When your dog is both shaking and vomiting, it’s a clear sign something’s wrong. These symptoms combined can range from mild illness to life-threatening emergencies depending on the underlying cause.
We outline the common causes of dog shaking and vomiting, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Shaking and Vomiting — Why It Happens
Dogs shake and vomit due to pain, poisoning, gastrointestinal distress, or systemic illness. Shaking may reflect discomfort, fever, or nausea, while vomiting is the body’s attempt to expel something harmful. Together, they signal the need for close monitoring—and often veterinary evaluation.
Common Causes of Dog Shaking and Vomiting
Toxin Ingestion
Ingesting chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gum), grapes, medications, or household cleaners can cause shaking and vomiting.
Additional symptoms may include drooling, rapid breathing, seizures, or collapse.
If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Time is critical.
Gastroenteritis
This inflammation of the stomach and intestines causes vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes shaking due to abdominal discomfort.
Common causes include dietary indiscretion, infections, or sudden food changes.
Mild cases may resolve with rest and bland food, but dehydration or persistent vomiting require a vet visit.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is a painful condition that can cause vomiting, shaking, abdominal tenderness, and loss of appetite.
Often triggered by fatty foods, this condition is serious and often requires hospitalization.
Dogs may stand in a hunched posture or seem unwilling to lie down.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Fever or Infection
Fever from viral or bacterial infections can cause full-body tremors and vomiting as the immune system fights the illness.
You might also notice warm ears, lethargy, nasal discharge, or coughing.
Veterinary evaluation is needed to determine the source of infection and begin appropriate treatment.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Though more rare, bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, trapping gas and food.
Early signs include vomiting (often non-productive), shaking, restlessness, and a swollen abdomen.
Bloat requires immediate emergency surgery—don’t wait if you see these signs.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Shaking and Vomiting
Remove food and limit water intake for a few hours while you observe your dog’s condition.
Keep your dog in a quiet, comfortable space where you can monitor their behavior and breathing.
Do not attempt to give human medications or induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
If symptoms subside and your dog seems stable, reintroduce a bland diet in small amounts.
Track vomiting frequency and behavior to report accurately to your veterinarian.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog:
Vomits repeatedly or cannot keep water down
Is shaking uncontrollably or seems in pain
Shows signs of bloat (hard belly, unproductive retching, pacing)
Has blood in vomit or diarrhea
Becomes lethargic, collapses, or seizes
Prompt action can prevent complications and may be life-saving.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Panting (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Shaking and vomiting together suggest serious discomfort or illness in dogs, from mild stomach upset to poisoning or pancreatitis.
Monitor symptoms closely, and if vomiting persists, worsens, or is paired with other warning signs, contact your vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment.