When you see your dog shivering and throwing up, it’s a clear sign something is wrong. This combination of symptoms can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from mild indigestion to more serious medical conditions. What is the most common cause? Often, it’s a reaction to something they ate, but it’s crucial not to assume. Can I wait to see if it gets better? While some minor stomach upsets resolve on their own, the presence of shivering alongside vomiting warrants attention. Who is most at risk? Puppies and senior dogs, due to their less robust immune systems or age-related vulnerabilities, can become ill more quickly.
This guide aims to help you decipher why your dog might be exhibiting these concerning signs and what steps you should take. We’ll explore the common reasons for dog vomiting and shaking, the nuances of canine shivering and nausea, and how to recognize if your sick dog shivering and vomits needs immediate veterinary care.
Common Reasons for Dog Shivering and Vomiting
Several factors can lead to your dog experiencing both shivering and vomiting. It’s important to consider the context of their behavior, diet, and environment.
1. Ingesting Toxins or Poisons
Dogs are curious creatures, and their exploratory nature can lead them to ingest harmful substances. Many common household items are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
- Household Cleaners: Bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, and disinfectants can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting and, in some cases, tremors or shivering due to pain or shock.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Garden chemicals can be highly toxic.
- Certain Plants: Many houseplants and garden plants are poisonous to dogs. Examples include lilies, azaleas, sago palms, and tulips.
- Human Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as prescription drugs, can be fatal to dogs.
- Certain Foods: Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum and candy), chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, tremors, and other severe symptoms.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxin, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a vet, as some toxins can cause more harm coming back up.
2. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
This is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines, leading to inflammation. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Dietary Indiscretion: Eating spoiled food, garbage, or non-food items.
- Sudden Diet Changes: Introducing new food too quickly without a gradual transition.
- Bacterial or Viral Infections: Similar to the human “stomach flu,” dogs can contract infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Parasites: Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia can irritate the digestive tract.
Symptoms often include dog vomiting and shaking, loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea. The shivering can be a response to abdominal discomfort or pain.
3. Pancreatitis
The pancreas produces enzymes essential for digestion and hormones like insulin. Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of this organ. It’s often triggered by:
- High-Fat Meals: A sudden intake of fatty foods (like table scraps or a rich treat) can be a common culprit, especially in breeds prone to it.
- Certain Medications: Some drugs can trigger pancreatitis.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or hyperthyroidism can increase risk.
Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe vomiting, abdominal pain (dogs might hunch their backs or seem restless), loss of appetite, diarrhea, and lethargy. Canine shivering and nausea are very common signs. The shivering can be due to intense pain and discomfort.
4. Bacterial Infections
Several types of bacterial infections can affect a dog’s digestive system, leading to vomiting and systemic signs like shivering.
- Salmonella: Can be contracted from raw meat or contaminated food.
- E. coli: Often associated with contaminated food or water.
- Campylobacter: Found in raw meat and feces.
These infections can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, fever, and general malaise, which might manifest as dog symptoms shivering vomiting.
5. Viral Infections
Certain viral infections can also cause these symptoms.
- Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious and often fatal virus that primarily affects puppies. It causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and fever, which can lead to shivering.
- Canine Distemper: Can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Vomiting can be a symptom, alongside fever and neurological signs that might include tremors.
Vaccination is crucial for preventing many of these serious viral illnesses.
6. Kidney or Liver Disease
When the kidneys or liver aren’t functioning properly, toxins can build up in the bloodstream, affecting various body systems.
- Kidney Disease: Can lead to nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and changes in thirst and urination. The body’s imbalance can cause shivering.
- Liver Disease: Can also cause vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), lethargy, and loss of appetite.
If these vital organs are compromised, your dog might appear generally unwell, exhibiting dog weakness shivering vomiting.
7. Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
This endocrine disorder occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough essential hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. It’s often referred to as “the great imitator” because its symptoms can mimic many other illnesses.
Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Trembling or shivering
- Low heart rate
- Dehydration
An Addisonian crisis, a sudden and severe worsening of symptoms, is a life-threatening emergency. If your dog is showing signs of dog distressed shivering and throwing up, and especially if they seem weak or collapse, seek immediate veterinary attention.
8. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Low blood sugar can be particularly dangerous for puppies and small breeds, as well as dogs with diabetes. It can occur due to:
- Skipping meals
- Excessive exercise
- Certain medical conditions
Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, shivering or tremors, vomiting, disorientation, and even seizures. This can explain why your dog is feeling ill and shaking.
9. Heatstroke or Hypothermia
While heatstroke typically causes panting, drooling, and collapse, severe dehydration from heatstroke can sometimes lead to vomiting and, in the early stages or recovery, shivering as the body tries to regulate temperature. Conversely, if a dog is severely chilled or exposed to extreme cold without adequate protection, they may shiver uncontrollably, and their internal systems can become stressed, potentially leading to vomiting and dog cold and vomiting.
10. Stress and Anxiety
While less common as a primary cause for both severe vomiting and persistent shivering, extreme stress or anxiety can trigger physiological responses in dogs. A very anxious dog might experience nausea and subsequent vomiting, and their overall distress could lead to trembling. This might be seen in situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides for susceptible dogs.
Identifying the Symptoms: What to Look For
When your dog is shivering and throwing up, observing other accompanying symptoms can provide valuable clues to the underlying cause.
Key Symptoms to Note:
- Vomiting Characteristics:
- Frequency and timing (e.g., after eating, first thing in the morning).
- Appearance of vomit (e.g., undigested food, bile, blood, foreign objects).
- Shivering or Trembling:
- Is it constant or intermittent?
- Does it seem related to pain or fear?
- Behavioral Changes:
- Lethargy or extreme tiredness.
- Restlessness or pacing.
- Loss of appetite or refusal to drink.
- Increased thirst.
- Changes in urination or defecation.
- Gastrointestinal Signs:
- Diarrhea (consistency, color, presence of blood).
- Abdominal pain or tenderness (dog may cry out or posture defensively when touched).
- Bloating or distended abdomen.
- General Well-being:
- Fever (check gum color; pale or white gums can indicate shock).
- Dehydration (check skin elasticity by gently pulling skin over the shoulder blades; it should snap back quickly).
- Pale gums or tongue.
Recognizing these dog symptoms shivering vomiting can help you communicate effectively with your veterinarian.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Shivering and Throwing Up
Your immediate response can significantly impact your dog’s recovery. Here’s a breakdown of what you should do:
1. Assess the Situation
First, try to remain calm. Observe your dog closely without alarming them. Consider:
- Recent Activities: Did they eat anything unusual? Were they exposed to anything new?
- Duration of Symptoms: How long has this been going on?
- Severity: Is the vomiting projectile? Is the shivering severe?
2. Contact Your Veterinarian
This is the most crucial step. Even if your dog seems otherwise okay, the combination of shivering and vomiting is a strong indicator that veterinary attention is needed.
- Call Ahead: Inform the clinic about your dog’s symptoms before you arrive so they can prepare.
- Provide Details: Be ready to describe the vomiting, shivering, any other symptoms, and any potential causes you’ve identified.
Do not wait for the situation to worsen before seeking professional advice. This is especially true for puppies, elderly dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions.
3. Do Not Force Food or Water (Initially)
If your dog is actively vomiting, offering food or water can sometimes worsen the situation by triggering more vomiting. Your vet will advise you on when and how to reintroduce food and water.
4. Collect a Stool Sample
If your dog has diarrhea, collect a fresh stool sample in a clean container. This can be helpful for your vet to test for parasites or infections.
5. Gather Information
Be prepared to answer your vet’s questions. This might include:
- Vaccination history.
- Deworming history.
- Any recent changes in diet or environment.
- Any medications your dog is taking.
- Known allergies.
- Last normal bowel movement and urination.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment
Once you reach the veterinary clinic, your vet will perform a thorough examination and recommend diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your dog’s illness.
Diagnostic Tests May Include:
- Physical Examination: Checking vital signs, palpating the abdomen, assessing hydration and overall condition.
- Blood Work:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for infection, anemia, or inflammation.
- Biochemistry Profile: To assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood sugar.
- Urinalysis: To evaluate kidney function and check for infections or other abnormalities.
- Fecal Examination: To check for intestinal parasites.
- X-rays (Radiographs): To look for foreign objects in the gastrointestinal tract, signs of pancreatitis, or other internal abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: Provides more detailed images of internal organs, which can be useful for diagnosing pancreatitis, intestinal issues, or identifying masses.
- Specific Toxin Testing: If a particular toxin is suspected.
Treatment Approaches:
Treatment will depend entirely on the diagnosed cause. It could include:
- Fluid Therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluids are often administered to combat dehydration and help flush toxins from the system.
- Anti-nausea Medications: To help control vomiting and allow the digestive system to rest.
- Pain Management: For conditions like pancreatitis, pain relief is crucial.
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is identified.
- Antiparasitics: If internal parasites are found.
- Dietary Management: A bland, easily digestible diet may be recommended, or sometimes a period of fasting followed by a slow reintroduction of food.
- Specific Antidotes: If a toxin has been ingested and an antidote is available.
- Surgery: In cases of intestinal blockage due to foreign object ingestion.
Home Care and Prevention
Once your dog has been diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian, your role in their recovery is vital.
During Recovery:
- Follow Veterinary Instructions: Administer all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
- Diet: Stick to the recommended bland diet or follow any specific feeding instructions provided by your vet. Avoid giving your dog human food or treats without their approval.
- Rest: Ensure your dog has a quiet, comfortable place to rest and avoid strenuous activity.
- Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on your dog for any changes in their condition, either improvement or worsening. Report any concerns to your vet.
Prevention Strategies:
Preventing these issues is always better than treating them.
- Secure Your Home and Yard: Keep all potential toxins, medications, cleaning supplies, and poisonous plants out of reach.
- Supervise Your Dog: Especially in new environments or when they are off-leash.
- Dietary Control:
- Feed a high-quality, balanced dog food appropriate for their age and breed.
- Avoid sudden changes in diet. Transition to new foods gradually over a week.
- Do not feed table scraps, especially fatty or spicy foods, as this can contribute to upset stomachs and pancreatitis.
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual or semi-annual wellness exams can help detect health problems early.
- Vaccinations and Deworming: Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming to protect against common infectious diseases and parasites.
- Leash Control: Keep your dog on a leash when walking to prevent them from eating something off the ground or running into hazards.
- Pet-Proofing: Just like for a baby, make your home and yard safe for your curious canine.
When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
Some situations are emergencies and require immediate attention at an animal hospital.
Seek emergency care if your dog:
- Is lethargic and unresponsive.
- Is showing signs of severe pain (crying, whimpering, extreme restlessness).
- Has pale or white gums, which can indicate shock or severe blood loss.
- Is bleeding from the mouth or rectum.
- Has a distended or very hard abdomen.
- Is unable to keep any water down after several hours.
- Has collapsed or is having seizures.
- You suspect they have ingested a known potent toxin or a foreign object.
These are critical signs that can indicate a life-threatening condition, and prompt medical intervention is vital for the best chance of survival and recovery. If you are unsure whether a situation warrants an emergency visit, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long should I wait before taking my dog to the vet if they are shivering and vomiting?
A1: It’s best to contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog is exhibiting both shivering and vomiting. Don’t wait to see if it resolves on its own, as this combination can indicate a serious underlying issue.
Q2: Can stress cause my dog to shiver and vomit?
A2: While severe stress and anxiety can cause a dog to feel nauseous and potentially vomit, it’s less likely to be the sole cause of persistent shivering alongside vomiting. Other physical causes are more common. If you suspect stress is a factor, discuss it with your vet.
Q3: My dog ate something off the street. Is that why they are shivering and throwing up?
A3: Ingesting something from the street is a common cause for gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting. The shivering could be due to pain, nausea, or shock from ingesting something toxic or indigestible. It’s crucial to seek veterinary advice to determine if there’s a toxin or obstruction.
Q4: Can I give my dog any human medication for vomiting or shivering?
A4: Absolutely not. Never give your dog human medications without explicit direction from a veterinarian. Many human drugs are toxic to dogs, and the wrong dosage can be harmful or fatal. Always consult your vet for appropriate treatment.
Q5: My dog is shivering and vomiting, but acting mostly normal otherwise. Do I still need to go to the vet?
A5: Yes. Even if your dog seems otherwise alert, the combination of shivering and vomiting is a significant indicator of illness. It’s better to get a professional diagnosis early rather than risk a condition worsening without proper treatment. Early intervention often leads to a better outcome.
Witnessing your dog in distress can be frightening, but by being informed about potential causes, recognizing key symptoms, and knowing when and how to seek veterinary care, you can provide the best possible support for your beloved companion.