Is My Schnauzer Stressed? How to Tell and What to Do

We hear a lot about how to minimize stress in our lives. Everything from exercise to meditation to being better organized can help. But what about our Schnauzers? They seem to have an ideal life of eating, playing, and sleeping….but do they experience stress and anxiety more than we might realize? And if so, how can we tell and, more importantly, what can we do?

Is my Schnauzer stressed? Schnauzers can experience stress and anxiety due to medical problems, separation, loud noises, and changes in environment. Many things that cause stress for you can stress your Schnauzer. Look for symptoms such as shaking, excessive drooling, cowering, or hiding.

Just like humans, Schnauzers can suffer from stress and anxiety. When you notice strange behaviors in your Schnauzer, such as loss of appetite, hiding, whining, or even dilated eyes, there is a reason to worry.

When we moved to a new home, it was a fun and well-timed change for us. However, we had lived in the same home with Livi for nearly 10 years and we could tell that it wasn’t such an easy transition for her. Once we moved in, she began having bathroom accidents and she even ran away a few times. She has since settled in just fine, but those first few months were clearly stressful for her.

Fortunately, there are several strategies that you can use to help your stressed Schnauzer, such as exercise, medication, massage, and more.

In this article, we’ll discuss what may cause stress for your Schnauzer, look at the signs of stress, and consider ways to help your stressed canine friend.

What Can Cause Stress for Your Schnauzer?

While Schnauzers are generally adaptable, capable animals, stress and anxiety may result from a variety of factors that include:

Medical Problems

One of the leading causes of stress in Schnauzers is poor health. If you note any strange behaviors in your pet that may suggest she is stressed, it’s vital to take the pet to your vet to rule out any serious causes. Infections and other medical conditions may leave your dog stressed and unable to proceed with their regular routine. In addition to causing stress, the medical condition may leave them appearing lethargic and uninterested in any activities.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is another leading cause of behavioral problems in Schnauzers. This disorder sets in when your dog is left alone or separated from you, your family, or fellow pets. She may exhibit some behaviors such as whining and howling. In severe cases, she may engage in destructive behaviors like destroying rugs, shoes, furniture, chewing, or even defecating or peeing in the house. Schnauzers are highly social animals and may feel lonely, afraid, and bored if left alone for long.

Tension in a Home

Schnauzers will normally turn to you for signals regarding how to react to situations around them. It’s probably not surprising to note that your Schnauzer can pick up on your emotions. For example, when you are confident and calm, she will consider the environment to be safe and secure, and will feel happy and content. On the contrary, when you seem stressed and anxious, your she will detect the changes in your emotions and will also be affected. When there is friction or animosity at home, you Schnauzer will sense the situation, and she may feel stressed and anxious.

Housing Changes

Your Schnauzer becomes comfortable and familiar with a home and living conditions, and she may feel agitated if moved to a new location. Although not quite as dramatic a situation, the same may occur if her bedding, bed, or sleeping area is changed. Any major changes to your Schnauzer’s housing should ideally be introduced gradually to avoid overly stressing her.  If you are moving to a new home, it is a good idea to visit the new location with your Schnauzer several times (if possible) during the move-in process. If that’s not possible, just acclimate her to the new home with visits to each room and small treats for encouragement. Schnauzers, just like other dogs, are usually cautious about new things. This includes new toys, strangers, new places, or anything you may have introduced in their world.

Changes in Routine

Changes in your normal routine, especially if they are drastic, can cause some stress. If the predictability of her life is disrupted, your Schnauzer may react with some anxiety. Again, Schnauzers are fairly adaptable, but they also depend on their human families for nearly everything.

If your routine has changed, consider keeping up with one or more aspects of the routine she has been used to. For example, carving out the same time each day for a comforting massage or her daily walk.

One or two meaningful rituals can help her to feel safe even within the changes.

Changes in the Family

Any significant changes in your home may cause your Schnauzer stressed. This may happen if a new baby is born, a new puppy is introduced in your home, or a family member leaves for college, the military, or work. Any of these changes may result in some initial stress and anxiety for her. Dogs bond with your family members and being separated from them can open room for grief, confusion, loneliness, and anxiety.

Loud Noises and Situations

Loud noise such as thunderstorms, fireworks, noisy vehicles, and noise from construction sites can put your Schnauzer into hiding. Even simple sounds like the sound of a vacuum cleaner or a new appliance at home can instill fear in her. In such situations, it’s vital to exercise patience and help your Schnauzer to overcome their fears.

Being Poorly Trained

When your Schnauzer is inexperienced, she may develop stress from not knowing what you require of her. She may become afraid of your reaction to mistakes or disobedience.  If you are continually shouting, or are otherwise disproving of your Schnauzer, she will naturally build a stressful response. Your Schnauzer wants nothing more than to please you, and solid obedience training (as a puppy or even as an adult or senior) will get both of you on the same page and strengthen your relationship. Training will ensure that your Schnauzer can be successful and confident.

How to Tell if Your Schnauzer is Stressed

Your Schnauzer’s actions, reactions, and body language can help you tell when she is stressed.

Some signs of stress include:

• Unwarranted shivering or shaking
• Diarrhea
• Tense muscles
• Itching and scratching
• Yawning
• Whining and barking
• Cowering
• Hiding
• Dilated pupils
• Lip licking
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive shedding
• Ears back
• Changes in appetite
• Loss of interest for previously enjoyable activities

How to Help Your Stressed Schnauzer

If you note signs of stress in your Schnauzer, you should do your best to help her overcome the situation.

Some of the best practical ways to achieve this goal may be:

Identify and Avoid Stress Triggers

The best way to reduce stress in your Schnauzer is to identify what is causing the stress and then find the best way of avoiding the stress trigger. For example, if your dog gets terrified when they hear the sound of fireworks, its best to avoid taking them to celebrations. If they detest being in crowds, there is no need to parade them. Any time you note signs of stress in your Schnauzer, it’s essential to get to the root cause and take the necessary precautions.

Regular Exercise

Lack of activity is a leading cause of boredom and stress for Schnauzers. They are highly energetic dogs that were bred for hard work. Engaging your Schnauzer in regular exercise is the top way to relieve stress. Physical activities ensure that she is mentally and physically stimulated, thus getting relief from tension. Take a long walk, play a vigorous game, or introduce her to a new sport.

Frisbee games, catch games, a ball launcher “cannon” (so fun!), completely automatic ball launchers (so easy!), and starter agility sets are also great options for burning off excess energy and reducing stress.

You might also want to read my article What are the Best Sports for Schnauzers.

Provide a Safe Retreat

Giving your Schnauzer a safe, known place of retreat can help her to feel safe and comforted. It could be a crate, bed, or favorite blanket. The point is to specifically provide her with her own space.

Calming beds, weighted blankets, and secure crates, kennels, or decorative kennels are known to help Schnauzers feel safe and allow them to “den” whenever they need.

Compression Wraps

Compression wraps can work magic when your Schnauzer is stressed. These head wraps, vests, and blankets exert gentle pressure on your Schnauzer’s body, helping them to be calm and contented. The science behind this solution is based on Deep Touch Pressure therapy where the body releases serotonin in response to weight or pressure on the body. It’s similar to having a massage or receiving a hug.

Massage

Massage isn’t just for stressed out humans. Schnauzers, too, can get relief from stress with even a brief massage. You can make good use of your dog’s ears, feet, and top of the head, which are natural pressure points to massage your pet. Incorporating 10-15 minutes of massage for your Schnauzer will do wonders in relieving her from stress. Read my article Should I Massage My Schnauzer for key details and beginner tips.

Classical Music

When you’re stressed, you might be in the habit of incorporating music to help you relax. Believe it or not, this also works for your Schnauzer. Decades of studies have demonstrated the positive effects of classical music on both human and animal brainwaves. Classical music can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase levels of the “feel good” neurotransmitter, dopamine. Classical music has also been shown to lower blood pressure.

Dog Appeasing Pheromone Diffusers

When a Schnauzer’s mother is nursing puppies, she releases chemical messengers called pheromones to reassure the puppies of security and safety. Machines that diffuse synthetic pheromones (DAP or Dog Appeasing Pheromones) into the air have found their way onto the market and you can purchase them at your local pet stores or online. With several options available, you may place one in the kennel or attach one to your Schnauzer’s collar for a comforting, calming effect. Keep in mind that research demonstrates this to be effective with puppies, but the results are unclear when it comes to adult dogs. And, don’t worry, you won’t be able to smell the pheromones.

A Healthy Diet

A poor diet may cause stress in your dog. This may be because dogs in poor health have low immunity, thus exposing them to infections that may lead to stress. In this respect, it’s vital always to choose high-quality dog food for your Schnauzer. The diet should be appropriate for their lifestyle and age. This is crucial since a dog’s diet is an essential aspect of their health and well-being. We love The Honest Kitchen.

In addition, to avoid the stress that harmful human foods might cause, read my article Which Human Foods Should My Schnauzer NEVER Eat.

An Examination by Your Veterinarian

When your Schnauzer shows prolonged or chronic signs of stress, it’s crucial to take them to your vet to help diagnose the cause. Medication may even be a consideration for stress or anxiety that doesn’t seem to have a physical underpinning. However, the symptoms of anxiety may actually be caused by exposure to toxic substances like lead. In addition, brain and thyroid disease may also cause anxiety (or at least stress symptoms) in your Schnauzer. Your veterinarian will conduct a series of tests and examinations, including blood tests, to narrow down the possibilities.

Alternative Medicinal Options

While traditional medicine may be necessary to treat severe cases of anxiety or to resolve any underlying medical situations, the array of alternative options is ever-increasing. You have the option of considering Homeopathic remedies such as Rescue Remedy, or other alternative options such as CBD oil or hemp treats.

In addition, aromatherapy, when practiced safely, can be helpful for dogs. Since the mid-1900s, a more official form of veterinary aromatherapy has been practiced, and research into the therapeutic effects of essential oils on canines and other animals continues. Lavender is the simplest, safest, and most widely recommended essential oil you could consider diffusing for stress relief.

Deal with the Fear of Abandonment

If you’ll be traveling for a business trip, holiday, or vacation, it’s essential to look for someone trustworthy to keep your Schnauzer company. It’s natural that she will feel lonely when she can’t be with you, but having a trusted person your Schnauzer likes can help them cope well. You can also practice making leaving a “non-event” by not giving prolonged hugs or attention before you leave or when you get home. While this may sound cruel, it can have the effect of neutralizing the experience for your Schnauzer, meaning that leaving and coming home are not overemphasized as being either positive or negative experiences. Alternatively, you can opt for experts who organize dependable pet daycare or doggie camps.

Your Schnauzer’s stress or anxiety might test your patience and your knowledge. Staying in tune with her physical symptoms and body language will hopefully help you pinpoint the cause and offer helpful remedies. If the problem persists, please reach out to your veterinarian.

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