When your dog is vomiting and shaking, it can be alarming and distressing. These symptoms often signal that something more serious than a simple upset stomach is happening, and they should never be ignored.
We outline the common reasons why a dog being sick and shaking may happen, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Being Sick and Shaking — Why It Happens
Vomiting and shaking in dogs usually indicate more than a mild digestive issue. This combination of symptoms may point to Dogs may vomit and shake due to serious underlying issues such as poisoning, infections, heatstroke, or problems with internal organs.
In other cases, stress and anxiety can also trigger shaking, while vomiting often points to stomach irritation or a wider systemic illness. Because these signs overlap with many potentially life-threatening conditions, quick attention is essential.
Dog Being Sick and Shaking: Common Causes
Poisoning or Toxic Ingestion
Dogs are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity leads them to ingest toxic substances such as chocolate, grapes, xylitol, household cleaners, or medications.
These toxins can irritate the stomach, causing vomiting, while also disrupting the nervous system and leading to trembling or shaking.
You may also notice drooling, lethargy, or seizures. Poisoning is a medical emergency, and the combination of vomiting and shaking is a red flag that your dog needs immediate care.
Read more: Dog being sick and clingy (Here’s why)
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by infections, dietary indiscretion, or parasites. The irritation leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Shaking may occur because of fever, discomfort, or dehydration.
While mild cases may resolve with rest and supportive care, persistent vomiting and shaking suggest a more severe form that requires veterinary attention. Left untreated, dehydration can worsen quickly and complicate recovery.
Heatstroke
Dogs are especially vulnerable to heatstroke because they cannot cool down as efficiently as humans.
Overheating causes the body to go into distress, leading to vomiting, drooling, and heavy panting. Shaking or tremors often appear as the body struggles to regulate temperature.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. If your dog has been in hot conditions and shows these symptoms, immediate cooling and veterinary care are vital.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Both the kidneys and liver play major roles in filtering toxins from the body. When these organs fail, waste products accumulate, causing nausea, vomiting, weakness, and shaking.
Chronic disease may show subtle signs over time, but sudden vomiting and tremors can indicate acute failure or poisoning that severely damages these organs.
Additional symptoms may include excessive drinking, urination changes, yellowing of the eyes or gums, or loss of appetite. Organ disease is always serious and requires professional management.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by fatty foods or underlying metabolic issues. It causes severe abdominal pain, leading to vomiting, hunched posture, shaking, and weakness.
This condition can become life-threatening if untreated. Dogs with pancreatitis often refuse food, appear restless, and may even collapse. Prompt veterinary treatment is needed to stabilize them and prevent further complications.
Anxiety or Pain
Sometimes, vomiting and shaking occur together when a dog is experiencing severe anxiety, fear, or pain. For example, a dog that eats something upsetting to the stomach may vomit, then shake due to discomfort.
Similarly, painful conditions like internal injuries or severe cramps may cause trembling along with nausea.
While anxiety alone rarely causes vomiting, when both appear together, it’s important to investigate further to rule out medical conditions.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Being Sick and Shaking
If your dog is vomiting and shaking, stay calm but act quickly. First, remove any access to potential toxins such as food scraps, medications, or plants.
Offer small amounts of water to prevent dehydration, but avoid food until you have more clarity on the cause.
Keep your dog in a cool, quiet place where they can rest comfortably. Monitor their breathing, gum color, and energy levels closely. If your dog recently ate something suspicious, bring a sample or packaging to the vet.
Do not give human medications without veterinary guidance, as some drugs can make the situation worse. Your role is to keep your pet safe and comfortable while preparing for possible veterinary care.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should call or see a veterinarian immediately if:
Your dog has repeated or forceful vomiting.
Shaking is continuous or severe.
There is blood in vomit, stool, or saliva.
Your dog shows signs of collapse, pale gums, or difficulty breathing.
Vomiting and shaking are accompanied by diarrhea, lethargy, or seizures.
Even if the symptoms appear mild but persist beyond 24 hours, veterinary assessment is essential. Dogs can deteriorate quickly, especially when dehydration or poisoning is involved.
Read more: Dog being sick and off balance (Should you worry?)
Key Takeaway
Vomiting and shaking in dogs is a serious sign that should never be overlooked. While causes range from poisoning to organ disease or heatstroke, each requires careful monitoring and often urgent veterinary care.
If your dog is being sick and shaking, provide supportive comfort at home while seeking professional help. Acting quickly can make the difference between a simple recovery and a life-threatening emergency.