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

When your beloved dog is shaking and refusing to eat, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. This combination of symptoms often indicates pain, discomfort, or a more serious underlying health issue. It’s crucial to identify the cause quickly to provide appropriate care and ensure your dog’s well-being.

Deciphering the Shakes: Common Reasons for Dog Tremors

Shaking in dogs can manifest in various ways, from mild tremors to full-body shivers. Several factors can contribute to these dog tremors, and it’s important to observe other accompanying dog behavioral changes to narrow down the possibilities.

Environmental Factors and Emotions

Cold: Just like humans, dogs can shiver when they are cold. If your dog is shaking after being outside in cool weather or sleeping in a drafty spot, the cold is likely the culprit.
Excitement/Anticipation: Some dogs shake when they are overly excited, such as before a walk or when greeting their favorite person. This is usually a temporary and harmless reaction.
Fear and Anxiety: This is a very common cause of shaking. Loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms), new environments, separation from their owner, or stressful events can trigger dog anxiety shaking. This shaking is often accompanied by other signs like a tucked tail, flattened ears, panting, or trying to hide.
Pain: When a dog is in pain, they may shake or tremble. This could be due to an injury, arthritis, or internal discomfort.

Medical Causes of Shaking and Loss of Appetite

When shaking and dog loss of appetite occur together, and are not easily explained by environmental or emotional factors, a medical issue is more probable.

Nausea and Digestive Issues

Dog Digestive Issues: Upset stomachs are a frequent cause of both shaking and not eating. This can range from eating something disagreeable to more serious problems like gastritis or pancreatitis. Nausea can make dogs feel shaky and unwilling to eat.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, restlessness, unproductive retching, excessive drooling, and weakness. Shaking can be a sign of severe pain associated with bloat.
Intestinal Parasites: Worms can cause discomfort, nausea, and nutrient absorption problems, leading to a loss of appetite and general malaise that might include trembling.
Food Intolerances or Allergies: Reactions to certain ingredients can manifest as digestive upset, leading to nausea, diarrhea, and a reluctance to eat.

Infections and Illnesses

Viral and Bacterial Infections: Many infections can make a dog feel unwell, leading to sick dog symptoms like lethargy, fever, nausea, and shaking. This could include things like parvovirus, distemper, or leptospirosis.
Organ Issues: Problems with the kidneys, liver, or pancreas can cause a buildup of toxins, leading to nausea, weakness, and general unwellness that might include shaking and dog loss of appetite.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): This is particularly common in puppies, small breeds, or diabetic dogs. Low blood sugar can cause weakness, tremors, disorientation, and a refusal to eat.

Neurological Conditions

Seizures: While seizures are often characterized by convulsions, some dogs may experience focal seizures or post-ictal tremors (shaking after a seizure) that can be mistaken for general shaking. A loss of appetite can follow a seizure due to the exhaustion and stress on the body.
Tremorgenic Toxins: Ingestion of certain molds found on decaying organic matter (like garbage or fallen fruit) can cause severe tremors, dog lethargy, and vomiting.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia): In older dogs, neurological changes can lead to shaking, confusion, and altered eating habits.

Poisoning

Ingestion of Toxins: Many common household substances are toxic to dogs, including certain plants, rodenticides, insecticides, and human medications. Symptoms of poisoning can vary widely but often include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, weakness, and a loss of appetite.

Other Medical Concerns

Heatstroke: Overheating can cause panting, drooling, dog lethargy, collapse, and sometimes tremors. While not directly causing a loss of appetite, the severe discomfort and systemic effects can lead to it.
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism): This condition involves the adrenal glands not producing enough hormones. Symptoms are often vague and can include dog lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and a poor appetite. Shaking can also occur due to the body’s stress response.
Heart Conditions: Severe heart disease can lead to poor circulation and oxygenation, causing weakness and tremors, and affecting the desire to eat.
Anemia: A lack of red blood cells can result in dog weakness, lethargy, and pale gums. This general malaise can also affect appetite.

Recognizing the Signs: Key Symptoms to Watch For

When your dog is shaking and not eating, observing other subtle sick dog symptoms can provide crucial clues to the underlying cause.

Lethargy and Weakness: Beyond just not eating, is your dog significantly less active than usual? Do they seem to have dog weakness, struggling to stand or walk?
Vomiting or Diarrhea: Is there dog vomiting or loose stools? This points strongly towards digestive upset or poisoning.
Changes in Thirst: Are they drinking more or less water than usual?
Breathing Difficulties: Labored breathing, rapid breathing, or coughing can indicate respiratory or cardiac issues.
Gum Color: Pale or white gums can suggest shock or severe anemia. Bright red gums might indicate overheating or poisoning.
Abdominal Discomfort: Does your dog cry out when their belly is touched? Is their abdomen visibly distended?
Behavioral Shifts: Beyond shaking, are they hiding more, whining, or showing signs of aggression due to pain?
Changes in Urination: Is there blood in their urine, or are they urinating more or less frequently?
Fever: A rectal temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) can indicate an infection or inflammatory process.

Table: Distinguishing Tremors from Seizures

Feature	Tremors	Seizures
Consciousness	Usually conscious and aware	May lose consciousness or be disoriented
Movement	Shaking, trembling, shivering	Paddling, jerking, stiffening, muscle spasms
Muscle Tone	Normal or slightly tense	Can be rigid or floppy
Vocalization	May whimper due to discomfort	May cry out or make unusual vocalizations
Drooling	Possible if nauseous or anxious	Often excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
Urination/Defecation	Unlikely unless due to extreme fear	Can happen involuntarily during a seizure
Recovery	Usually quick once cause is removed	May take minutes to hours to fully recover

When to Seek Veterinary Help: Urgency and Importance

The combination of shaking and not eating is a serious signal that requires professional veterinary attention.

Immediate Emergency Situations

You should contact your veterinarian immediately or go to the nearest emergency animal hospital if you observe any of the following in addition to shaking and not eating:

Collapse or extreme weakness
Difficulty breathing
Pale or white gums
Bloated or distended abdomen
Repeated vomiting or bloody diarrhea
Signs of severe pain (yelping, extreme restlessness)
Known ingestion of a toxin

When to Schedule a Prompt Appointment

If your dog is shaking and not eating, but not exhibiting the extreme emergency signs listed above, you should still schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours. Delaying care can allow a treatable condition to worsen.

Fathoming the Diagnosis: How Vets Investigate

Your veterinarian will employ a systematic approach to diagnose the cause of your dog’s shaking and dog loss of appetite.

The Initial Consultation: Gathering Information

The veterinarian will begin by asking you a series of questions about:

Onset and duration: When did the symptoms start? Have they been intermittent or constant?
Dietary history: Any recent changes in food, treats, or access to garbage/inedible items?
Vaccination and deworming status: Is your dog up-to-date?
Activity level and environment: Any recent travel, exposure to new animals, or stressful events?
Other symptoms: Any vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, or changes in behavior?
Medications and supplements: Is your dog currently taking anything?

Physical Examination: A Hands-On Approach

A thorough physical exam is crucial. The veterinarian will:

Check vital signs: Temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate.
Assess hydration: Skin turgor and gum moisture.
Palpate the abdomen: To check for pain, distention, or masses.
Listen to heart and lungs: Using a stethoscope.
Examine the nervous system: Assessing reflexes, gait, and coordination.
Inspect for injuries: Checking for any external signs of trauma.

Diagnostic Tests: Uncovering the Root Cause

Depending on the initial findings, the veterinarian may recommend various diagnostic tests:

Bloodwork

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This can reveal infections, anemia, or inflammation.
Biochemistry Panel: This assesses organ function (kidneys, liver, pancreas), blood sugar levels, and electrolyte balance. Abnormalities can point to metabolic diseases or organ failure.
Thyroid Function Tests: To rule out hypothyroidism, which can cause dog lethargy and changes in appetite.

Urinalysis

This helps evaluate kidney function, detect infections, and identify metabolic abnormalities like diabetes.

Fecal Analysis

To check for intestinal parasites like worms or Giardia.

Imaging Studies

X-rays: Can reveal foreign objects in the digestive tract, abdominal masses, or signs of skeletal issues contributing to pain.
Ultrasound: Provides a more detailed view of internal organs, helping to detect inflammation, tumors, or fluid accumulation.

Other Specialized Tests

Neurological Exams: More in-depth testing to evaluate brain and spinal cord function if a neurological cause is suspected.
Toxicology Screening: If poisoning is a concern, specific blood or urine tests may be run.
Allergy Testing: If food allergies are suspected.

Caring for Your Canine Companion: Treatment and Support

The treatment plan for your dog will depend entirely on the diagnosed cause.

Supportive Care at Home

While awaiting veterinary assessment or as part of the treatment plan, you can provide supportive care:

Comfortable Resting Place: Ensure your dog has a quiet, warm, and comfortable place to rest.
Fresh Water: Always have fresh water available, but don’t force them to drink if they are refusing.
Bland Diet (If Recommended): If your vet suggests it, a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice can be easier to digest. Offer small, frequent meals.

Veterinary Treatments: Addressing the Cause

Medications: Antibiotics for infections, anti-nausea medications, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, medications for specific organ conditions, or anti-seizure drugs.
Fluid Therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluids are often administered to combat dehydration, especially if your dog is vomiting or not drinking.
Surgery: May be necessary for conditions like GDV, intestinal obstruction, or removal of tumors.
Dietary Management: Special prescription diets for digestive issues, kidney disease, or allergies.
Behavioral Modification and Medication: For dog anxiety shaking, the vet might recommend behavioral training, environmental changes, or anti-anxiety medication.
Toxin Antidotes: If poisoning is confirmed, specific antidotes may be administered.

Preventing Future Episodes: Proactive Pet Care

While not all causes of shaking and not eating can be prevented, many can be mitigated with good care.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Routine wellness exams are vital for catching potential problems early.
Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention up-to-date.

Safe Environment

Toxin-Proof Your Home: Keep all medications, cleaning supplies, toxic plants, and potentially harmful foods out of reach.
Secure Your Trash: Prevent your dog from accessing garbage.
Supervision: Especially in new environments or when fireworks or thunderstorms are present.

Appropriate Diet

Feed a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level.
Avoid sudden changes in food. Introduce new foods gradually.
Be mindful of potential food sensitivities or allergies.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Regular exercise helps maintain overall health and can reduce anxiety.
Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training can prevent boredom and stress.

Recognizing Early Signs

Pay attention to subtle dog behavioral changes or slight dog weakness. Addressing minor issues before they escalate can prevent more severe problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My dog is shaking, but he ate his breakfast. Should I still be worried?
A1: While it’s good your dog is eating, shaking can still indicate discomfort or an underlying issue. If the shaking persists, is accompanied by other subtle changes, or if you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian.

Q2: Can my dog’s anxiety cause him to stop eating?
A2: Yes, severe dog anxiety shaking can sometimes lead to a temporary loss of appetite. If your dog is experiencing significant stress, their focus shifts away from eating. Addressing the anxiety is key to restoring their appetite.

Q3: My puppy is shaking and not eating. What could be wrong?
A3: Puppies are more susceptible to certain conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), parvovirus, and internal parasites. These can all cause shaking and dog loss of appetite. It’s crucial to see a veterinarian immediately if your puppy shows these symptoms.

Q4: Is it possible for my dog to have tremors without being sick?
A4: Yes, as mentioned, some dogs can shake due to excitement, being cold, or mild anxiety. However, when shaking is paired with dog loss of appetite, it strongly suggests a health concern that needs professional evaluation.

Q5: What are common symptoms of dog digestive issues besides not eating?
A5: Other common dog digestive issues symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, increased gas, abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in stool consistency or frequency.

Q6: How can I help my dog if they have dog lethargy and are not eating?
A6: If your dog is experiencing dog lethargy and not eating, the most important step is to contact your veterinarian. While you wait for your appointment, ensure they have a quiet, comfortable place to rest and access to fresh water. Do not force them to eat.

Q7: My dog seems to be shaking more after drinking water. Is this normal?
A7: Shaking after drinking isn’t a typical symptom of common illnesses, but if it occurs alongside other worrying signs like dog loss of appetite or dog vomiting, it warrants a veterinary visit. It could be related to nausea or anxiety.

Q8: What is dog weakness a sign of?
A8: Dog weakness can be a symptom of many things, including anemia, dehydration, pain, neurological problems, organ dysfunction, poisoning, or serious infections. It’s always a cause for concern, especially when combined with other sick dog symptoms.

Q9: If my dog has dog vomiting and shaking, what should I do first?
A9: If your dog has dog vomiting and shaking, your first priority is to call your veterinarian. They will advise you on whether to bring your dog in immediately or monitor them. Avoid giving any human medications without veterinary guidance.

Q10: Are dog behavioral changes always linked to medical conditions?
A10: Not always. While many dog behavioral changes, like increased barking or hiding, can be linked to dog medical conditions, they can also stem from stress, fear, or changes in their environment. However, when paired with physical symptoms like shaking and not eating, a medical cause becomes more likely.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can provide the best possible care for your canine companion when they are experiencing health challenges. Always consult your veterinarian for any health concerns.