If your dog is shivering and not eating but drinking water, you may be tempted to wait and see if they get better. After all, drinking water is a good sign—right?
While hydration is vital, a lack of appetite combined with shivering can still point to several underlying health issues that shouldn’t be ignored.
Even though your dog is still drinking, the fact that they are trembling and refusing food suggests physical or emotional distress.
We outline what causes this behavior, why it’s concerning, and what you should do next.
Dog Shivering and Not Eating But Drinking Water: Why It Happens
A dog shivering and not eating but drinking water may be experiencing early signs of illness, pain, or anxiety. Common causes include digestive upset, viral or bacterial infection, toxin exposure, medication side effects, or emotional stress.
Drinking water may indicate your dog is trying to stay hydrated despite feeling unwell, nauseated, or in pain. While it’s less urgent than not drinking at all, this symptom combination should still prompt close observation and potentially a veterinary visit.
Common Reasons Your Dog is Shivering and Not Eating but Drinking Water
1. Nausea or Stomach Upset
One of the most common reasons a dog refuses food but still drinks water is gastrointestinal distress.
Dogs with nausea often avoid food, especially if it’s rich or smells strong. However, they may still drink water to stay hydrated.
Shivering in this context may be a sign of cramping, gas, or bloating.
If vomiting or diarrhea follows, these are clear signs of GI upset.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating (Causes and what to do)
2. Early Illness
Dogs often stop eating before more severe symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea appear.
Shivering and appetite loss may be early indicators of infections such as parvovirus, leptospirosis, or kennel cough.
Drinking water might temporarily ease throat irritation or mild dehydration caused by fever or internal inflammation.
This pattern is often seen in a senior dog shivering and not eating but drinking water, where chronic illnesses develop gradually.
3. Pain or Injury
Pain may be subtle, but it still impacts your dog’s behavior. Dental pain, arthritis, injury, or even internal organ discomfort can cause a dog to avoid food.
They may continue to drink water, especially if it’s cool and soothing.
An old dog shivering and not eating but drinking water may have musculoskeletal pain or age-related joint issues causing trembling.
4. Side Effects of Medication
Dogs on certain medications—like antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or cancer treatments—may experience nausea or decreased appetite as a side effect.
Shivering may occur as a physical response to discomfort or a reaction to the medication itself.
If the issue starts shortly after a new medication, report it to your vet immediately.
Read more: My dog is shivering and not eating or drinking (Here’s why)
5. Stress and Anxiety
Dogs often drink more when stressed but eat less. Changes in the household, travel, separation anxiety, or loud noises (like fireworks) can lead to this behavioral combination.
A stressed dog might tremble from anxiety and avoid food, while still seeking hydration.
This is particularly common in small breeds and rescue dogs with a history of trauma.
6. Environmental Triggers
Cold weather or sudden changes in temperature can cause dogs to shiver.
If your dog is cold, especially if they are a short-haired or small breed, they may shiver while still drinking water.
Appetite may drop if they are also anxious or if cold exposure leads to internal discomfort.
Is Drinking Water a Good Sign?
Yes—but it’s not the whole story.
While a dog that is still drinking is less likely to be in a critical state than one refusing both food and water, the presence of shivering and appetite loss still warrants concern.
Dogs can survive a day or two without eating, but they cannot go long without hydration.
However, if the shivering persists or worsens, it may be a sign of escalating illness or internal pain.
Watch Out for These Warning Signs
If your dog shows any of the following alongside shivering and appetite loss, you should call your vet:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Bloated or tense abdomen
Pale gums or dark red gums
Lethargy or weakness
Labored breathing
Sudden behavior changes (whining, hiding, aggression)
These symptoms can help your veterinarian pinpoint a diagnosis and treat your dog appropriately.
What to Do if Your Dog is Shivering and Not Eating but Drinking Water
1. Evaluate Their Environment
Check for any recent changes—new food, stressful events, cold drafts, or loud noises.
Make sure your dog’s living space is calm, warm, and safe.
A sudden disruption can cause behavioral responses like trembling and appetite suppression.
2. Offer Bland Food
Try offering bland, vet-approved food such as plain boiled chicken and white rice.
If your dog still refuses food, don’t force-feed. Some dogs may resume eating within 24 hours if the issue is minor.
However, if your dog goes more than 24 hours without eating, especially if they’re a puppy or older dog, call your vet.
3. Monitor Water Intake and Urine Output
Even though your dog is drinking water, check how often they urinate.
If water consumption is increasing or decreasing abnormally, or if your dog shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, sticky saliva), seek help.
4. Check for Signs of Pain
Gently examine your dog for areas of pain or sensitivity. Watch for limping, reluctance to move, or a hunched posture.
If they flinch or cry out when touched, stop immediately and consult a veterinarian.
5. Record Symptoms
Keep a log of your dog’s behavior, appetite, bowel movements, and any new symptoms.
This will help your vet diagnose the issue faster and more accurately.
6. Schedule a Vet Visit
If your dog is still shivering and not eating after 24 hours—even if they’re drinking water—book an appointment.
Early medical intervention often prevents complications and speeds up recovery.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating and limping (Explained)
Key Takeaway
When a dog is shivering and not eating but drinking water, it may not seem urgent at first—but it often signals a deeper issue.
This could be anything from a mild stomach upset to something more serious like pain, poisoning, or infection.
Don’t wait too long before acting. Drinking water helps, but it doesn’t rule out illness.
Keep a close eye on your dog, provide comfort, and seek veterinary care if symptoms last more than a day.
Quick action can help ensure your dog returns to their usual happy, tail-wagging self in no time.