If your dog is panting, shaking, and not eating, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. While each of these symptoms on their own can sometimes have harmless explanations—like excitement or a mild upset stomach—the combination of all three strongly suggests your dog is in distress.
We outline the common causes of dog panting, shaking and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting, Shaking and Not Eating: Why It Happens
When your dog is panting, shaking and not eating, it could be due to intense pain, stress, internal illness, poisoning, fever, or gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms often appear together because they represent the dog’s reaction to a deeper problem.
Panting may indicate discomfort or overheating, shaking signals fear, pain, or weakness, and appetite loss confirms that your dog’s body isn’t functioning normally.
Dog Panting, Shaking and Not Eating: Common Causes
Pain or Injury
Dogs often pant and shake when they are in significant pain—especially internal or joint pain.
If your dog also stops eating, the discomfort may be preventing them from settling down or even approaching their food.
Pain-related causes might include arthritis, injury, back problems, pancreatitis, or internal bleeding.
Your dog may try to hide, tremble when touched, or avoid putting weight on a limb.
Even subtle pain can trigger these symptoms, and older dogs are especially prone to hiding pain until it becomes overwhelming.
Gastrointestinal Upset or Bloat
An upset stomach, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal obstruction can cause your dog to tremble, pant, and avoid food.
These symptoms may also be accompanied by vomiting, retching, or a distended abdomen. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat, is a life-threatening condition often seen in large, deep-chested breeds.
If your dog is shaking, breathing hard, and won’t eat, and their stomach looks swollen, this could be an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
Anxiety or Panic Attack
Just like humans, dogs can have panic attacks. Separation anxiety, loud noises, car rides, or unfamiliar environments can all trigger stress-induced panting, shaking, and a refusal to eat.
Dogs with anxiety may pace, drool, try to escape, or hide. Emotional distress should still be taken seriously, as prolonged anxiety can lead to digestive issues, weight loss, and behavior changes.
Identifying triggers and offering a safe space can help in the short term, while long-term anxiety may require behavioral support or calming medications.
Fever or Infection
When a dog is running a fever due to an infection or illness, they may shake from internal chills, pant to cool down, and lose interest in food.
Common culprits include respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and systemic illnesses like leptospirosis or parvovirus.
Look for signs such as nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Puppies, seniors, and immunocompromised dogs are especially vulnerable to complications from infections.
Ingested Toxins or Poisoning
Toxin exposure is one of the most dangerous reasons a dog might begin to pant, shake, and refuse food.
Ingestion of substances like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, medications, or insecticides can cause tremors, rapid breathing, disorientation, vomiting, and collapse.
These symptoms can appear suddenly and progress rapidly.
If you suspect your dog consumed something toxic—even if you’re not sure what—don’t wait. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Small breeds, puppies, or dogs with diabetes are prone to hypoglycemia.
Low blood sugar can lead to shaking, confusion, panting, and weakness. Refusing to eat only worsens the condition.
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can result in seizures or unconsciousness.
A quick test at the vet’s office can confirm low blood sugar, and treatment typically involves feeding and stabilizing blood glucose levels.
Neurological Issues
Seizure activity, vestibular disease, or other neurological problems can cause visible tremors or uncoordinated movements.
Dogs with these conditions may also breathe heavily due to confusion or panic and avoid eating because of nausea or dizziness.
If your dog seems disoriented, has abnormal eye movement, or walks in circles, this could point to a neurological disorder that requires evaluation and imaging.
What to Do If Dog Panting, Shaking and Not Eating Happens
First, move your dog to a calm, quiet space where they feel safe. Offer cool water but don’t force food or fluids.
Observe your dog for any additional symptoms like vomiting, drooling, coughing, or bloating.
Feel their gums—they should be pink and moist, not pale, blue, or tacky. If your dog feels warm to the touch, they may have a fever.
Do not administer human medications, as these can make things worse.
Document the onset of symptoms, any recent changes in diet or environment, and any possible ingestion of foreign substances.
This will be helpful for your vet in identifying the cause.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian right away if:
Panting and shaking persist for over 30 minutes
Your dog hasn’t eaten in more than 12–24 hours
Vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating occurs
Your dog collapses, appears confused, or has pale gums
You suspect poisoning or hypoglycemia
Your dog seems to be in significant pain or distress
Many causes behind these symptoms require urgent intervention, especially in small breeds, puppies, and senior dogs.
Delaying treatment could put your dog at serious risk.
Related: Dog Panting and Not Eating (Causes and what to do)
Key Takeaway
If your dog is panting, shaking and not eating, it’s not something to wait out or treat casually. These symptoms often point to serious discomfort—whether emotional, environmental, or medical.
Your dog is trying to communicate that something is wrong, and it’s up to you to listen and act.
Don’t assume it’s just nerves or age. Your attentiveness can make all the difference. When in doubt, a quick call to your vet is always the right choice.
Acting early could spare your dog unnecessary pain and ensure a fast return to health and happiness.