Old dog vomiting and shaking can be a worrying sight for pet owners. This combination of symptoms may appear suddenly or come on gradually, but either way, it’s often a sign that your senior dog is dealing with a deeper health issue.
Vomiting in older dogs can occur due to gastrointestinal problems, organ dysfunction, dietary issues, or even cancer.
Shaking or trembling may signal pain, stress, nausea, neurological disorders, or metabolic imbalances.
While these symptoms can sometimes be mild and temporary, persistent vomiting and shaking in older dogs should always be taken seriously.
Old Dog Vomiting and Shaking: Why It Happens
Old dog vomiting and shaking often occur together as signs of an underlying health issue such as gastrointestinal distress, organ dysfunction, toxin ingestion, or severe pain.
As dogs age, their immune systems weaken, making them more vulnerable to illnesses that disrupt digestion and cause discomfort.
Vomiting may be triggered by stomach irritation, while shaking can indicate pain, nausea, or metabolic imbalance.
When combined, these symptoms suggest your senior dog is experiencing significant distress that requires prompt veterinary attention.
Old Dog Vomiting and Shaking: Common Causes
Gastrointestinal issues
One of the most common causes of an old dog vomiting and shaking is gastrointestinal distress.
In senior dogs, the digestive system slows down and becomes more sensitive.
A sudden change in diet, spoiled food, foreign body ingestion, or an underlying digestive disorder like gastritis or pancreatitis can trigger vomiting.
The associated shaking is often a result of nausea, abdominal discomfort, or general weakness.
Older dogs tend to react more strongly to pain, and trembling may be their way of expressing internal distress.
Related: Old dog vomiting and not eating (Here’s why)
Kidney or liver disease
When an old dog is vomiting and shaking, underlying kidney or liver disease could be to blame.
Both of these organs play a vital role in filtering toxins from the bloodstream.
As dogs age, the likelihood of chronic kidney disease or liver dysfunction increases.
Toxin buildup from failing kidneys or a compromised liver can lead to nausea, vomiting, and tremors.
Shaking may also be a symptom of metabolic imbalance or electrolyte disruption caused by the disease.
If your old dog vomits frequently and seems shaky or weak, this could be a medical emergency.
Related: Old dog diarrhea and vomiting (Causes and treatment)
Toxin ingestion
Older dogs, like their younger counterparts, can accidentally ingest harmful substances.
However, their aging bodies may struggle more to process and eliminate toxins.
If an old dog is vomiting and shaking, consider whether they may have gotten into medications, plants, human food like chocolate or xylitol, or cleaning products.
Toxin ingestion often leads to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, seizures, or collapse.
Immediate vet care is crucial in such situations.
Even a small amount of a harmful substance can be fatal to a senior dog with a weakened system.
Neurological problems
Shaking in older dogs can also be related to neurological conditions.
Disorders like canine cognitive dysfunction, vestibular disease, or brain tumors can affect balance, cause tremors, and result in nausea or vomiting.
Vestibular disease, in particular, is common in older dogs and is often mistaken for a stroke.
It can cause your senior dog to vomit and shake, along with signs like a head tilt, dizziness, and loss of coordination.
While some cases resolve on their own, others require medical management.
Pain or arthritis
Chronic pain is another reason an old dog may be vomiting and shaking.
Conditions like arthritis or spinal issues can cause intense discomfort, especially when inflammation flares up.
Vomiting can also occur when a dog is in severe pain or if they’re taking pain medication that upsets the stomach.
In these cases, the shaking is typically from discomfort, and your dog may appear restless, whine, or avoid moving altogether.
Nausea and motion sickness
Senior dogs sometimes develop increased sensitivity to motion or environmental changes.
Nausea caused by car rides, anxiety, or even strong smells can cause vomiting in an old dog and result in shaking or trembling.
These symptoms may be short-lived and not a major cause for concern, but frequent or intense episodes may point to a deeper issue like inner ear problems or gastrointestinal inflammation.
Anxiety or stress
Aging dogs are prone to stress and anxiety due to cognitive changes, sensory loss, or routine disruption.
An anxious old dog may vomit and shake when exposed to loud noises, new environments, or when left alone.
Signs of anxiety include pacing, panting, whining, trembling, and gastrointestinal upset.
Chronic anxiety in senior dogs should be addressed with lifestyle changes, behavior modification, or medical intervention, as it can significantly affect their quality of life.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Low blood sugar can cause shaking, weakness, disorientation, and vomiting in dogs.
Although more common in puppies or diabetic dogs, hypoglycemia can occur in old dogs due to kidney problems, liver dysfunction, or cancer.
If your senior dog is vomiting and shaking and also appears lethargic or confused, hypoglycemia could be the cause.
Quick veterinary intervention is essential, as untreated hypoglycemia can lead to seizures or coma.
Medications and side effects
Many older dogs are on medications for chronic conditions. Unfortunately, some medications can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, tremors, or general malaise.
If your old dog started vomiting and shaking after starting a new drug, contact your vet immediately.
Do not stop medications without consulting a professional, but do discuss alternatives or adjustments that may better suit your dog’s system.
What to do if your old dog is vomiting and shaking
It’s important not to dismiss these symptoms in an older dog, especially if they persist for more than a few hours.
Here’s what you should do if your old dog is vomiting and shaking:
1. Observe and document:
Monitor your dog’s behavior closely.
Note how often the vomiting occurs, the color and content of the vomit, any changes in appetite or thirst, and when the shaking happens.
This information is crucial for your vet’s diagnosis.
2. Withhold food temporarily:
If your old dog has vomited more than once, withhold food for 12–24 hours (but not water unless advised by a vet).
Giving their digestive system a short rest can help if the cause is minor.
3. Offer water in small amounts:
Dehydration can quickly become dangerous for older dogs. Offer small amounts of water frequently.
If your dog refuses to drink or can’t keep water down, seek immediate veterinary help.
4. Check for other symptoms:
Look for additional signs such as lethargy, diarrhea, collapse, bloody vomit, or pale gums.
These could indicate a serious problem that requires emergency care.
5. Avoid home remedies without vet advice:
Do not give your old dog over-the-counter medications, herbs, or human remedies without consulting a vet.
Some substances safe for humans can be toxic to dogs, especially seniors.
6. Contact your veterinarian:
If vomiting and shaking persist beyond a few hours or are accompanied by other symptoms, call your vet.
Early intervention can prevent complications and potentially save your dog’s life.
When to seek emergency veterinary care
You should seek emergency vet care if your old dog is vomiting and shaking and:
The vomiting is frequent or contains blood
Your dog is lethargic or unresponsive
There are signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin that doesn’t snap back)
Your dog has difficulty standing or walking
The shaking becomes more intense or is paired with seizures
You suspect toxin ingestion
Your dog has pre-existing medical conditions
Key takeaway
Old dog vomiting and shaking are symptoms that should never be ignored.
While occasional mild vomiting may not be alarming, frequent vomiting combined with shaking points to pain, illness, or distress in your senior pet.
From kidney disease and neurological disorders to anxiety and toxins, the causes are diverse—but timely diagnosis is critical.
Monitoring your dog closely, offering comfort and hydration, and seeking veterinary care when needed can make a big difference.
Your old dog deserves a healthy, comfortable life in their senior years, and that starts with paying attention to signs like vomiting and shaking before they escalate.