If your dog is shivering and not eating or drinking, it’s a serious warning sign that something may be wrong.
This combination of symptoms can appear suddenly and indicate a wide range of underlying issues—from pain and illness to poisoning or stress.
Whether you have a young pup or a senior companion, knowing what these signs mean and how to respond can make all the difference in your dog’s health and well-being.
My Dog Is Shivering and Not Eating or Drinking: Why It Happens
When your dog is shivering and not eating or drinking, it often points to a deeper problem that’s disrupting multiple body systems. Common causes include illness, pain, poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, medication side effects, and severe anxiety.
These symptoms often occur together because they reflect internal distress or discomfort—loss of appetite and refusal to drink signal dehydration or nausea, while shivering is typically a physical response to stress, pain, fever, or neurological imbalance.
Common Reasons Your Dog is Shivering and Not Eating or Drinking
1. Pain or Physical Injury
Pain is one of the top reasons why dogs tremble and refuse both food and water. This could be due to a muscle sprain, fracture, joint inflammation, internal organ pain, or a hidden wound. Shivering may be a dog’s way of dealing with discomfort, and if the pain is intense, they may also avoid eating or drinking.
This situation is particularly concerning in an old dog shivering and not eating, as age-related conditions like arthritis or spinal issues can make even small injuries feel worse.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating (Causes and what to do)
2. Illness or Systemic Disease
Various illnesses—ranging from infections to chronic diseases—can cause your dog to shiver and lose interest in both food and water. When a dog’s immune system is activated, it can trigger fever, nausea, and fatigue, leading to this worrying symptom combination.
If your senior dog is shivering and not eating but drinking water in previous cases but suddenly stops drinking too, this could indicate disease progression or a worsening condition.
3. Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
Toxin ingestion is a life-threatening cause of these symptoms. Dogs that ingest poisonous substances such as household cleaners, medications, certain plants, or human food (e.g., chocolate, xylitol, or grapes) may begin shivering and then stop eating or drinking altogether.
You may also notice other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or rapid breathing. If your dog is shivering and not eating or drinking after potential exposure to a toxic substance, seek immediate veterinary care.
4. Gastrointestinal Problems
Stomach upset, intestinal blockages, or severe gastritis can cause discomfort that leads to shivering and refusal to eat or drink. The discomfort makes dogs nauseated and weak, which in turn can cause them to avoid food and water.
In such cases, you may later see symptoms like vomiting or loose stools. If your dog is shivering and not eating and diarrhea follows, it further points to gastrointestinal distress.
5. Dehydration and Fever
Shivering is a typical symptom of fever, and when a dog is not drinking, dehydration can occur quickly. Dehydration itself may cause lethargy and trembling, especially in smaller breeds or puppies, who dehydrate faster.
If your dog shows signs of sunken eyes, dry gums, or excessive panting along with these symptoms, dehydration is likely a factor.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating but drinking water (Here’s why)
6. Stress and Emotional Distress
Dogs are sensitive to their environment and emotional states. Situations like travel, loud noises, moving homes, or loss of a companion can trigger stress-induced shivering. This stress can also suppress appetite and thirst, especially if the dog is scared or feeling insecure.
Dogs may also display additional signs like pacing, whining, hiding, or clinginess.
7. Medication Side Effects
Some medications, especially those used for chronic conditions or post-surgery care, can have side effects such as nausea, trembling, or dry mouth—leading to refusal of both food and water. Always monitor your dog after starting a new medication and report adverse effects to your vet.
Why Not Drinking Water is Especially Concerning
While a dog shivering and not eating is worrying, not drinking water adds a layer of urgency. Dogs can survive longer without food than without water. Lack of hydration affects every organ and can rapidly lead to complications, especially if vomiting or diarrhea is also present.
Puppies, senior dogs, and small breeds are particularly vulnerable to dehydration.
When to Be Concerned
A dog refusing both food and water while shivering should always be taken seriously.
But the urgency increases if you notice any of these additional symptoms:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Sunken eyes or dry nose
Weakness or collapse
Pale gums
Labored breathing
Bloody stool or vomit
These signs may indicate that your dog is in critical condition and needs immediate veterinary attention.
What to Do if Your Dog is Shivering and Not Eating or Drinking
1. Check for External Causes
Inspect your dog’s environment for signs of ingestion of toxins, spoiled food, or small objects they could have swallowed.
Also, check their body for wounds, swelling, or pain responses when touched.
If you suspect poisoning, bring your dog to the vet immediately with any packaging or plant samples involved.
2. Try to Keep Them Warm and Calm
Wrap your dog in a soft blanket and keep them in a quiet, warm room.
Shivering may be worsened by cold or anxiety, and a calm space can provide temporary comfort while you assess the situation.
This is particularly important for smaller dogs or older pets, who are more sensitive to cold and stress.
3. Avoid Forcing Food or Water
It’s important not to force-feed or force water into your dog’s mouth.
This can cause choking or aspiration pneumonia.
If your dog isn’t eating or drinking for more than 24 hours (or less for puppies and seniors), it’s time to call your vet.
4. Monitor Closely for New Symptoms
Track any changes in behavior, stool, urine output, or energy levels. Take note of how long your dog goes without food or water, and whether they begin vomiting or having diarrhea. This information is crucial for your veterinarian’s diagnosis.
5. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately
Prompt action can prevent serious outcomes. Your vet may run blood tests, check for dehydration, take X-rays, or administer fluids and medications. They may also recommend hospitalization if the dog is severely ill.
Key Takeaway
If your dog is shivering and not eating or drinking, don’t assume it’s just temporary. These symptoms combined are often a red flag pointing to deeper health problems. While minor stress or cold exposure can cause shivering, the refusal to eat or drink typically indicates something more serious—especially if it continues for more than a few hours.
When in doubt, always seek professional help. Early intervention can mean the difference between a simple recovery and a life-threatening emergency. Trust your instincts and give your dog the care they need.