If your dog is shaking and not eating, it’s natural to be concerned. These symptoms can signal something minor or something more serious.
We outline the potential causes of dog shaking and not eating, what signs to watch for, and when it’s time to seek veterinary help.
Dog Shaking and Not Eating: What It Means
Dog shaking and not eating can be a sign of a serious underlying issue, such as pain, illness, poisoning, stress, or neurological problems. When a dog trembles and refuses food, it often indicates they are feeling unwell or distressed. Shaking may result from fever, nausea, anxiety, or toxin exposure, while appetite loss can stem from gastrointestinal upset, dental pain, or systemic illness.
Together, these symptoms warrant concern—especially if they persist for more than a day, worsen, or are accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or other changes in behavior.
Causes of Dog Shaking and Not Eating
1. Pain or Injury
One of the most common reasons for dog shaking and not eating is pain. Dogs experiencing pain from an internal condition, arthritis, injury, or recent trauma may tremble and lose their appetite.
Painful conditions such as pancreatitis, abdominal obstruction, or dental disease can cause a dog to stop eating and show signs like restlessness, shaking, or whimpering.
Dogs in pain may also avoid lying down, pant excessively, or isolate themselves.
What to look for:
Limping or stiffness
Reluctance to move or be touched
Panting and whining
Hunched posture
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2. Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues
Dogs with an upset stomach or digestive problems may shake due to nausea and discomfort.
When a dog is nauseous, they may refuse food and begin to tremble.
Conditions such as gastritis, ingestion of spoiled food, intestinal parasites, or even motion sickness can result in symptoms of a dog not eating and shaking.
Vomiting or diarrhea may also be present.
What to look for:
Lip licking
Drooling
Vomiting or dry heaving
Gurgling stomach sounds
3. Anxiety or Stress
Stress is a common trigger of shaking in dogs, and it can also affect appetite.
Just like humans, dogs can become overwhelmed or anxious due to changes in their environment, loud noises (like fireworks), or separation from their owners.
A stressed dog may tremble, hide, or refuse to eat altogether.
If the shaking and appetite loss occur suddenly during a known stressful event, anxiety may be the cause.
What to look for:
Yawning or pacing
Hiding or cowering
Barking or whining
Loss of interest in toys or food
4. Cold or Low Body Temperature (Hypothermia)
Dogs may shiver if they are cold, especially short-haired or small-breed dogs. If the environment is too chilly, your dog may shake to maintain body heat.
A cold dog may also feel uncomfortable and not feel like eating.
Hypothermia is more severe and occurs when a dog’s body temperature drops dangerously low.
This can result in shaking, lethargy, and appetite loss and requires immediate veterinary attention.
What to look for:
Cold ears or paws
Curling up tightly
Slowed movements
Pale gums
5. Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
Ingestion of toxic substances like chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), grapes, certain houseplants, or chemicals can cause your dog to start shaking and stop eating.
Poisoning is a medical emergency and can quickly escalate to seizures, vomiting, or collapse.
If your dog is shaking and not eating suddenly and you suspect they got into something toxic, seek veterinary care immediately.
What to look for:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Seizures or collapse
Pale or bluish gums
6. Fever or Infection
An underlying infection—whether bacterial, viral, or fungal—can cause your dog to feel weak, shaky, and lose their appetite. Fever may also trigger shivering.
Common infections include urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, or systemic infections such as leptospirosis or parvovirus (in puppies).
What to look for:
Lethargy or listlessness
Warm ears or body
Coughing or sneezing
Discharge from eyes or nose
7. Neurological Conditions
Certain neurological disorders can cause tremors or full-body shaking. If your dog is shaking and not eating, and you notice poor coordination, confusion, or eye twitching, a neurological issue may be present.
Conditions like canine distemper, epilepsy, or vestibular disease can present with shaking, appetite loss, and other strange behaviors.
What to look for:
Head tilt
Circling
Loss of balance
Confusion or unusual behavior
8. Side Effects of Medication
Some medications prescribed to dogs can lead to side effects including shaking and appetite loss.
If your dog recently started a new medication, the symptoms may be a reaction to the drug.
Pain medications, anti-inflammatories, or even flea treatments can sometimes cause side effects.
Always read the labels and consult your vet if you notice unusual symptoms.
What to look for:
Change in behavior after medication
Vomiting or diarrhea
Weakness or drowsiness
What to Do If Your Dog is Shaking and Not Eating
When your dog shows signs of shaking and not eating, monitor them closely for other symptoms.
Mild shaking or temporary loss of appetite may resolve on its own, but persistent or worsening symptoms require prompt veterinary attention.
When to See a Vet Immediately
Seek veterinary help if:
Your dog is shaking and not eating for more than 24 hours
There are additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has underlying health issues
You suspect poisoning or toxin exposure
Your dog is in visible pain or distress
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent more serious complications and ensure your dog recovers safely.
How to Help at Home
If the symptoms are mild, here are a few steps you can take:
Keep your dog warm and comfortable: If cold is the cause, warm blankets and a quiet resting spot may help.
Offer bland food: Boiled chicken and rice may tempt your dog to eat if nausea or mild digestive upset is the issue.
Ensure hydration: Make sure fresh water is always available. Dehydration can worsen both shaking and loss of appetite.
Reduce stress: Provide a calm, safe environment and limit exposure to triggers like loud noises.
However, these are only temporary solutions. If symptoms persist, a veterinarian’s evaluation is critical.
Key Takeaway: Dog Shaking and Not Eating
A dog shaking and not eating could be reacting to pain, stress, cold, nausea, poisoning, or illness. While some causes are minor and self-limiting, others are serious and need medical intervention.
Always monitor for additional symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or collapse.
If in doubt, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis. Acting early can prevent complications and ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.