When your dog is shivering and not eating and diarrhea is also present, it’s often more than just a temporary upset stomach.
Whether it’s a puppy, adult, or senior dog, these signs should never be ignored—especially when they appear together.
We break down what might be causing your dog’s shivering, appetite loss, and diarrhea, how to respond at home, and when to seek professional veterinary care.
Dog Shivering and Not Eating and Diarrhea: Why It Happens
A dog that is shivering and not eating and has diarrhea is likely dealing with a gastrointestinal or systemic issue.
These symptoms commonly occur together due to infections, dietary indiscretion, parasites, poisoning, chronic illness, or severe stress.
Shivering may reflect pain or fever, while diarrhea and appetite loss suggest digestive upset or inflammation.
The presence of all three symptoms usually indicates that the body is under acute distress and needs prompt care.
Dog Shivering and Not Eating and Diarrhea: Common Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Infections
Infections caused by viruses (e.g., parvovirus), bacteria (e.g., salmonella), or parasites (e.g., giardia) often lead to diarrhea, nausea, and appetite loss.
Shivering may be a result of abdominal pain, dehydration, or fever.
Infectious diarrhea is particularly dangerous in puppies or immunocompromised dogs, where it can lead to rapid fluid loss and shock.
2. Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs that eat garbage, spoiled food, greasy human snacks, or foreign objects may develop sudden gastrointestinal upset.
Diarrhea and vomiting are common, and shivering can result from pain or discomfort in the stomach and intestines.
This is especially common in curious puppies or scavenging adult dogs.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating (Causes and what to do)
3. Ingestion of Toxins
Toxins such as chocolate, xylitol, medications, or contaminated food can cause intense GI upset.
Vomiting, diarrhea, shivering, and loss of appetite are often early signs of poisoning.
If your dog recently had access to something they shouldn’t have, this could be the cause.
Read more: Dog shivering and not eating and vomiting (When to worry)
4. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis—an inflammation of the pancreas—can result in diarrhea, abdominal pain, and shivering.
Your dog may also refuse to eat due to nausea.
This condition often appears suddenly and is common in dogs that consume high-fat meals or have a genetic predisposition.
If your dog is lethargic, lying in a prayer position (front legs down, back legs up), and won’t eat, pancreatitis is a possibility.
5. Parasites
Intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and coccidia can cause chronic diarrhea and malnutrition.
Dogs with heavy parasite loads may experience weakness, shivering, and appetite loss as the infestation progresses.
Regular deworming is essential—especially for puppies, who are more vulnerable.
6. Chronic Illness
Dogs with chronic diseases such as kidney failure, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease may display recurring diarrhea, decreased appetite, and intermittent tremors.
Shivering in this case could be due to systemic weakness or toxin accumulation.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating but drinking water (Here’s why)
7. Stress or Anxiety
Stress-related diarrhea (also known as “nervous belly”) can occur when a dog experiences a sudden change in routine, travel, or fear.
Panting, trembling, hiding, and skipping meals are common.
The diarrhea is often loose and frequent, and resolves when the stressor is removed.
Dogs with noise phobias or separation anxiety are particularly prone to these responses.
When Is It Serious?
While an occasional upset stomach may resolve on its own, the combination of diarrhea, shivering, and not eating is more serious—especially if:
Your dog has diarrhea for more than 24 hours
Vomiting is also present
Your dog seems very weak or disoriented
There is blood in the stool
Your dog is a puppy or senior
These signs can quickly lead to dehydration and require veterinary attention.
What to Do if Your Dog Has Diarrhea, Is Shivering, and Not Eating
1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Diarrhea causes fluid loss, and refusal to eat can increase the risk of dehydration.
Offer small amounts of fresh water frequently.
You can also use unflavored electrolyte solutions (vet-approved) if recommended.
Watch for signs of dehydration: dry gums, sunken eyes, and poor skin elasticity.
2. Remove Food for 8–12 Hours
Let your dog’s digestive system rest by withholding food (but not water) for half a day.
This gives their stomach and intestines time to settle. If vomiting is also occurring, this step is critical.
Resume feeding with bland food only if vomiting stops and diarrhea lessens.
3. Offer a Bland Diet
If symptoms improve after the fasting period, offer a small amount of bland food—boiled chicken and plain rice or canned prescription GI diets.
Feed small amounts several times a day.
Avoid fatty, spicy, or rich foods, and gradually transition back to their regular diet over a few days.
4. Observe Their Stool
Check for mucus, blood, or worms. If the diarrhea persists or worsens, take a sample with you to the vet—it can help with diagnosis.
Document how often your dog defecates, their energy level, and their response to food and water.
5. Contact Your Veterinarian
If the symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or worsen at any point, consult your vet. They may recommend:
Bloodwork
Fecal exams
Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound)
Medications for nausea, pain, or infection
IV fluids to prevent or treat dehydration
Prompt care is especially important in puppies, seniors, and small breeds.
When to See a Vet Immediately
Go to the vet or emergency clinic if:
Diarrhea is watery or bloody
Vomiting and diarrhea are occurring together
Your dog hasn’t eaten in over 24 hours
Lethargy is severe or your dog collapses
Your dog shows signs of pain or bloating
Quick treatment can help prevent serious complications from dehydration or toxin exposure.
Key Takeaway
When your dog is shivering, not eating, and has diarrhea, don’t assume it’s just a passing issue.
These symptoms together suggest digestive distress or a deeper medical issue that deserves immediate attention.
Whether it’s food-related, infectious, or internal, early action makes all the difference.
Trust your instincts. You know your dog best—when they’re not acting right, listen to the signs and get them the care they need.