When your dog is drinking a lot of water and shaking, it’s not just a sign of thirst—it could be a red flag for a deeper medical or emotional issue. These two symptoms together often point to discomfort, pain, or systemic illness.
We outline the common causes of dog drinking a lot of water and shaking, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Drinking a Lot of Water and Shaking — Why It Happens
Increased thirst combined with shaking can indicate fever, poisoning, pain, anxiety, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances like Addison’s or diabetes. Dogs often shake when their bodies are trying to fight something off, manage internal distress, or respond to changes in temperature or blood sugar.
Common Causes of Dog Drinking a Lot of Water and Shaking
Fever or Infection
Infections, whether bacterial or viral, often cause fevers which make dogs feel cold or uncomfortable, triggering shaking.
To stay hydrated, they’ll also drink more water. You might notice lethargy, a warm nose or ears, or loss of appetite.
Conditions like leptospirosis, urinary tract infections, or internal abscesses could be to blame. Blood tests and urinalysis help confirm the cause.
Pain or Injury
Dogs in pain—whether from arthritis, injury, or abdominal discomfort—may shake as a physical response.
Pain often increases thirst due to stress hormones or medications. If your dog is reluctant to move, whimpering, or guarding part of their body, it’s time for a vet visit.
Even subtle signs like pacing, panting, or hiding can indicate pain that needs attention.
Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
Some toxins like chocolate, xylitol, antifreeze, or rodenticides can cause tremors or shaking and prompt dogs to drink more as their bodies try to cope.
Other symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, or collapse. If poisoning is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Fast action and detoxification can be life-saving.
Kidney Disease
Kidney failure causes a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This can lead to dehydration, prompting increased water consumption, as well as nausea or muscle tremors.
Shaking might be subtle at first, then worsen as the condition progresses. Dogs may also vomit, lose weight, or develop foul-smelling breath.
Bloodwork and urinalysis are necessary to evaluate kidney function and start treatment.
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
Addison’s disease results in low cortisol and electrolyte imbalances. It often presents with vague symptoms like shaking, lethargy, vomiting, and increased water intake.
Dogs may seem anxious or weak, and in severe cases can collapse suddenly in what’s called an Addisonian crisis.
This condition is manageable once diagnosed through blood tests and ACTH stimulation testing. Treatment involves lifelong medication.
Read more: Dog Drinking a Lot of Water and Lethargic (Could your dog be unwell?)
Anxiety or Stress
Dogs may shake from emotional distress—during thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, or sudden changes in their environment.
Increased water intake may follow due to panting, pacing, or nervous energy. You might also notice yawning, lip licking, or hiding.
Stress-reducing routines, calming supplements, or behavioral training may help reduce anxiety symptoms.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Drinking a Lot and Shaking
Observe your dog closely and try to identify any patterns. Did symptoms start suddenly, after exposure to something new, or following a change in routine?
Provide a quiet, calm space and monitor your dog’s breathing, body temperature, and activity levels.
Ensure fresh water is always available, but discourage gulping large amounts at once.
Avoid giving over-the-counter human medications or guessing the cause without proper diagnosis.
Contact your vet, especially if shaking is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or behavioral changes.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog:
Shakes uncontrollably or shows signs of seizures
Drinks excessively over several days
Appears weak, disoriented, or collapses
Vomits, drools excessively, or has diarrhea
Is showing signs of pain or abnormal behavior
Your vet may run bloodwork, urinalysis, toxin screening, or imaging to find the underlying issue.
Read more: Dog Drinking a Lot of Water and Bloated (Signs it’s time to act fast)
Key Takeaway
Shaking and excessive drinking aren’t just random—they often point to deeper health concerns like pain, poisoning, kidney problems, or hormonal imbalances.
Don’t wait to see if it passes. Early veterinary evaluation can reveal the cause and guide proper treatment to get your dog back to comfort and health.