When your dog is shivering and not eating, it can be deeply concerning. These symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually, and they often signal that something is not right with your dog’s health.
Whether it’s a young pup or a senior dog shivering and not eating, these symptoms should never be ignored.
We will outline why this issue happens, the common causes behind it, and what you can do to help your dog feel better.
Dog Shivering and Not Eating: Why It Happens
A dog shivering and not eating can result from various causes including illness, pain, stress, cold, poisoning, infections, or side effects from medications. In some cases, especially for an old dog shivering and not eating, age-related conditions such as arthritis or organ failure may be to blame.
Additionally, gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, or even emotional distress can trigger both shivering and appetite loss.
These symptoms often occur together because discomfort or disease affects both the digestive system and the nervous system, leading to visible trembling and disinterest in food.
Common Causes of Dog Shivering and Not Eating
1. Pain or Injury
When a dog is in pain, it might react by shivering and refusing food.
Pain can stem from injury, arthritis, internal organ issues, or even something as simple as a sore tooth.
An old dog shivering and not eating might be dealing with joint pain or spinal issues common in aging pets.
Shivering is a natural response to physical distress, and when combined with appetite loss, it becomes a strong indicator that your dog is hurting and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
2. Illness or Infection
A variety of illnesses can cause your dog to lose interest in food and start to shiver.
Conditions such as pancreatitis, kidney failure, or liver disease often show up with these symptoms.
If you notice your senior dog shivering and not eating but drinking water, it might be trying to stay hydrated while feeling too nauseous or weak to eat.
Dogs suffering from infections or systemic illnesses may also become lethargic and exhibit full-body tremors, indicating their body is fighting something serious.
Related: My dog is shivering and not eating or drinking (Here’s why)
3. Gastrointestinal Problems
Dogs with upset stomachs, gastritis, or digestive tract infections often present with shivering and a lack of appetite.
If your dog shivering and not eating and lethargic is also showing signs of vomiting or loose stools, gastrointestinal distress is likely the root cause.
One concerning symptom combination is a dog shivering and not eating and diarrhea, which may indicate a bacterial or viral infection affecting the stomach and intestines.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Just like humans, dogs can react physically to emotional triggers.
A change in environment, a new family member or pet, fireworks, or even vet visits can cause your dog to become anxious.
Stress in dogs commonly causes trembling, refusal to eat, and other behavior changes.
If your dog has no other medical issues but continues to shake and avoid food, stress may be a contributing factor.
Puppies and smaller breeds are especially sensitive to stress-related symptoms.
5. Cold Exposure
Smaller breeds and dogs with short coats are particularly vulnerable to cold weather.
Shivering is a natural mechanism to maintain body heat.
However, if your dog is shivering and not eating even when warm indoors, this might point to an underlying illness or condition, rather than temperature alone.
Older dogs are more sensitive to cold, so a senior dog shivering and not eating may be reacting to a chilly environment as well as age-related health decline.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating and vomiting (Explained)
6. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can cause side effects like nausea, shaking, or appetite suppression.
If your dog started a new medication and is now shivering and refusing food, consult your vet to rule out adverse drug reactions.
Dogs on antibiotics, pain medications, or chemotherapy drugs are especially prone to these side effects.
Even if your senior dog is shivering and not eating but drinking water, that can still signal that the medication is affecting appetite but not yet causing full dehydration.
7. Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning
Toxin ingestion is an emergency. If your dog has eaten something toxic—like chocolate, grapes, rat poison, or certain household plants—they may react with shivering, vomiting, and refusal to eat.
The signs can appear within minutes to hours.
In cases of poisoning, the dog may also experience drooling, confusion, rapid breathing, or seizures.
If your dog is shivering and not eating and diarrhea is also present, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Special Considerations for Senior Dogs
A senior dog shivering and not eating may be dealing with age-related problems like arthritis, kidney disease, cognitive decline, or cancer.
Older dogs often experience a reduced appetite, but when combined with shivering, this may point to pain, nausea, or weakness.
Even if the senior dog is shivering and not eating but drinking water, this shouldn’t be dismissed.
Drinking water alone isn’t enough to sustain them. Immediate medical attention is needed to identify and treat the underlying problem, especially since older dogs are less resilient.
Related: Old dog shivering and not eating: When to worry
What to Do When Your Dog is Shivering and Not Eating
When your dog is showing these concerning symptoms, timely action is crucial. Here’s what you can do:
1. Monitor Other Symptoms
Pay close attention to accompanying symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, limping, or fever.
If your dog shivering and not eating and lethargic is also acting withdrawn, it’s time to call your vet.
Keep notes on how long the symptoms last and whether they’re worsening.
2. Keep Them Warm and Comfortable
If your dog is shivering, ensure they’re warm and cozy.
Offer them a soft blanket or a heated pet bed.
This is especially important for older dogs or small breeds that lose body heat quickly.
Sometimes, warming them up can ease the shivering if cold is the primary trigger, but it won’t solve an underlying health issue, so don’t use it as the only response.
3. Check for Injuries or Toxins
Do a quick scan of your dog’s body for signs of pain, swelling, limping, or wounds.
Also, check your home for anything they might have eaten that could be toxic—medications, chocolate, cleaning supplies, or spoiled food.
If there’s any suspicion of poisoning, bring your dog to the vet immediately along with any packaging or details you can provide.
4. Don’t Force Food
While it’s tempting to try to coax your dog into eating, forcing food may cause more distress or vomiting.
If your dog hasn’t eaten in over 24 hours—or less for puppies and older dogs—it’s time to consult your vet.
They may need anti-nausea medications or appetite stimulants.
5. Hydration Matters
If your dog is refusing food but still drinking water, keep encouraging fluid intake.
Dehydration can quickly become a serious problem, especially if the dog is also experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
In cases where the dog is neither eating nor drinking, take them to the vet immediately.
This can lead to rapid deterioration in dogs of all ages.
6. Seek Veterinary Help Early
When you notice a dog shivering and not eating and diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy are also present, contact your veterinarian right away.
These combinations point to more than just temporary discomfort—they suggest something more serious is happening internally.
Puppies and senior dogs are especially vulnerable.
Delaying treatment can be dangerous, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Related: Puppy shivering and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Key Takeaway
A dog shivering and not eating is not something to brush off. Whether it’s a sign of stress, pain, illness, or poisoning, these symptoms are your dog’s way of telling you something is wrong.
This is especially true for a senior dog shivering and not eating but drinking water, as this can easily be mistaken for less serious aging behavior.
Being proactive can save your dog’s life.
Make sure to observe all symptoms, keep them comfortable, avoid offering unsafe home remedies, and consult a vet promptly.
By identifying the underlying issue early and getting the right treatment, you give your dog the best chance for a quick recovery and long-term health.