Why Is My Dog Not Eating And Shaking? Causes & What To Do

When your beloved dog suddenly stops eating and begins to shake, it’s natural to feel a surge of worry. Dog loss of appetite combined with shaking are clear indicators that your dog is not feeling well and requires immediate attention. This combination of symptoms can point to a wide range of issues, from mild discomfort to serious medical emergencies. This article will delve into the common reasons behind these concerning signs and outline the crucial steps you should take to help your furry companion.

Deciphering Dog Trembling and Loss of Appetite

The act of dog trembling can manifest in various ways, from subtle quivering to more pronounced shaking. When coupled with dog refusing food, it signals a disruption in your dog’s normal state of well-being. It’s essential to remember that dogs, like humans, can experience a variety of ailments. Identifying the underlying cause is the first and most critical step in providing effective care.

Common Causes of Dog Not Eating and Shaking

Several factors can contribute to a dog not eating and shaking. These can be broadly categorized into medical issues, environmental factors, and behavioral problems.

Medical Conditions

Many medical problems can cause a dog to lose its appetite and shake. These range from gastrointestinal upset to more systemic diseases.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Dog digestive issues are a frequent culprit. When a dog’s stomach or intestines are irritated, they can experience nausea, pain, and discomfort, leading to a loss of appetite. Shaking can be a physical response to pain or anxiety stemming from these digestive problems.

Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining. This can be caused by eating something they shouldn’t have, dietary indiscretion, infections, or even stress. Symptoms often include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which can lead to shaking.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas. This is a painful condition that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Dogs with pancreatitis often refuse to eat and may tremble due to the intense pain.
Intestinal Blockage: If a dog swallows a foreign object that obstructs the digestive tract, it can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and a refusal to eat. The pain and distress can cause significant shaking.
Parasites: Intestinal parasites can cause inflammation and irritation in the digestive system, leading to dog loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Severe infestations can make a dog feel very unwell and shaky.

Infections and Illnesses

Various infections can affect a dog’s overall health, impacting their appetite and causing general malaise, which can include trembling.

Viral Infections: Diseases like parvovirus or distemper can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, fever, and lethargy, leading to a dog refusing food and shaking.
Bacterial Infections: Infections anywhere in the body, such as urinary tract infections or respiratory infections, can make a dog feel unwell and consequently lose their appetite.
Fever: An elevated body temperature, a common sign of infection or inflammation, can make a dog feel generally unwell, leading to dog sickness symptoms like loss of appetite and shivering.

Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

Disruptions in a dog’s metabolism or hormone production can also manifest as appetite changes and physical tremors.

Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, causing nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell. This can result in a dog refusing food and appearing weak or shaky.
Liver Disease: Similar to kidney disease, liver dysfunction can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and a loss of appetite.
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism): This endocrine disorder occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms can be vague and include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and sometimes shaking.
Diabetes Mellitus: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various health complications, including nausea and a general feeling of sickness, which might cause a dog to refuse food and tremble.

Pain and Discomfort

Any source of pain can cause a dog to become withdrawn, refuse to eat, and tremble.

Arthritis and Joint Pain: Older dogs, or those with injuries, may experience significant joint pain. This discomfort can make them reluctant to move or eat, and they might tremble from the pain.
Dental Problems: Severe tooth decay, gum disease, or broken teeth can make eating painful. If a dog is experiencing oral discomfort, they may refuse food and appear agitated or shaky.
Internal Injuries: Trauma or internal bleeding can cause immense pain and shock, leading to a dog not eating and shaking.

Neurological Issues

Problems affecting the nervous system can directly cause tremors and affect a dog’s ability to function normally, including eating.

Seizures: While seizures themselves involve involuntary muscle activity, the period before and after a seizure (the prodrome and post-ictal phase) can involve trembling, disorientation, and a loss of appetite.
Brain Tumors: Tumors in the brain can affect various functions, including appetite regulation and motor control, potentially leading to tremors.
Toxins and Poisons: Ingestion of certain toxins, such as those found in some plants, human foods (like chocolate or xylitol), or household chemicals, can cause neurological signs including tremors, seizures, vomiting, and a loss of appetite. This is a critical emergency.

Heart Conditions

Heart disease can affect a dog’s overall well-being and energy levels.

Congestive Heart Failure: When the heart can’t pump blood effectively, fluid can build up in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing, weakness, and a general feeling of being unwell. Dogs with heart conditions may refuse food and tremble from exertion or discomfort.

Environmental and Behavioral Factors

While medical causes are paramount, environmental and behavioral factors can also contribute to a dog not eating and shaking.

Stress and Anxiety

Dog anxiety symptoms can manifest physically. Stressful events or environments can profoundly impact a dog’s appetite and cause trembling.

Separation Anxiety: When left alone, some dogs become extremely anxious, leading to vocalization, destructive behavior, and a refusal to eat or drink. Shaking is a common sign of their distress.
Fear and Phobias: Loud noises (like fireworks or thunderstorms), unfamiliar people or animals, or changes in their environment can trigger fear and anxiety, causing trembling and a loss of appetite.
New Environment: Moving to a new home or even a temporary change in routine can be stressful for dogs, leading to temporary appetite loss and nervousness.

Dietary Changes

Sudden changes in diet can sometimes upset a dog’s stomach.

New Food: Introducing a new food too quickly without a gradual transition can lead to digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and a reluctance to eat.
Food Intolerance or Allergy: Some dogs may develop sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients in their food, leading to gastrointestinal issues and a change in appetite.

Medication Side Effects

Some medications prescribed by veterinarians can have side effects that include nausea, decreased appetite, or tremors.

Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics can cause stomach upset in dogs.
Pain Relievers: Some pain medications can have gastrointestinal side effects.

Recognizing Additional Dog Sickness Symptoms

Beyond not eating and shaking, other dog sickness symptoms to watch for that can help pinpoint the cause include:

Vomiting: This is a significant symptom, especially if accompanied by shaking. Dog vomiting and shaking can indicate severe gastrointestinal distress, poisoning, or pain.
Diarrhea: Changes in stool consistency or frequency can signal digestive problems or infections.
Lethargy: A noticeable lack of energy or unusual tiredness.
Changes in Behavior: Hiding, restlessness, or increased clinginess.
Difficulty Breathing: Panting excessively, coughing, or labored breathing.
Pale Gums: This can indicate anemia or shock.
Changes in Urination: Increased or decreased frequency, or blood in the urine.
Swollen Abdomen: A distended belly can be a sign of bloat or other serious issues.

What To Do When Your Dog Is Not Eating and Shaking

The immediate action plan when you notice your dog not eating and shaking depends on the severity of the symptoms and any other accompanying signs. However, the overarching principle is to seek veterinary advice promptly.

Immediate Steps at Home

Assess the Situation:
- Duration: How long has your dog been exhibiting these symptoms?
- Severity: How intense is the shaking? Is your dog able to stand or walk?
- Other Symptoms: Note any vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or changes in behavior.
- Recent Changes: Have there been any recent changes in diet, environment, medications, or potential exposure to toxins?
Check for Obvious Distress:
- Is your dog in obvious pain? Are they whimpering or yelping when touched?
- Are their gums pale or bluish?
Ensure Access to Water: While your dog may not be eating, it’s crucial they have access to fresh water, unless they are actively vomiting it back up.
Do NOT Force Feed: Never try to force your dog to eat or drink if they are reluctant. This can cause them to aspirate food or water into their lungs, leading to pneumonia.

When to Seek Veterinary Care Immediately

You should contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately if:

Your dog is showing signs of severe distress, such as extreme lethargy, pale gums, or difficulty breathing.
Your dog is vomiting and shaking continuously.
You suspect your dog has ingested a toxin or a foreign object.
The shaking is severe and persistent.
Your dog has a known pre-existing health condition that could be exacerbated.
Your dog is a puppy or senior, as they are more vulnerable.

Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment

When you bring your dog to the vet, they will conduct a thorough examination and ask detailed questions about your dog’s history and symptoms.

Diagnostic Tools

Physical Examination: The veterinarian will check your dog’s temperature, pulse, respiration, hydration status, and look for any signs of pain or abnormalities.
Blood Tests: These can reveal information about organ function (kidneys, liver), infection, inflammation, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte imbalances.
Urine Analysis: This can help detect kidney problems, infections, and other metabolic issues.
Fecal Examination: To check for intestinal parasites.
X-rays (Radiographs): Useful for identifying foreign objects in the digestive tract, bone fractures, or signs of fluid in the lungs.
Ultrasound: Provides detailed images of internal organs and can help detect inflammation or abnormalities in the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestines.
ECG (Electrocardiogram): To assess heart function.

Potential Treatments

The treatment will entirely depend on the diagnosed cause.

Fluid Therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluids are often administered to correct dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance, especially if the dog is vomiting or refusing to drink.
Anti-nausea Medication: To help settle the stomach and reduce vomiting.
Pain Management: If pain is the underlying cause, appropriate pain relief medication will be prescribed.
Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is identified.
Dietary Management: A bland, easily digestible diet may be recommended, or a special prescription diet depending on the condition. In some cases, temporary feeding through a syringe or a feeding tube might be necessary.
Surgery: If a foreign object is causing an obstruction, surgery may be required to remove it.
Specific Treatments for Underlying Diseases: This could include medications for diabetes, Addison’s disease, or heart conditions.
De-worming: If parasites are found.
Behavioral Modification and Medication: For anxiety-related causes, alongside behavioral training, medication might be prescribed.

Caring for Your Dog at Home Post-Vet Visit

Once your dog has received veterinary care, follow-up care at home is crucial for recovery.

Dietary Considerations

Follow Vet’s Recommendations: Stick strictly to the diet prescribed by your veterinarian. This might involve small, frequent meals of bland food like boiled chicken and rice, or a specialized veterinary diet.
Patience: It may take time for your dog’s appetite to return fully.

Medication Administration

Administer as Directed: Ensure you give all medications exactly as prescribed by your vet, at the correct times and dosages.
Complete the Course: If antibiotics are prescribed, make sure your dog finishes the entire course, even if they appear to be feeling better.

Rest and Comfort

Quiet Environment: Provide a quiet, comfortable, and stress-free environment for your dog to rest and recover.
Limit Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise or overly stimulating play until your vet gives the all-clear.

Monitoring and Observation

Watch for Changes: Continue to monitor your dog for any changes in their appetite, energy levels, or any new symptoms.
Report Concerns: If you notice any concerning changes or if your dog is not improving as expected, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Preventing Future Episodes

While not all causes of a dog not eating and shaking can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual or semi-annual check-ups help detect health issues early.
Balanced Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for their age, breed, and activity level.
Avoid Sudden Food Changes: Transition to new foods gradually over 7-10 days.
Secure Your Home: Keep potential toxins, small objects that can be swallowed, and inappropriate human foods out of reach.
Manage Stress: Identify and minimize stressors in your dog’s environment. Provide a safe space and consider calming aids if necessary.
Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations and regular deworming and flea/tick prevention.
Monitor Behavior: Pay attention to your dog’s normal habits and behavior so you can quickly identify any deviations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can stress alone cause my dog to stop eating and shake?
A1: Yes, significant stress or anxiety can indeed lead to a dog refusing food and exhibiting physical signs like shaking. This is your dog’s body reacting to a perceived threat or extreme discomfort.

Q2: My dog ate something off the floor and now isn’t eating and is shaking. What should I do?
A2: This is a situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. Eating something inappropriate can lead to gastrointestinal upset, blockages, or poisoning, all of which can cause these symptoms. Contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic right away.

Q3: Is it normal for my dog to shiver after vomiting?
A3: While some mild trembling might occur after a bout of vomiting due to exertion or nausea, persistent or severe shaking after vomiting is not normal and suggests a more serious underlying issue. It’s a sign your dog is very unwell, and veterinary assessment is crucial.

Q4: My puppy is not eating and shaking. Is this more serious than in an adult dog?
A4: Yes, puppies are much more vulnerable than adult dogs. Their smaller size means they can dehydrate and become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) much faster. Any signs of illness in a puppy, especially loss of appetite and shaking, warrant immediate veterinary attention.

Q5: How long can a dog go without eating before it’s considered dangerous?
A5: Generally, a healthy adult dog can go without food for about 24-48 hours without severe consequences, though it’s not ideal. However, if they are also vomiting, dehydrated, or have other symptoms, this timeframe is significantly shorter. Puppies and senior dogs have even less reserve. If your dog has gone a full day without eating, it’s time to consult your vet.

Q6: My dog is shaking and seems restless but is still drinking water. Should I still worry about him not eating?
A6: Yes, you should still be concerned. While drinking water is positive, the combination of shaking and not eating indicates your dog is likely experiencing pain, nausea, or another illness. It’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the cause.

By staying vigilant and responsive to your dog’s needs, you can ensure they receive the prompt and appropriate care necessary to overcome whatever is causing them to feel unwell.