A dog not moving and shaking is one of the most alarming combinations of symptoms for any dog owner to witness.
When a dog becomes still, trembles, or seems unable to stand, it often means something serious is happening inside the body.
We outline the common causes of a dog not moving and shaking, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Not Moving and Shaking: Why It Happens
A dog not moving and shaking is almost always a sign of pain, fear, illness, or a neurological issue affecting their ability to function normally.
Shaking happens when the nervous system is stressed, when a dog is in severe pain, or when their body is reacting to infection, toxins, fever, or injury.
The refusal to move often follows because standing or walking makes the discomfort worse, or the dog feels too weak to support themselves.
From severe abdominal pain to poisoning, joint problems, and heat-related collapse, many serious conditions can cause these two symptoms to appear together.
Understanding the most likely reasons can help you take quick, informed steps to protect your dog.
Dog Not Moving and Shaking: Common Causes
Severe Pain or Distress
Severe pain is one of the most common reasons a dog becomes still and begins to shake.
Dogs often tremble when they hurt—whether from abdominal pain, muscle injuries, back problems, or sudden trauma. They may stay in one position because moving increases the pain.
Some dogs shake due to internal discomfort such as inflammation of the pancreas, stomach, or organs near the spine. Others shake because of intense fear or shock following an injury.
When pain is strong enough to freeze a dog in place and stop them from eating, it usually reflects a serious underlying condition that needs urgent care.
Related: Dog suddenly not eating and vomiting (Here’s why)
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis causes sudden, severe abdominal pain, shaking, and refusal to move.
The inflamed pancreas sends sharp waves of discomfort through the abdomen, making dogs stand hunched, keep completely still, or avoid lying down. Shivering is extremely common because the pain is intense and continuous.
Dogs with pancreatitis almost always refuse food, and many will vomit repeatedly or drool due to nausea. Some dogs also pant heavily or look restless even though they do not move.
Because pancreatitis progresses quickly and can cause dehydration or organ complications, early veterinary care is essential.
Poisoning
Toxins can cause dramatic and sudden changes in a dog’s mobility and behavior.
If a dog ingests rat poison, certain plants, medications, chocolate, xylitol, antifreeze, or harmful chemicals, shaking and collapse can follow rapidly. These substances interfere with the nervous system, blood clotting, or organ function.
Dogs often become too weak or confused to move, and the shaking reflects the body’s struggle to cope with the toxin. Pale gums, vomiting, seizures, drooling, or unusual behavior may accompany the stillness and trembling.
Because toxins act fast and can be fatal, any suspicion of poisoning requires immediate veterinary attention.
Neurological Issues
Neurological conditions can severely impact a dog’s ability to move and can also cause tremors or shaking.
Problems like slipped discs, nerve inflammation, spinal injuries, strokes, or certain infections can make a dog shaky, uncoordinated, or unable to stand.
Some neurological conditions also cause muscle tremors, confusion, or sudden weakness. In these cases, the dog may remain still because their legs feel unstable or their body won’t cooperate.
When shaking and immobility appear together, a neurological cause must always be considered.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Low blood sugar can cause trembling, weakness, and sudden collapse, especially in small breeds, puppies, or diabetic dogs.
Hypoglycemia deprives the brain of the sugar it needs to function, leading to shaking, confusion, staring spells, or the inability to move normally. Some dogs lie flat, appear limp, or refuse to get up.
If a dog stops moving entirely and begins to shake, hypoglycemia can progress to seizures or unconsciousness if not corrected quickly.
Because low blood sugar can become life-threatening within minutes in some dogs, rapid care is vital.
Fever or Infection
Fever often causes shaking or shivering, similar to how humans tremble when sick.
Dogs with infections—such as bacterial illnesses, tick-borne diseases, or internal organ infections—may stay still because they feel weak or sore. Their shaking may come from chills, pain, or the body’s attempt to fight off illness.
Other signs may include loss of appetite, warm ears, rapid breathing, vomiting, coughing, or lethargy.
Severe infections can lead to systemic inflammation that prevents normal movement and requires fast medical treatment.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a dangerous condition that can cause shaking, collapse, and refusal to move.
When a dog’s temperature rises too high, the muscles begin to tremble and the brain becomes overwhelmed. Many dogs lie flat, pant heavily, or seem mentally dull.
Dehydration has similar effects and can cause weakness so severe that a dog becomes unwilling or unable to stand. The shaking occurs because the body is struggling to regulate itself without enough fluid.
Heat-related emergencies require immediate veterinary attention to prevent organ failure.
Related: Dog Not Moving or Eating (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Moving and Shaking
If your dog is not moving and shaking, stay calm but treat the situation as a potential emergency.
Approach your dog slowly and gently to avoid causing additional stress or pain. Look for signs of injury, swelling, vomiting, pale gums, or unusual breathing. Do not force your dog to stand, walk, or change positions, as this may worsen hidden injuries or internal issues.
Offer a small amount of water if your dog is alert, but do not attempt to feed them. Many dogs with shaking or severe discomfort feel nauseous or unable to swallow normally.
Keep your dog in a cool, quiet, comfortable area away from noise and activity. If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cooler environment and offer small amounts of cool water, but do not apply ice directly.
If your dog collapses, has trouble breathing, or becomes unresponsive, seek veterinary care immediately. Dogs not moving and shaking—even if they seem alert—often need medical evaluation, as these symptoms rarely improve on their own.
Even if your dog improves slightly, call your vet to rule out serious underlying problems.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog shows any of these signs:
- If your dog refuses to move and is shaking for more than a few minutes.
- If they seem painful, weak, confused, or unable to stand.
- If shaking comes with vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to drink.
- If their gums appear pale, blue, very red, or yellow.
- If you suspect they may have ingested toxins or harmful substances.
- If they have a swollen belly, difficulty breathing, or seem disoriented.
- If your dog collapses, has a seizure, or cannot stay conscious.
- If the shaking worsens or becomes continuous.
Shaking and immobility are significant symptoms that should never be ignored, especially when they appear together.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Not Eating (What this could mean)
Key Takeaway
A dog not moving and shaking is a distressing and serious situation that often signals pain, illness, neurological problems, or toxin exposure. These symptoms rarely appear without a cause and should be treated as requiring prompt attention.
Trust your instincts—if your dog seems unusually still, trembling, or too weak to stand, acting quickly can protect their health and potentially save their life.
Your veterinarian can help determine the underlying cause and provide the care your dog needs to recover safely.