It can be incredibly alarming when your puppy has diarrhea and is shaking. While occasional tummy troubles are not uncommon in young dogs, the combination of loose stools and trembling is a clear red flag that something more serious could be going on.
Because puppies are more delicate than adult dogs, these symptoms can escalate quickly.
We outline the common causes of diarrhea and shaking in puppies, how to recognize when it’s an emergency, and what steps you should take to protect your pup’s health.
Here’s Why Puppy Dog Diarrhea and Shaking Happens
Diarrhea and shaking in puppies are symptoms of an underlying issue. They can happen together due to gastrointestinal distress, infection, stress, pain, or poisoning.
Since puppies have developing immune systems, they’re more vulnerable to infections, parasites, and dietary changes than adult dogs.
Shaking often indicates discomfort, fever, pain, or even neurological distress, which can accompany serious gastrointestinal upset.
Signs of Puppy Shaking
Shaking or trembling in a puppy can look like:
Constant or intermittent body tremors
Limb trembling while resting
Twitching during sleep
Shaking when attempting to stand or walk
Unusual weakness or lack of coordination
Increased anxiety, especially after eating or moving
Difficulty performing basic actions like climbing stairs
Shaking in a puppy is often a sign of internal discomfort or distress, and when paired with diarrhea, it may point to a more severe systemic issue.
Related: Puppy diarrhea and not eating (Explained)
Signs of Puppy Diarrhea
Puppy diarrhea is typically defined as passing soft, loose, or watery stools more than once or twice a day. Occasional diarrhea may happen when a puppy eats something new, but persistent or severe episodes are not normal and require attention.
Watch for accompanying symptoms such as:
Lack of appetite
Lethargy or listlessness
Vomiting
Drooling or foaming at the mouth
Abdominal pain or bloating
Fever or chills
Dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched)
Weight loss
Pale gums (may indicate blood loss or anemia)
Whining or crying (signs of pain)
Can an Upset Stomach Cause a Puppy to Shake?
Yes. An upset stomach or intestinal pain can absolutely cause a puppy to shake. When the digestive system is inflamed, the puppy may experience nausea, cramping, or gas pain, all of which can trigger a trembling response.
Moreover, because puppies are more susceptible to dehydration and low blood sugar (especially toy breeds), even a short bout of diarrhea can lead to weakness and shaking.
Anxiety from not feeling well can also make the trembling worse.
Causes of Puppy Diarrhea and Shaking
Below are the most common causes of diarrhea and shaking in puppies, ranging from mild to life-threatening:
1. Dietary Indiscretion
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which means eating things they shouldn’t—trash, spoiled food, plants, or small objects.
These foreign items can irritate the digestive tract, causing diarrhea and nausea-induced trembling.
2. Sudden Diet Change
Switching from one food brand to another, or even moving from mother’s milk or formula to solid food too quickly, can cause diarrhea and internal discomfort, leading to shaking.
3. Parasites
Roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, and giardia are common in puppies.
Parasite infections can cause diarrhea, bloating, weakness, and tremors—especially if left untreated.
4. Viral Infections
Deadly viruses such as parvovirus and distemper can cause both diarrhea and shaking in puppies.
These viruses are highly contagious and most common in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated pups.
Parvovirus signs include:
Bloody or foul-smelling diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Shaking due to severe dehydration or pain
Rapid deterioration
5. Bacterial Infections
E. coli, salmonella, and campylobacter can cause intestinal infections in puppies.
These bacteria may lead to diarrhea, shaking, fever, and dehydration.
Puppies in unsanitary environments are especially at risk.
6. Toxin Ingestion
Puppies are curious and may accidentally ingest chocolate, caffeine, household cleaners, medications, or poisonous plants.
Diarrhea, vomiting, muscle tremors, and even seizures may follow.
7. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Small breed puppies (like Chihuahuas or Yorkies) are especially prone to hypoglycemia, which can cause:
Shaking or trembling
Weakness or collapse
Disorientation
Diarrhea due to intestinal distress
This condition is life-threatening if not addressed quickly.
8. Vaccination Reactions
Puppies may experience mild side effects after vaccines, including:
Temporary diarrhea
Lethargy
Shaking due to fever or soreness
While mild symptoms are expected, severe shaking or prolonged diarrhea should be reported to your vet immediately.
9. Stress or Separation Anxiety
New environments, rehoming, loud noises, or separation from their mother and littermates can trigger stress-induced diarrhea and trembling in sensitive puppies.
10. Pain from Teething or Internal Issues
Teething pain or internal abdominal discomfort can cause a puppy to shake or shiver, especially if they’re also feeling sick or having loose stools.
Related: Puppy won’t stop eating grass (Here’s why)
When to Worry: Red Flags
Seek veterinary care immediately if your puppy shows any of the following signs along with diarrhea and shaking:
Bloody or black tarry stools
Constant vomiting
White or blue gums
Severe lethargy or inability to stand
Crying out in pain
Swollen or hard belly
No improvement after 24 hours
Refusal to eat or drink
Because puppies are small and still developing, they can become dangerously dehydrated or weak in just a few hours.
Don’t wait if symptoms are severe or worsening.
What to Do at Home (Mild Cases Only)
If symptoms are mild and your puppy is otherwise alert and playful, try the following at-home care—but always consult your vet first:
Withhold food for 6–12 hours (if over 8 weeks old) to rest the stomach.
Offer bland food such as plain boiled chicken and white rice for the next few meals.
Keep your puppy hydrated with water or puppy-safe electrolytes like Pedialyte.
Monitor poop consistency, frequency, and any new symptoms.
Keep your puppy calm and warm, as stress and chills can worsen symptoms.
Never give over-the-counter medication unless directed by a veterinarian.
Prevention Tips for Puppy Diarrhea and Shaking
Stick to high-quality puppy food and avoid table scraps
Deworm your puppy regularly under vet supervision
Stay up to date on puppy vaccinations
Puppy-proof your home to prevent access to toxins
Avoid exposing your puppy to unvaccinated dogs or contaminated environments
Ensure plenty of rest, warmth, and stress-free bonding
Key Takeaway
While occasional diarrhea can happen to even the healthiest puppy, diarrhea paired with shaking is a serious sign that should never be ignored.
These symptoms may point to anything from an upset stomach to a life-threatening infection.
Because puppies decline rapidly, early intervention is key. When in doubt, call your vet—even if it turns out to be something mild, it’s always better to be safe when your puppy’s health is at stake.