When your dog suddenly starts panting, trembling, and turns their nose up at dinner, it can be distressing. These symptoms are not only uncomfortable for your dog, but they also signal that something may be seriously wrong.
We outline the common causes of dog panting, shaking, and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Dog Panting, Shaking, and Not Eating
1. Pain or Discomfort
Pain is one of the most common reasons a dog will pant and shake—and if it’s severe enough, they may not eat. Causes of pain can include arthritis flare-ups, dental problems, injury, or internal issues like pancreatitis.
What to Watch For:
Stiff posture or limping
Whining or growling when touched
Abdominal bloating or tightness
2. Anxiety and Stress
Dogs experiencing anxiety (from separation, loud noises, new environments) often pant and tremble as a physical response. Prolonged stress can suppress appetite.
Related: Dog Panting and Pacing (When to worry)
What to Watch For:
Tail tucked, ears back
Clinginess or hiding
Pacing and avoiding food bowl
3. Toxic Ingestion
If your dog has eaten something toxic—like chocolate, grapes, xylitol (from gum), or medications—the symptoms can escalate quickly. Panting and shaking are early signs, followed by vomiting, lethargy, and refusal to eat.
What to Watch For:
Sudden onset of symptoms
Vomiting or diarrhea
Pale gums, rapid heartbeat
4. Fever or Infection
Fever caused by infections (bacterial or viral) can cause panting, trembling, and appetite loss. Dogs with fevers may also appear lethargic or overly sensitive to touch.
What to Watch For:
Warm ears or nose
Swollen lymph nodes
Nasal discharge or coughing
5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a painful and dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. It commonly leads to heavy panting, full-body shaking, and a complete loss of appetite. This condition is more common in dogs who eat fatty table scraps or have underlying health issues.
What to Watch For:
Hunched posture
Vomiting and diarrhea
Signs worsen after eating
6. Heatstroke or Overheating
Dogs who overheat in hot weather may exhibit panting, shaking, and disinterest in food. Heatstroke can become fatal if not caught early.
What to Watch For:
Red gums and drooling
Vomiting or collapse
History of recent sun exposure or intense exercise
7. Neurological Conditions
Conditions like tremors, seizures, or vestibular disease can cause abnormal shaking. These often affect appetite as well, especially if the dog is disoriented.
What to Watch For:
Head tilt or loss of balance
Pupil dilation
Seizure-like episodes
8. Nausea or Gastrointestinal Issues
Dogs who are nauseous may pant and tremble from the discomfort, especially if they have gas buildup or intestinal problems. Nausea will also suppress appetite.
What to Watch For:
Licking lips or eating grass
Burping or gurgling sounds in stomach
Vomiting or diarrhea
What You Can Do at Home
If your dog is panting, shaking, and not eating but is otherwise responsive and alert, you can monitor them closely at home for 12–24 hours. Here are some steps to take:
Check for fever: Use a rectal thermometer (normal temperature is 101-102.5°F)
Offer water: Ensure your dog stays hydrated; ice cubes can encourage intake
Avoid food for a few hours: Give the stomach time to settle before reintroducing bland foods like boiled chicken and rice
Create a calm space: If anxiety is a factor, remove stressors and use calming aids like dog-safe pheromone sprays
However, do not wait more than a day to contact your vet if the symptoms persist or worsen.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Seek veterinary help right away if:
Panting is labored or doesn’t improve with rest
Shaking becomes severe or progresses to tremors
Vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration appear
Your dog collapses or becomes lethargic
You suspect poisoning or your dog has eaten something unusual
These symptoms are not just mild concerns—they can indicate emergencies like bloat, poisoning, or systemic infections.
Related: Dog Panting and Not Eating (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Panting, shaking, and not eating are all red flags on their own—but together, they paint a concerning picture. While some causes may be temporary or stress-related, many require prompt veterinary attention.
Trust your instincts: if your dog doesn’t seem right, get help. Catching the cause early can make all the difference in your dog’s recovery.