If your dog is shivering and panting and not eating, it’s a combination of symptoms that should never be taken lightly.
While occasional shivers or a skipped meal may not be alarming on their own, when they appear together with heavy panting and loss of appetite, they often point to underlying distress.
Whether it’s pain or something more serious, understanding the root causes can help you respond quickly and appropriately.
Dog Shivering and Panting Not Eating: Why It Happens
When your dog is shivering and panting and not eating, it’s usually a sign of internal discomfort or emotional stress. This could be due to pain, infection, fever, anxiety, toxin ingestion, or gastrointestinal issues.
These symptoms indicate that the body is in a state of imbalance—often responding to something urgent. While mild cases may resolve quickly, others may signal the need for immediate medical attention.
Dog Shivering and Panting Not Eating: Common Causes
Pain or Internal Injury
Pain is one of the most common reasons dogs shiver, pant, and refuse food.
Whether it’s from arthritis, dental issues, abdominal discomfort, or an injury, dogs often express their discomfort by trembling and breathing heavily.
If your dog seems reluctant to move, is guarding a part of its body, or reacts strongly to touch, pain is likely.
Shivering in this context is often a physical response to distress or inflammation, especially if your dog isn’t eating.
Gastrointestinal Upset or Nausea
Dogs experiencing stomach discomfort or nausea may tremble, pant, and avoid food entirely. Conditions such as gastritis, pancreatitis, or intestinal blockage can cause all three symptoms.
In these cases, your dog may also drool, retch, or have diarrhea.
If the symptoms persist for more than a few hours, or if vomiting is also present, veterinary care is essential to prevent dehydration and worsening illness.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
Fever or Infection
A fever can make your dog feel cold internally, causing shivering even in warm environments.
At the same time, panting is the body’s way of trying to regulate elevated internal temperature.
Dogs with infections—whether respiratory, urinary, or systemic—often lose their appetite and become lethargic.
If your dog feels warm to the touch, has glassy eyes, or displays other signs of illness, a high fever may be the cause of their panting, shivering, and refusal to eat.
Anxiety or Panic
Dogs experiencing anxiety may display symptoms that mimic physical illness.
Panting, trembling, and not eating can be caused by emotional distress such as separation anxiety, changes in environment, or loud noises.
Unlike medical causes, anxiety-related symptoms often subside once the stressor is removed.
However, prolonged anxiety can lead to poor appetite and gastrointestinal upset, so it still warrants attention and possibly long-term management strategies.
Toxin Exposure or Poisoning
If your dog has ingested something toxic—such as chocolate, xylitol, household cleaners, or medications—it may begin to pant, shiver, and stop eating very quickly.
Additional signs can include vomiting, drooling, twitching, or seizures.
These are medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention.
The combination of symptoms can come on suddenly and progress rapidly, especially if the toxin affects the nervous or digestive system.
Related: Dog Panting and Not Eating (Causes and what to do)
Cold Exposure or Hypothermia
Although less common, if your dog has been exposed to cold temperatures for too long—especially small breeds, puppies, or seniors—they may begin to shiver uncontrollably.
Hypothermia causes the body to prioritize vital functions, which can lead to appetite loss and shallow breathing or panting.
In such cases, gradual warming and prompt care are critical to recovery.
Heart or Lung Conditions
Heart disease and respiratory disorders can cause oxygen deprivation, resulting in panting and low energy.
A dog who’s struggling to get enough oxygen may shiver from weakness or distress and refuse food due to overall discomfort.
Blue or pale gums, coughing, and lethargy may also be present. If your dog shows any of these signs, a veterinary evaluation is necessary.
What to Do If Dog Shivering and Panting Not Eating Happens
If your dog is displaying these symptoms, start by ensuring they are in a safe, calm environment.
Offer water and observe if they drink. Do not force food, but try offering a small amount of something bland like boiled chicken and rice.
Check for any injuries, swelling, or unusual lumps. Gently take your dog’s temperature if possible—anything above 103°F is a fever and anything below 99°F could suggest hypothermia.
Avoid giving human medications and do not delay medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Record any additional signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in breathing to report to your vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian promptly if:
Shivering and panting last more than an hour
Your dog hasn’t eaten or drunk water in 12–24 hours
Your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or appears in pain
Your dog’s gums are discolored (blue, pale, or dark red)
You suspect toxin ingestion
Your dog seems confused, weak, or is unable to stand
Quick action is essential, especially if the cause is unknown or progressing quickly. Many life-threatening conditions begin with subtle symptoms that escalate rapidly.
Related: Dog panting and drinking lots of water (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is shivering and panting and not eating, your concern is entirely valid.
These symptoms together rarely occur without cause and should be taken as a strong signal that your dog needs help.
Whether the issue is medical or emotional, your prompt attention and response can make all the difference.
Stay calm, observe closely, and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care. With your support and guidance, your dog has a far better chance of a quick and healthy recovery.