When your dog is shaking and not eating or drinking, it can be a deeply concerning experience.
These symptoms often indicate that something is seriously wrong with your dog’s health.
Dogs may shake for various reasons—some harmless, others more severe—and when this behavior is paired with refusal to eat or drink, it suggests an underlying condition that needs attention.
We outline the common reasons why dog shaking and not eating or drinking happens, outline associated symptoms, and guide you on when to seek veterinary help.
Dog shaking and not eating or drinking: Why It Happens
When a dog is shaking and not eating or drinking, it typically signals that something is wrong physically or emotionally. Common causes include pain, nausea from gastrointestinal issues, infections, poisoning, anxiety, or serious conditions like kidney failure or neurological disorders.
Shaking may be a response to discomfort, while refusing food and water often results from nausea or weakness.
This combination can quickly lead to dehydration and requires prompt veterinary evaluation to identify the underlying issue and begin treatment.
Common Causes of Dog Shaking and Not Eating Or Drinking
Pain or injury
One of the most common causes of a dog shaking and not eating or drinking is pain.
Dogs are very good at hiding discomfort, but severe or persistent pain often shows up through trembling and refusal to eat or drink.
This could be due to internal injuries, musculoskeletal problems like a sprain or arthritis flare-up, or dental pain that makes eating unbearable.
If your dog is shaking and also stiff, limping, yelping, or favoring one side, a physical injury is likely.
Loss of appetite in these cases is a natural reaction to discomfort.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating and lethargic (Explained)
Gastrointestinal upset
Gastrointestinal issues are a frequent culprit behind a dog shaking and not eating or drinking.
An upset stomach, bloating, indigestion, or food intolerance can cause nausea and abdominal discomfort.
Dogs may shake due to abdominal cramps and avoid food or water to prevent worsening the nausea.
If your dog has recently changed diets, consumed table scraps, or gotten into the trash, gastrointestinal upset might be the cause.
Symptoms to watch for include retching, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea along with the shaking.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Stress and anxiety
Stress and emotional distress can manifest physically in dogs.
A dog shaking and not eating or drinking may be overwhelmed by anxiety from loud noises, environmental changes, separation from owners, or new additions to the household.
When stressed, dogs release adrenaline, which can cause their muscles to tremble.
Simultaneously, anxiety often suppresses their appetite and disrupts normal drinking patterns.
Dogs under psychological stress may also hide, whine, pace, or avoid interaction.
Poisoning or toxin ingestion
A more urgent explanation for a dog shaking and not eating or drinking is poisoning.
If your dog has ingested something toxic—like chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), certain plants, pesticides, or household cleaners—they may start shaking uncontrollably.
They often refuse food and water due to nausea and systemic distress.
Poisoning symptoms usually appear quickly and may include vomiting, drooling, disorientation, seizures, and collapse.
If you suspect your dog may have consumed something toxic, act immediately.
Fever or infection
A fever or underlying infection may cause a dog to shake and stop eating or drinking.
Just like humans, dogs can experience chills when their body temperature is elevated.
Infections—whether viral, bacterial, or parasitic—can trigger full-body weakness, nausea, and poor appetite.
Urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and systemic illnesses like canine distemper or parvovirus are all potential culprits.
Infected dogs may also exhibit coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea alongside their lack of appetite.
Neurological problems
In some cases, a dog shaking and not eating or drinking can be a sign of a neurological disorder.
Conditions like seizures, tremor syndromes, or even early-stage canine cognitive dysfunction can interfere with your dog’s motor control and appetite.
If your dog displays head tilting, uncoordinated walking, confusion, or muscle twitching along with these symptoms, neurological issues may be at play.
These cases require immediate evaluation by a veterinarian.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar is another possible cause, especially in puppies, toy breeds, or dogs with diabetes.
A dog with hypoglycemia may suddenly become shaky, weak, disoriented, and lose interest in eating or drinking.
When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body doesn’t have enough energy to function properly.
Dogs with hypoglycemia may also collapse or have seizures if left untreated.
Kidney or liver disease
Both kidney and liver dysfunction can cause a dog to shake and not eat or drink.
These organs play a crucial role in filtering toxins from the body and maintaining fluid balance.
When they start to fail, toxins build up in the bloodstream, leading to nausea, disorientation, muscle tremors, and loss of appetite.
Other signs of liver or kidney disease include increased urination, vomiting, yellowing of the gums or eyes, and foul-smelling breath.
Side effects of medication
If your dog recently started a new medication, they could be experiencing adverse side effects.
Certain drugs can lead to muscle tremors, nausea, or appetite suppression.
Medications like corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, or painkillers may cause a dog to shake and avoid eating or drinking.
Always review the side effects of any prescriptions with your vet and report unusual behavior promptly.
Related: Old dog vomiting and shaking (Here’s why and what to do)
What to do if your dog is shaking and not eating or drinking
If you notice your dog shaking and not eating or drinking, here are the steps you should take:
1. Observe closely
Take note of other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, or disorientation.
This can help your vet determine the underlying cause faster.
2. Check for injuries or toxins
Examine your dog for signs of injury or access to toxic substances such as medications, foods like grapes or chocolate, or cleaning chemicals.
3. Remove stressors
If the cause may be stress or anxiety, try to create a calm environment.
Speak softly, limit loud noises, and give your dog a safe space to rest.
4. Offer water and bland food
Try to tempt your dog with plain, bland food like boiled chicken and rice, and fresh water.
However, do not force them to eat or drink if they resist, especially if they are vomiting.
5. Do not administer human medications
Avoid giving any medications unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
Many human drugs are toxic to dogs.
6. Contact your vet
If the shaking continues for more than a few hours or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, or if your dog is a puppy, senior, or has preexisting health conditions—contact your vet immediately.
Early intervention is key to preventing complications.
Related: Dog lethargic and not eating or drinking (Explained)
When to seek emergency help
Seek urgent veterinary care if you notice:
Seizures or collapse
Bloody vomiting or diarrhea
Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
Persistent shaking beyond a few hours
Signs of poisoning
High fever
Pale or blue gums
Refusal to drink for over 24 hours
Time is crucial, especially when dehydration or organ involvement is suspected.
A veterinary team can quickly assess your dog’s hydration status, run bloodwork, and start supportive treatment such as IV fluids or anti-nausea medication.
Key Takeaway
While occasional trembling may be harmless, a dog shaking and not eating or drinking should never be ignored.
These symptoms together can point to anything from stress to life-threatening conditions like poisoning or kidney failure.
Identifying the root cause early and seeking timely veterinary care is essential to help your dog recover quickly.
Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior, keep toxic items out of reach, and maintain a consistent routine to reduce stress.
Always consult your vet if your dog shows sudden or unexplained changes in eating, drinking, or behavior.
Your awareness can make all the difference in your dog’s health and comfort.