Dog Shaking and Not Eating But Drinking Water (Here’s Why)

Dog Shaking and Not Eating But Drinking Water: Common Causes 

Illness and infection

One of the most frequent reasons for a dog shaking and not eating but drinking water is illness or infection.

Conditions like gastrointestinal infections, kidney disease, liver disease, or systemic bacterial or viral infections often result in reduced appetite, trembling, and thirst.

When a dog is sick, their body uses energy to fight the illness, leading to fatigue and a lack of interest in food.

Shaking may be a response to fever, nausea, or body pain. Meanwhile, the dog may drink water to compensate for fluid loss due to fever or mild dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea.

Look for signs such as:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Bad breath or excessive drooling

• Yellowing of the eyes or gums

• Nasal discharge or coughing

Nausea or digestive discomfort

Dogs that feel nauseous often show signs like lip licking, drooling, and shaking.

A nauseated dog might refuse food but still drink small amounts of water to soothe the stomach.

Nausea can result from eating spoiled food, a sudden dietary change, or an underlying gastrointestinal issue such as pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis, in particular, is a common reason for a dog shaking and not eating but drinking water.

It causes abdominal pain, vomiting, and general lethargy.

Dogs with pancreatitis may tremble due to intense discomfort and instinctively avoid eating.

Related: Dog shaking and not eating (Causes and what to do) 

Pain and injury

Pain is one of the leading causes of shaking in dogs. Whether it’s joint pain, an internal injury, or even a sore tooth, a dog in pain may stop eating but continue drinking to stay hydrated.

Shaking due to pain can be subtle or pronounced depending on the cause.

Injuries, particularly musculoskeletal ones, can leave your dog trembling or limping while losing interest in food.

Abdominal pain—caused by bloating, gastric torsion, or internal trauma—can also result in similar symptoms.

If your dog is reluctant to move, yelps when touched, or has a stiff posture, pain is likely contributing to the shaking and appetite loss.

Stress, anxiety, or fear

Dogs are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and emotional distress can lead to physical symptoms.

A dog that is shaking and not eating but drinking water could be experiencing anxiety.

Stressful triggers include:

• Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms

• A change in environment (new home or family member)

• Separation anxiety

• Visits to the vet or unfamiliar places

Stress affects a dog’s appetite and can also trigger tremors due to heightened adrenaline levels.

Drinking water may be a self-soothing behavior or a way to cope with dry mouth caused by anxiety.

Toxin ingestion or poisoning

Ingesting toxins is a medical emergency and can cause a dog to shake, stop eating, and seek out water to alleviate the symptoms.

Common household toxins include chocolate, xylitol, human medications, grapes, antifreeze, and certain plants.

Symptoms of poisoning can escalate quickly and often include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Seizures

• Uncoordinated movement

• Excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth

If your dog is shaking and not eating but drinking water and has recently been near potential toxins, act quickly and contact a veterinarian immediately.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, especially in small breed dogs or puppies, can cause intense trembling and weakness.

A hypoglycemic dog may refuse food but drink water in an attempt to feel better.

Common causes of hypoglycemia include:

• Prolonged fasting

• Overexertion without proper nutrition

• Underlying conditions like diabetes

Without prompt intervention, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures or even loss of consciousness.

Medication side effects

If your dog recently started a new medication and is now shaking and not eating but drinking water, the drug could be causing adverse effects.

Medications such as antibiotics, painkillers, or steroids may lead to nausea, lethargy, or dehydration, prompting these symptoms.

Some drugs affect the gastrointestinal system, causing dogs to feel unwell or upset their appetite.

Others may alter thirst levels, leading to increased water intake despite loss of appetite.

Related: Dog shaking and not eating or drinking (Here’s why)

Neurological conditions

Shaking combined with appetite loss and thirst may be signs of a neurological problem, such as a seizure disorder, nerve inflammation, or brain disease.

In such cases, the tremors are often more intense and may be accompanied by confusion or uncoordinated movement.

If your dog appears disoriented, stares blankly, or collapses, seek emergency care.

Age-related issues

Older dogs, particularly seniors with underlying health conditions like arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, or organ decline, may show signs such as shaking and not eating but drinking water.

An aging dog may feel discomfort from arthritis pain, leading to shaking.

Simultaneously, they may lose interest in food due to decreased sense of smell or digestive issues, yet continue to drink to stay hydrated.

What to do if your dog is shaking and not eating but drinking water

If your dog is shaking and not eating but drinking water, it’s essential to take the symptoms seriously.

While some cases may resolve on their own, others can be signs of serious health problems that require prompt attention.

Here’s what to do:

1. Monitor symptoms closely
   Track when the symptoms started, how often they occur, and any other accompanying signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or limping.

2. Check for environmental triggers
   Think about recent changes in routine, food, or environment. Did your dog eat something unusual? Has there been exposure to loud noises or toxins?

3. Encourage hydration
   If your dog isn’t eating, keep them hydrated with clean water or offer ice chips if they resist drinking. Dehydration can quickly worsen the situation.

4. Try a bland diet (temporarily)
   If the cause seems minor and your dog is alert, try offering a bland meal like boiled chicken and plain rice to entice them to eat. Avoid forcing food, especially if vomiting or abdominal pain is present.

5. Do not give human medications
   Never attempt to treat your dog with over-the-counter medications meant for humans. Many are toxic to dogs and could worsen the problem.

6. Visit the vet promptly
   If your dog continues to shake, refuses food for more than 24 hours, shows signs of pain, vomiting, or has consumed a possible toxin, consult your veterinarian immediately.

When to seek emergency veterinary care

Certain signs should never be ignored. Take your dog to an emergency clinic if you observe:

• Continuous shaking for hours

• Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours

• Signs of poisoning or toxin exposure

• Vomiting or diarrhea combined with lethargy

• Swollen or distended abdomen

• Seizures, fainting, or unresponsiveness

Prompt medical attention can make a critical difference in recovery.

Related: My dog is tired and not eating and shaking (Explained)

Key Takeaway

A dog shaking and not eating but drinking water is often a sign that something is wrong—whether physical, emotional, or both.

While some causes are mild and temporary, others are more serious and require immediate medical care.

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, don’t wait it out.

Understanding the potential reasons and acting quickly can ensure your dog receives the care they need and prevent complications.

Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure—your dog’s health depends on it.