation and anger at having a young, healthy pet just drop dead with no warning. I hope you find a way to grieve this loss and understand that there is nothing you missed or could have done to prevent it.

Jun 22, 2013
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greiving
by: jeanette

i to recently had a 7year old girl whom i miss daily .she died so suddenly i could not get her to the vet . i miss her so much she was very affecionate.i want another pet but it is hard to think of replacing her.

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX:
So sorry to hear your news.

Dec 12, 2012
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RAINBOW BRIDGE...
by: Michele

I think Linda and Max could be right.. as your beautiful Baby could easily have had a heart problem.. and you will have known nothing.. he most likely didn't want you to know either.. Please go to the Rainbow Bridge forum as I've posted stories about my Rebel 1 and Ringo.. I lost Rebel 1 at 11 and he showed no sign of being poorly... when he did it was too late and 4 days later he was gone.. Ringo was 15, his passing was his age.. Don't leave it too long before you get another beautiful Schnauzer as he will fill your empty space.. You may not feel like it, but believe me it will help you in your grieving process.. to have another to cuddle and talk to..
My Sincerest Sympathy, and if you would like to keep in touch, my email is.. michele.lawrence@ymail.com I will email you the Rainbow Bridge poem too..

Dec 12, 2012
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Forgot to Say
by: SUE

I looked on the internet and joined a Schnauzer forum the people on there are so friendly and supportive check it out on Google put in Schnauzer Forum I dont know where you are based but its a UK site.

It is helping me a lot with my grieving process.

Love sue xx

Dec 12, 2012
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I am so sorry
by: Sue

I was so very sorry to read your post I can totally understand what you are going through as we lost our miniature schnazuer Ruby to cancer last week.

We are devestated and miss her terribly she was very special to us and brought us much joy she was just 7 years old.

We have another older schnauzer who misses her playmate too.

I do truly know how you are feeling and I am sending you a big hug.

Lots of Love
Sue x

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