There are many reasons why your mini schnauzer may be shivering. Some of these reasons are benign and easily remedied, while others may point to a more serious underlying condition.
In this article, we will explore 10 of the most common reasons for mini schnauzers shivering, as well as what you can do to help ease your dog’s discomfort.
- Anxiety or stress: Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety or stress in response to specific triggers.
If your mini schnauzer suddenly starts shivering, it could be due to a stressful event such as a move to a new home, the addition of a new baby to the family, or even loud noises such as fireworks.
- Fear: Fear is another common emotion that can cause dogs to shiver. If your mini schnauzer is afraid of something, he may start to shake in an attempt to escape the situation.
- Pain: Pain is another possible reason for your mini schnauzer’s shivering. If your dog is experiencing pain, he may shake to relieve the discomfort.
- Cold weather: One of the most common reasons for mini schnauzers shivering in cold weather. Dogs are more susceptible to the cold than humans, so it’s important to keep them warm when temperatures start to drop.If your mini schnauzer is shivering due to cold weather, you can help by providing him with a warm blanket or coat.
- Hot weather: While cold weather is one of the most common reasons for mini schnauzers shivering, hot weather can also cause your dog to shake.If the temperature is too hot for you, it’s likely too hot for your mini schnauzer as well. Dogs don’t sweat as humans do, so they can’t cool off as effectively when it’s hot outside.
If your mini schnauzer is shaking due to heat, you can help by giving him a cool bath or moving him to a cooler location.
- Wet weather: Wet weather can also cause your mini schnauzer to shiver. This is because wet hair can act as a conductor, causing your dog to feel cold even when the air temperature is warm.If your mini schnauzer is shaking due to wet weather, you can help by towel drying him off and making sure he has a warm place to stay.
- Illness: Another possible reason for your mini schnauzer’s shivering is illness. If your dog is shaking due to an illness, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible.
- Exercise: While exercise is good for dogs, too much of it can cause them to shiver. This is because the movement can cause a dog’s body temperature to drop, leading to muscle fatigue and eventually shaking.If your mini schnauzer is shaking due to exercise, you can help by giving him a break and letting him rest.
- Old age: As dogs age, they become more susceptible to the cold and may start to shiver more easily. If your mini schnauzer is starting to shiver due to old age, you can help by providing him with a warm blanket or coat.
- Separation anxiety: If your mini schnauzer is used to being around people all the time, he may start to shiver when left alone. This is because he may experience separation anxiety, which can be caused by changes in routine or the addition of new family members.If your mini schnauzer is shaking due to separation anxiety, you can help by giving him a toy or treat to keep him occupied while you’re gone.
If your mini schnauzer is shivering, it’s important to take him to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once any medical conditions have been ruled out, you can start to look for possible environmental or behavioral causes.
If you’re still not sure what’s causing your mini schnauzer’s shivering, you can always consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
What to do when your mini schnauzer is shivering?
If your mini schnauzer is shivering, there are a few things you can do to help him feel better.
- Check the temperature: One of the first things you should do when your mini schnauzer starts to shiver is check the temperature.If it’s cold outside, bring him inside and make sure he has a warm blanket or coat. If it’s hot outside, move him to a cooler location and give him a cool bath.
- Check for injuries: If your mini schnauzer is shaking due to pain, it’s important to take him to the vet to rule out any injuries. Once any injuries have been ruled out, you can start to look for possible environmental or behavioral causes.
- Talk to your vet: If you’re still unsure what’s causing your mini schnauzer’s shivering, you can always consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Your vet may also be able to offer some insight into what’s going on.
- Keep him comfortable: Regardless of the cause of your mini schnauzer’s shivering, it’s important to make sure he’s comfortable. If he’s cold, make sure he has a warm blanket or coat. If he’s hot, move him to a cooler location and give him a cool bath. If he’s wet, a towel dries him off, and make sure he has a warm place to stay.
- Get him to the vet: If your mini schnauzer is shaking due to an illness, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible.
The most important thing you can do when your mini schnauzer is shivering is to consult with a professional. Your vet will be able to rule out any medical conditions and offer some insight into what’s causing your dog’s shaking.
Once any medical conditions have been ruled out, you can start to look for possible environmental or behavioral causes.
Final Words
If your mini schnauzer is shivering, it’s important to take note of other symptoms and any possible triggers. If the shivering is accompanied by other signs of distress, such as whining or pacing, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
Shivering can be a sign of pain, anxiety, or illness, all of which warrant professional medical attention.
In most cases, however, shivering is simply a mini schnauzer’s way of staying warm. By providing your dog with a cozy bed and blanket, you can help him weather even the coldest winter nights.
