When you notice your dog shaking and not eating and vomiting, it’s understandably alarming.
These symptoms can occur together due to a range of underlying issues — some minor, others requiring urgent medical attention.
If your dog is trembling, refusing food, and throwing up, it’s important to understand what might be going on inside their body.
While occasional vomiting or loss of appetite might not be serious on its own, when combined with shaking, the situation can point to something more severe.
We outline the most common reasons why a dog may be shaking and not eating and vomiting at the same time, what signs to watch for, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Shaking and Not Eating and Vomiting: Why It Happens
Dog shaking and not eating and vomiting often occur together due to underlying physical distress, illness, or toxin exposure.
These symptoms may indicate a serious internal issue, such as gastrointestinal infections, dietary indiscretion, poisoning, pancreatitis, anxiety or stress, motion sickness, chronic illness, or side effects of medication.
When these symptoms present simultaneously, it typically signals that the dog’s body is trying to cope with pain, nausea, dehydration, or systemic imbalance and should not be ignored.
Causes of Dog Shaking and Not Eating and Vomiting
Gastrointestinal infections
One of the most frequent reasons for a dog shaking and not eating and vomiting is a gastrointestinal infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
These infections can lead to stomach upset, nausea, and fever.
The dog’s body reacts by purging the harmful contents through vomiting, and the loss of fluids and electrolytes can result in weakness and shaking.
Affected dogs often lose interest in food and may become dehydrated quickly.
Parvovirus, for example, is a severe viral infection especially common in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
It causes extreme vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), shaking, and loss of appetite, and it requires immediate veterinary care.
Dietary indiscretion
If your dog has recently eaten spoiled food, garbage, or something toxic, their body might respond with vomiting, shaking, and refusal to eat.
This condition is known as dietary indiscretion.
The digestive upset caused by eating the wrong thing can make the dog feel nauseated, leading to loss of appetite.
As discomfort and dehydration progress, shaking often follows.
Common culprits include fatty human foods, bones, raw meat, or table scraps.
Dogs may also ingest toxic substances like chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gum), or grapes, all of which can lead to vomiting and tremors.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Toxin ingestion or poisoning
Accidental poisoning is another serious cause of dog shaking and not eating and vomiting.
Ingestion of household cleaning products, antifreeze, human medications, pesticides, or even some plants can trigger an immediate toxic reaction.
The symptoms may include muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and collapse.
In severe cases, organ damage occurs quickly.
If you suspect poisoning, act fast — this is a medical emergency.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in dogs is the inflammation of the pancreas, and it can cause sudden onset of vomiting, abdominal pain, shaking, and refusal to eat.
This condition is often triggered by high-fat meals or underlying health issues and is particularly common in breeds like Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers.
Dogs may hunch over, appear bloated, and cry out in pain when touched.
Pancreatitis can range from mild to life-threatening, so early diagnosis and supportive care are essential.
Anxiety or stress
Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms in dogs such as shaking and not eating and vomiting.
Travel, separation anxiety, loud noises (like fireworks or thunderstorms), or changes in environment can all be stress triggers.
The physical stress response increases adrenaline and cortisol levels, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and shaking.
While some dogs might resume eating once calm, others may continue to show symptoms until the stressor is resolved.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating or drinking (Here’s why)
Motion sickness
If your dog starts shaking and not eating and vomiting during or after a car ride, it could be motion sickness.
Many dogs, especially puppies or anxious dogs, are prone to feeling nauseated during travel.
Symptoms usually subside after the ride ends, but frequent occurrences may require medication or desensitization training.
Pain and underlying illness
Chronic pain or illness may cause a dog to exhibit symptoms like shaking and not eating and vomiting.
Conditions such as kidney disease, liver failure, Addison’s disease, or gastrointestinal obstruction can produce these signs.
If your dog is showing additional symptoms like weight loss, pale gums, increased thirst, lethargy, or difficulty urinating, a vet should evaluate them right away.
Abdominal pain can also make your dog refuse food, vomit, and tremble.
Conditions like gastric torsion (bloat) are extremely serious and progress rapidly.
Bloat is most common in deep-chested breeds like Great Danes or Dobermans and is life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Side effects of medication
Some medications can cause nausea, loss of appetite, and tremors as side effects.
If your dog has recently started a new medication and is now shaking and not eating and vomiting, the drug may be the cause.
Speak to your vet before stopping the medication, and they may recommend an alternative or adjust the dosage.
What to do if your dog is shaking and not eating and vomiting
If your dog is showing these symptoms, it’s important to take action depending on how severe and persistent the symptoms are.
Here’s a guide on what to do:
1. Monitor symptoms closely
Take note of when the symptoms began, how frequently your dog is vomiting, and whether there are other signs such as diarrhea, lethargy, bloating, or fever. This will help your vet make a diagnosis.
If your dog vomits once but seems otherwise fine and is alert, you can withhold food for a few hours to allow their stomach to settle.
Reintroduce small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken and rice after 12–24 hours.
However, if the vomiting continues or if shaking and lack of appetite persist, seek veterinary attention.
2. Check for dehydration
Vomiting quickly leads to fluid loss. To check if your dog is dehydrated, gently lift the skin at the back of their neck.
If it doesn’t snap back into place quickly, they may be dehydrated.
Dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy are also red flags. In this case, your dog will need fluids, possibly administered by a vet.
3. Do not give human medications
Never attempt to treat your dog’s vomiting or shaking with human over-the-counter medications unless instructed by a vet.
Some medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are toxic to dogs.
4. Avoid feeding for a short period
If your dog has just vomited, give their stomach time to recover. Withhold food for about 6–12 hours but keep fresh water available.
If vomiting stops and your dog seems stable, try a bland diet for a day or two.
If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your vet.
5. When to call the vet immediately
You should seek immediate veterinary care if:
Your dog is shaking and not eating and vomiting continuously
There is blood in the vomit or stool
Your dog appears bloated or in pain
Your dog is lethargic or unresponsive
They are a puppy, senior dog, or have pre-existing health conditions
You suspect poisoning or toxin exposure
These symptoms can become dangerous quickly, especially if left untreated.
Key Takeaway
If your dog is shaking and not eating and vomiting, it is not something to ignore.
While it may be a simple case of dietary upset or anxiety in some cases, it can also indicate serious health issues like infections, poisoning, or organ dysfunction.
Understanding the possible causes and monitoring other signs can help guide your response.
Prompt veterinary care is always the safest route when these symptoms occur together.
Always trust your instincts — you know your dog best. If they’re acting out of character, it’s worth investigating to ensure they get the care they need.
Early action can make all the difference in a successful recovery.