When your dog is shivering and not eating and limping all at the same time, it can be worrying and confusing.
These signs could indicate anything from pain and injury to illness, infection, or stress.
When a dog exhibits these symptoms together, it is often a signal that their body is under distress and needs attention.
A dog shivering and not eating and limping may seem like separate issues, but they often tie into underlying causes.
We outline the reasons why your dog might be experiencing these symptoms and what steps you should take to help them feel better.
Here’s Why Dog Shivering and Not Eating and Limping Happens
When a dog is shivering and not eating and limping at the same time, it’s often a sign of underlying distress or illness.
These symptoms can occur together due to pain, injury or trauma, infections and illnesses, arthritis or joint disorders, neurological problems, poisoning, or even stress and anxiety.
Each of these issues can trigger overlapping physical and behavioral responses in a dog’s body, leading to trembling, loss of appetite, and difficulty walking.
Dog Shivering and Not Eating and Limping: Common Causes
Pain
Pain is one of the most common reasons for a dog shivering and not eating and limping.
Whether the pain is localized in a leg due to an injury or more widespread due to an internal issue, dogs often shiver in response to discomfort.
A limping dog might have pulled a muscle, suffered a sprain, or even fractured a bone.
When a dog is in pain, they may lose their appetite because eating becomes secondary to survival instincts or simply because it hurts to move.
Shivering can accompany pain as a physiological response.
Watch out for signs like:
Whining or whimpering
Flinching when touched
Hiding or avoiding movement
Inability to bear weight on one leg
Injury or trauma
Physical injury is a frequent culprit behind a dog shivering and not eating and limping.
Whether your dog jumped from a height, got hit during play, or had a misstep during a walk, injury to bones, joints, or muscles can lead to lameness and cause extreme discomfort.
Injuries can trigger systemic responses such as fever or inflammation, which may explain why your dog is shivering.
Due to the pain and discomfort, they may also refuse food.
Common injuries to check for include:
Paw pad injuries or cuts
Dislocated joints
Ligament tears (e.g., ACL injuries in dogs)
Bruising or swelling on the limb
If your dog suddenly starts limping, especially after a high-energy activity, and then begins shivering or avoiding food, prompt evaluation is needed.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Infections and illnesses
Bacterial or viral infections can cause widespread symptoms in dogs, including shivering, lethargy, reduced appetite, and even lameness.
One such condition is Lyme disease, which is caused by ticks and often leads to limping, fever, and loss of appetite.
Another illness that could cause these symptoms is ehrlichiosis, another tick-borne disease that impacts your dog’s joints and immune system.
Internal infections like kidney or liver disease can also cause shivering and appetite loss.
Signs to look for:
Swollen joints
Fever
Vomiting or diarrhea
Behavioral changes or disinterest in normal activities
Any combination of dog shivering and not eating and limping along with fever or lethargy should raise red flags and prompt a visit to the vet.
Arthritis or joint disorders
Older dogs especially may experience arthritis or degenerative joint conditions that cause chronic pain and inflammation.
These conditions often make a dog limp and may cause trembling or shivering when moving becomes difficult.
A dog suffering from arthritis might also go off their food because they are feeling generally unwell or due to side effects from pain medications.
Even younger dogs with developmental conditions like hip dysplasia may exhibit these symptoms.
Key signs include:
Limping worse in the morning or after rest
Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
Visible joint swelling or stiffness
Shivering after exertion or cold exposure
Chronic joint conditions can be managed with early detection, supplements, and veterinary care.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating and vomiting (Here’s why)
Neurological problems
In some cases, neurological issues may lead to a dog shivering and not eating and limping.
Nerve damage in the spine or limbs can cause an uneven gait or weakness in one leg, which might be mistaken for limping.
Neurological symptoms often come with trembling or shivering, loss of coordination, and sometimes even paralysis.
Dogs experiencing these symptoms often feel confused, anxious, or nauseous—leading them to refuse food.
Signs of neurological distress include:
Dragging a leg
Uncoordinated movements
Sudden behavior changes
Head tilting or circling
These are serious symptoms that require immediate veterinary assessment.
Toxins and poisoning
If your dog ingests something toxic—such as antifreeze, chocolate, certain human medications, or poisonous plants—it can lead to multiple symptoms at once.
Shivering, vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, and limping (due to weakness or muscle tremors) can all manifest quickly.
Toxins often affect the nervous system and organs, resulting in a cascade of problems.
A poisoned dog may appear disoriented and lose interest in food, while shivering due to internal distress.
Poisoning signs include:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Seizures or tremors
Rapid heartbeat
Pale gums or collapse
If you suspect poisoning, this is a medical emergency.
Related: Old dog shivering and not eating (When to worry)
Stress or anxiety-related
Emotional distress can also result in a dog shivering and not eating and limping, especially if the limp is not due to a physical injury but rather a behavioral response to fear or stress.
Dogs can limp as a form of psychosomatic behavior when stressed or traumatized.
Shivering is a common reaction to fear, and when a dog is feeling mentally overwhelmed, they may avoid food altogether.
Stress-related behaviors include:
Pacing or hiding
Excessive licking or drooling
Whining or howling
Trembling in response to loud sounds or unfamiliar environments
Helping your dog feel safe and minimizing stress triggers can reduce these symptoms.
What to do if your dog is shivering and not eating and limping
When your dog shows these three concerning symptoms—shivering, not eating, and limping—it’s important to act promptly.
Here’s what you should do:
1. Assess your dog for injuries
Check their limbs, paws, joints, and body for visible injuries, swelling, or pain points.
Look for signs of trauma or cuts that might indicate why they are limping.
2. Monitor their appetite and hydration
Encourage them to drink water if they won’t eat.
Dehydration can worsen their condition.
If they continue refusing food and water for more than 24 hours, contact a vet.
3. Keep your dog warm and comfortable
If shivering is due to cold or pain, provide a warm and calm environment.
Avoid physical activity that could worsen the limp.
4. Avoid giving medication without guidance
Do not administer painkillers or human medications without veterinary instructions—some are toxic to dogs.
5. Note all symptoms and behaviors
Document when the symptoms started, any changes in diet or environment, and other signs like vomiting, fever, or disorientation.
This information helps the vet diagnose effectively.
6. Visit the vet as soon as possible
These symptoms often point to something serious.
Whether it’s an injury, infection, or underlying disease, professional diagnosis and treatment are essential.
7. Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen
If your dog becomes lethargic, starts vomiting, collapses, or shows signs of extreme pain, head to an emergency vet clinic immediately.
Key Takeaway
A dog shivering and not eating and limping is showing signs of distress that shouldn’t be ignored.
These symptoms can stem from injury, illness, joint problems, poisoning, or even stress.
While some causes are mild and resolve on their own, others can be life-threatening without timely intervention.
Pay close attention to any other symptoms and behavior changes in your dog.
Early veterinary assessment and treatment can make a huge difference in outcomes and prevent the condition from worsening.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms for more than a day or suddenly becomes worse, don’t wait—schedule a vet visit right away to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and healthy.