Why Do Schnauzer’s Shake? 12 Reasons and What to Do

Our Miniature Schnauzer, Livi, shakes (as if she’s shaking off water) nearly every time she gets up from lying down. Maybe its her way of waking up and getting going, who knows. But she also started to develop an odd, seizure-like shake in her hind legs and it really worried us. Her veterinarian has still not been able to determine the exact cause. The occurrences of the seizure-like shake is inconsistent, and Livi seems healthy otherwise. We’ve been left with little to no answers, and I wanted to be armed with as much information as possible in case it continued. Here’s what I know.

Why do Schnauzers shake and when should I worry? Schnauzers can shake due to everything from chilly weather and excitement to emotional responses such as fear and stress. However, Schnauzers are also prone to epilepsy and generalized tremor syndrome. You should worry and call your veterinarian if shaking is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, foaming at the mouth, becoming disoriented, or losing consciousness.

The tricky part of answering this question is that Schnauzers tremble and shake for all types of reasons.

Your Schnauzer might shake because of excitement, joy, or to dry herself after a warm bath.

Your Schnauzer might also do what has come to be known among many Schnauzer parents as the “Schnauzer Shimmy.” If you’ve seen it, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Schnauzers are capable of shaking in what looks like a wave-like ripple from head to tail.

However, she might also shake due to stress, fear, anxiety, nausea, pain, old age, or due to severe health complications. If your Schnauzer’s shaking is accompanied by lethargy, vomiting after consuming unusual treats, breathing heavy, or limping, then you should call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

While shaking can be just a normal way of life for some Schnauzers, it might also be a signal that something is wrong. There are numerous reasons that you pup could be shaking, ranging from non-threatening to troubling.

Let’s take a look at 12 of the known and possible causes of shaking, from the least serious possibilities to the most serious conditions.

The Emotional Reasons That Might Cause A Schnauzer To Shake

There are several reasons a Schnauzer might shake or tremble. But before you conclude that your Schnauzer is ill, you’ll need to determine if she is shaking because of emotional reasons, or if she is suffering from a serious condition.

Some of the common emotional reasons that may cause your Schnauzer to shake include:

Excitement

You don’t have to do a lot of things to make a Schnauzer happy. Returning home after being away from home is more than enough to make some Schnauzers shake, bark, and bound around with excitement. Although she will often outgrow such traits over time, you can help your Schnauzer calm down by ensuring that your greetings are brief and calm. You can also train your Schnauzer to sit down before offering your greeting.

Fear, Stress, and Anxiety

Stress is one of the most common reasons why your Schnauzer might be shaking. Some Schnauzers, especially Miniatures, are known to experience separation anxiety, and when she is under stress, she may shake noticeably. There are various causes of stress, including sudden noises like thunderstorms, loneliness, and poor training. Read my article Is My Schnauzer Stressed? (How to Know and What to Do) for some helpful details.

Unfamiliar animals or people, a visit to the veterinarian, or missing you are some of the main triggers that can lead to anxiety in Schnauzers. This response to stress might be accompanied by chewing on furniture, panting, and other bad behaviors. Your Schnauzer might also growl, hide, or even show signs of aggression.

Schnauzers can be susceptible to fear and anxiety, but circumstances and your Schnauzer’s personal disposition also play a significant part in her reaction to stress. If chronic anxiety is an issue, specific training methods can help your Schnauzer acclimate to situations or overcome her fears. In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend some medications to help calm down your Schnauzer.

What to Do for Emotional Causes of Shaking

• Avoid punishing your Schnauzer or yell at her to stop the behavior. Schnauzers do not respond well to anger or punishment, and these tactics will only worsen the problem.
• Allow your Schnauzer to be near you and see you when she is anxious. Knowing that she is able to come to you for comfort can ease her stress.
• Alternatively, work through a process of extinguishing her stressful responses to situations. For example, leave and come home without making it a big deal. Your Schnauzer may learn to handle previously stressful events with less of a reaction.
• You may want to work with a professional trainer to teach your Schnauzer more effective coping behaviors through training.
• Be sure that your Schnauzer has a favorite bed or is crate trained. Schnauzers, like all dogs, benefit from denning when they need to retreat or feel safe.
• See if your Schnauzer will tolerate a calming cap or ear muffs, both designed specifically for dogs. The cap can filter her eyesight for a calming effect, and the ear muffs can filter out loud noises.
• Wrap her in a calming vest or weighted blanket. These vests and blankets provide gentle and constant pressure that forms a swaddling-like impact to help minimize stress.
• Speak to your Schnauzer in a calm and soothing voice. She is very attuned voice inflections and tone, and you can help her to manage stress with a soothing voice and demeanor.
• Maintain your Schnauzer’s normal routine. If your routine or schedule has changed, or you have moved, or have needed to introduce any other type of that may affect your Schnauzer, try to maintain her normal schedule as much as possible. Schnauzers are actually very adaptable breeds, but if your Schnauzer is already stressed or anxious, a change in schedule could be upsetting.

Common Physical Reasons That Can Cause A Schnauzer To Shake

Cold Weather

Many reasons can cause your Schnauzer to tremble or shiver, but the most obvious cause for shivering is cold. Schnauzers have a naturally thick, double coat that can help to insulate them. However, clipping a Schnauzers coat, which essentially removes the outer layer, is becoming more common. Without the double coat, your Schnauzer may be more susceptible to chills in cold weather.

Either way, cold weather…especially if your Schnauzer’s coat gets wet…is a top reason for shaking. It can also be dangerous, if you are not careful. While Schnauzers are quite hearty dogs, they are just as affected by cold weather as you are. Read my article Can Schnauzers Cope with the Cold (What You Should Know) for cold weather tips and cautions.

Aging

Senior dogs can shake, especially in their back limbs, for no specific reasons. You can easily see these types of trembles, which are also known as “old dog tremors” in Schnauzers at rest, and you should not worry about them. If the shaking does not interfere with your Schnauzer’s quality of life, you should accept them as part of their old age.

However, if her shaking becomes chronic or is accompanied by any other worrisome symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

Pain and Weakness

Muscle weakness and pain are other potential reasons for shaking muscles in Schnauzers. In the same way that you can experience tremors after lifting weights during a rigorous workout, and she can also experience muscle weakness after exercise or a demanding activity. If your Schnauzer is just worked up, you should consider giving her a massage and ample time to rest. Read my article Should I Massage My Schnauzer? Yes! And Beginner Tips for some great options and steps.

Dogs who suffer from arthritic pain might tremble because of weakness or pain, or a combination of the two. If you believe the tremors are a result of arthritic pain, you should visit your veterinarian for specialized attention. Your vet will most likely need to take X-rays in order to determine whether arthritis or other joint problems are the cause of shaking.

Nausea

Your Schnauzer may begin shaking if he is nauseous. If he has ingested something poisonous, some bad food, or is perhaps even experiencing motion sickness from being in the car, he may feel nauseous and shake as a result. Look for other signs of nausea such as lip-licking, drooling, yawning, or hiding.

What to Do for General Physical Causes of Shaking

• If your Schnauzer is shaking due to cold temperatures, skip playtime in the backyard and instead take a short brisk walk or take her to an indoor pet park for some exercise. Ensure that she has a warm coat and quick ways (such as a warmed-up blanket) to re-warm after being outside.
• Invest in a therapeutic bed. Schnauzers are prone to hip displaysia and joint problems in general, and can benefit from having a very thick, therapeutic bed for resting. Giant Schnauzers, and all aging Schnauzers, will definitely be more comfortable. In addition to making her more comfortable, it could even help to extend her life. Joint problems that become very painful and limit mobility can lead to even more complex problems. Read my article Help Your Schnauzer Live Longer for some must-know tips.
• Keep your senior Schnauzer well-exercised and up-to-date on annual check-ups, vaccinations, and any supportive care she might need.
• Learn how to massage your Schnauzer, even with basic strokes, to ease stiffness and muscle tension. It can be a mutually stress-relieving, healing experience and may help with shaking.
• If shaking seems unusual or becomes chronic, start keeping a record of each specific occurrence along with the circumstances surrounding it. For example, record anything your Schnauzer has eaten, what kind of physical activity she has been involved with, or any other information that seems related or relevant.

Serious Physical Reasons That Might Cause A Schnauzer To Shake

Generalized Tremor Syndrome

Severe illness may also cause your Schnauzer to tremble or shake. Generalized tremor syndrome, also known as responsive tremor syndrome and white dog shaker syndrome, is one of the common disorders that cause shaking in young dogs. It was first noticed in small, white dogs, including Schnauzers. The best news is that it can be treated with corticosteroids, and she will start improving within one week of treatment.

Poisoning

Many human foods, medications, and plants are poisonous to Schnauzers. Something as simple as avocados and grapes, to aspirin and aloe plants can cause serious problems.

Symptoms of poisoning can vary, but may include shaking. In addition, look for tremors, weakness, disorientation, depression, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you think your Schnauzer has swallowed anything potentially toxic, call your veterinarian immediately.

Seizure Disorders

Miniature Schnauzers are often afflicted with epilepsy. For Miniatures, its an inherited condition and will generally manifest somewhere between 6 months and 3 years of age. Look for symptoms such as muscle twitching, jerking, stiffening, collapsing, foaming at the mouth, chewing his tongue, or losing consciousness. He may also fall on his side and paddle with his legs. In all cases, just stay near your Schnauzer during the episode and call your veterinarian. Do not try to stop the seizure or put your fingers near his mouth.

Distemper

Distemper is a virus usually marked by coughing, nasal discharge, and fever, but it can also cause tremors and seizures. Puppies that have not been vaccinated fully are at a high risk of this condition. If you suspect your Schnauzers have been exposed to distemper or notice any of these symptoms, you should consider seeing your veterinarian as soon as possible. Distemper has no cure, but your veterinarian can help you manage the symptoms with antibiotics and intravenous fluids until your Schnauzer’s immune system can fight off the virus to prevent any secondary infections.

Kidney disease

Schnauzers with renal failure or chronic kidney disease may not show any symptoms for a long time, but you might suddenly realize that she seems to urinate and drink more regularly. Other signs of kidney disease might include shaking as the damage advances fast. Although you cannot cure it, you can manage kidney disease with treatments and therapy, which enable you to provide your Schnauzer with a good quality of life.

Addison’s disease

Schnauzers get Addison’s disease due to cortisol deficiency. Some of the symptoms of Addison’s condition include gastrointestinal complications, lack of appetite, as well as the loss of strength and energy. Shaking is another common symptom. If you notice all or some of these symptoms, talk to your vet because Addison’s disease is often misdiagnosed and might lead to more serious health problems.

What to Do for Serious Physical Causes of Shaking

• Make note of anything that preceded the shaking. For example, make note of what your Schnauzer ate, where he walked, or anything that could have harmed or poisoned him. Package anything from your environment that your Schnauzer may have ingested and take it with you to the veterinarian.
• If your Schnauzer is shaking uncontrollably due to uncommon or severe physical conditions such as distemper, kidney disease, and other forms of neurological complications or viruses, contact a veterinarian professional immediately for a thorough examination.
• Keep your Schnauzer safe and as calm and comfortable as possible.

How To Tell If Your Schnauzer’s Shaking Is Serious And Life-Threatening

Treatment for a trembling Schnauzer will vary depending on the underlying causes. For a Schnauzer whi is excited or cold, treatment might be as simple as calming your Schnauzer down or warming her up. If that’s not helping at all, then it’s time to consult your veterinarian. If your Schnauzer is injured or sick, the treatments will probably require the assistance of your veterinarian.

Your veterinarian might prescribe massage, rest, or even a surgical operation depending on the underlying cause of your Schnauzer’s shaking.

Various warning signs enable you to know it’s time to see your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

You should call your veterinarian professional as soon as possible if:

• Your Schnauzer’s shaking is accompanied by other symptoms, such as lethargy, anxiety, limping, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, foaming at the mouth, or loss of consciousness.
• Your Schnauzer starts trembling after consuming something unusual.
• Your Schnauzer’s shaking is interfering with normal behaviors such as sleeping or playtime.
• Your Schnauzer looks distressed when she’s trembling.

---

Watching your Schnauzer shake, especially if it seems unusual and out of character, can be frightening. Some shaking is normal, but Schnauzers can be prone to very serious causes of shaking, such as epilepsy.

Unfortunately, determining the cause of shaking can be a challenge. Ruling out the very common and generally harmless reasons is the first place to start.

For example, your Schnauzer has emotions reactions to life and situations just like you do. She can respond to stressful situations by shaking, shivering, or trembling. It could be that your Schnauzer is excited that you are home from a long day at work, or it might signal stress, fear, or anxiety. she might also simply be cold.

Keeping your Schnauzer warm, relaxed, well-exercised, away from toxic edibles, and up-to-date on preventive care can all keep her healthy. Good health maintenance and careful observation can help you and your veterinarian narrow down the underlying cause of shaking due to more serious problems.

If unusual shaking becomes a chronic problem, start keeping a log of the incidents and the associated circumstances so that your veterinarian has some helpful background information.

---