When a puppy is shivering and not eating, it’s easy to feel panicked—and for good reason.
Puppies are more delicate than adult dogs and prone to rapid changes in health. While mild shivering might simply be due to cold, when it’s accompanied by appetite loss, it could be a red flag.
We outline why your puppy might be shivering and not eating, what conditions are common at this age, and what you should do to keep your young pup safe.
Puppy Shivering and Not Eating: Why It Happens
A puppy shivering and not eating may be experiencing cold stress, low blood sugar, digestive upset, or an early stage of infection. These symptoms can also result from emotional stress, congenital issues, or reactions to vaccines or medications.
Shivering in puppies may indicate discomfort, pain, or temperature imbalance, while refusing food often signals nausea, fatigue, or an underlying condition.
Because puppies are more fragile than adults, this symptom combination should never be ignored.
Puppy Shivering and Not Eating: Common Causes
1. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Puppies, especially small breeds, are vulnerable to low blood sugar if they go too long without eating. Hypoglycemia can cause shivering, lethargy, disorientation, and eventually collapse. It’s most common in toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Maltese.
If your puppy is shivering and not eating and also seems weak or wobbly, hypoglycemia may be to blame—and it requires immediate treatment.
2. Cold Exposure
Young puppies can’t regulate body temperature as efficiently as older dogs. Even moderate room temperatures can make them shiver if they’re wet, exposed, or underweight. Cold puppies may also refuse food as their body redirects energy toward staying warm.
If your puppy’s ears, paws, or belly feel cold, they might just need warmth and comfort.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating (Causes and what to do)
3. Gastrointestinal Distress
Digestive problems like food intolerance, parasites, or an abrupt change in diet can cause nausea and diarrhea. A puppy experiencing this may refuse food, shiver from abdominal pain or fever, and become lethargic. This is a common early sign of more serious issues like parvovirus or coccidia.
Read more: Dog shivering and not eating and diarrhea
4. Parvovirus (Parvo)
Parvo is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral infection in puppies. It often begins with appetite loss and lethargy, quickly followed by shivering, vomiting, and diarrhea (often bloody). Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated puppies are at greatest risk.
If your puppy is not eating, has loose stool, and seems cold or weak, treat it as a veterinary emergency.
5. Worms or Parasites
Internal parasites like roundworms or hookworms are common in puppies. They can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. A heavily infested puppy may also shiver from discomfort or weakness due to anemia or dehydration.
Puppies should be dewormed routinely starting at 2–3 weeks old.
6. Vaccine Reactions
Sometimes, after vaccination, a puppy may feel mild discomfort, develop a low-grade fever, or act subdued. They might shiver slightly and avoid eating for several hours. This is generally mild and passes within a day, but always monitor for worsening symptoms.
If your puppy’s behavior worsens after a shot—vomiting, swelling, or prolonged weakness—call your vet right away.
7. Fear or Anxiety
New environments, separation from littermates, loud noises, or unfamiliar people can make a puppy feel scared. Shivering and not eating are common signs of stress, particularly in the first few days in a new home.
Allow your puppy time to adjust in a calm, quiet setting, and offer gentle reassurance.
When to Be Concerned
Puppies can decline fast, so even short-term symptoms should be monitored closely. Shivering and not eating could be a passing issue—or the first signs of something serious.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your puppy:
Hasn’t eaten for 8–12 hours
Is vomiting or has diarrhea
Has pale gums or cold limbs
Seems unusually sleepy or hard to wake
Shows signs of pain or bloating
Is unvaccinated and acting lethargic
What to Do if Your Puppy Is Shivering and Not Eating
1. Keep Your Puppy Warm
Wrap your puppy in a blanket or use a heating pad wrapped in a towel. Make sure they have a draft-free, cozy space to rest. Small puppies especially need extra warmth, even indoors.
Check their ears, belly, and paws—if they’re cold to the touch, they need help warming up.
2. Offer High-Energy Puppy Food
Try giving a small portion of warmed puppy food or a vet-recommended recovery formula. Some puppies respond better to wet food due to smell and texture.
If they refuse, try rubbing a small bit of honey or Karo syrup on their gums—this can help boost blood sugar in cases of mild hypoglycemia (but call your vet first for exact steps).
3. Stimulate Hydration
If your puppy won’t eat, make sure they drink. Offer small amounts of water frequently. If dehydration is suspected, your vet may recommend an electrolyte solution designed for pets.
Puppies who are vomiting or have diarrhea are especially at risk of dehydration.
4. Monitor Behavior
Note changes in how your puppy moves, sleeps, drinks, and responds to you. Any signs of weakness, pain, or breathing difficulty should be addressed by a vet immediately.
Keep a log of symptoms, especially timing, frequency of vomiting or diarrhea, and energy levels.
5. Call Your Vet
Do not wait longer than 12–24 hours to contact your vet if your puppy is not eating and continues to shiver. Young puppies can go downhill quickly, and early care can make a life-saving difference.
Your vet may perform:
A fecal exam for parasites
A parvo test
Blood tests
Temperature and hydration checks
Related: Old dog shivering and not eating (When to worry)
When to Head to the Vet ASAP
Take your puppy to the vet immediately if:
They haven’t eaten for more than 8–12 hours
They’re vomiting or have diarrhea
They’re shaking uncontrollably or have cold extremities
Their energy drops suddenly
They’re not fully vaccinated and seem very weak or ill
Early intervention is key to saving a sick puppy.
Final Thoughts
A puppy shivering and not eating is not something to brush off. While it could be as simple as cold stress or nerves, it may also be the early warning sign of something serious—especially in young, unvaccinated, or toy-breed pups.
Keep your puppy warm, hydrated, and comforted, and monitor them closely. When in doubt, call your vet—puppies can go from mild to critical in a matter of hours.