When your senior dog is shivering and not eating but drinking water, it’s a sign that something could be wrong beneath the surface.
Older dogs are more susceptible to illness, pain, and stress than their younger counterparts, and these symptoms—especially when combined—deserve your immediate attention.
While drinking water may appear reassuring, the refusal to eat and presence of tremors signal that your aging dog may be experiencing discomfort, illness, or emotional distress.
We guide you through what might be going on with your senior dog, potential causes behind these symptoms, and the right steps to take.
Senior Dog Shivering and Not Eating But Drinking Water: Why It Happens
A senior dog shivering and not eating but drinking water may be dealing with age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, dental pain, or cognitive decline.
These symptoms can also be caused by general illness, digestive upset, stress, or side effects of medication.
While the continued water intake suggests your dog is trying to stay hydrated, the combination of appetite loss and shivering typically signals internal pain, discomfort, or disease progression, especially in older pets.
Common Causes of Shivering and Appetite Loss in Senior Dogs
1. Arthritis and Joint Pain
One of the most common issues in older dogs is arthritis. This condition causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to chronic pain.
If your senior dog is shivering, it could be their body’s response to pain.
They may still drink water, but the pain might be enough to suppress their appetite.
You might also notice your dog moving more slowly, hesitating to stand or climb stairs, or favoring certain limbs.
2. Dental Problems
Senior dogs often suffer from dental diseases such as gum infections, loose teeth, or abscesses.
These conditions are extremely painful and can discourage a dog from eating while still being able to drink water.
Check for signs like bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or red and inflamed gums.
Dental pain is a major but often overlooked reason for appetite loss in older dogs.
Related: Dog shivering and not eating (Causes and what to do)
3. Kidney or Liver Disease
Older dogs are more likely to develop organ dysfunction.
Kidney and liver diseases can both lead to nausea, loss of appetite, and trembling.
These conditions also commonly cause increased thirst, which is why your senior dog may still be drinking.
Watch for additional symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, pale gums, or excessive urination, and get a vet exam to rule out systemic illness.
Related: Old dog shivering and not eating (Here’s why)
4. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (Doggy Dementia)
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans and affects many aging dogs.
Dogs with CDS may become confused, forget routines, or experience behavioral changes such as pacing, nighttime restlessness, and loss of appetite.
They may shiver from anxiety and still drink water due to thirst cues being intact, even as memory and other functions decline.
5. Stress or Anxiety
Senior dogs can be more sensitive to stress, especially changes in environment, loud noises, or the loss of a companion animal.
Shivering and not eating are typical stress responses.
While your dog may still drink water, they may become withdrawn or display behaviors like hiding or whining.
Anxiety in older dogs can also be caused by cognitive decline, making once-normal situations feel scary or disorienting.
6. Side Effects of Medications
Older dogs are often on multiple medications for age-related conditions.
Side effects like nausea, lethargy, and appetite loss can occur, especially with pain medications, antibiotics, or heart medications.
Shivering may also occur as a side effect or in response to the discomfort they’re experiencing.
If you notice these symptoms after a new medication has been introduced, consult your vet immediately.
Read more: Dog shivering and not eating but drinking water (Here’s why)
Why Water Intake Alone Isn’t a Green Light
It’s true that drinking water is better than refusing everything—but it’s not a reason to ignore other red flags.
A senior dog who is drinking water but refuses to eat and is shivering is still signaling distress.
Drinking water may help combat dehydration, but it doesn’t resolve the root cause of their discomfort.
Early intervention is especially important with older dogs, who are less resilient and more vulnerable to complications.
What to Watch Out For in Senior Dogs
Because older dogs can deteriorate quickly, be alert for these additional symptoms:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or weakness
Difficulty walking or standing
Bad breath or drooling
Confusion or staring into space
Labored breathing
Sudden weight loss
These can help your vet diagnose what’s wrong and provide the appropriate treatment.
What to Do if Your Senior Dog is Shivering and Not Eating but Drinking Water
1. Keep Them Comfortable and Warm
Older dogs often feel colder than younger dogs. Make sure your dog has a warm, quiet place to rest.
Avoid drafts and provide a soft bed. Comfort and temperature control can help relieve mild stress or shivering from cold.
2. Offer Soft, Bland Food
Try offering warm, soft foods that are easier to chew and digest—like plain boiled chicken and rice.
If your dog has dental pain, canned or soaked food may be better tolerated. Do not force-feed, but encourage gentle nibbling.
3. Monitor Hydration and Bathroom Habits
Continue observing your dog’s water intake and urination frequency.
Drinking water without urinating much could indicate kidney dysfunction.
If your dog stops drinking altogether, the situation becomes urgent.
4. Check for Signs of Pain or Discomfort
Observe how your dog walks, lies down, or reacts to being touched.
If they flinch or hesitate to move, pain is likely present.
A veterinary evaluation can help determine if medication or supportive therapies are needed.
5. Record Changes and Call the Vet
Document your dog’s appetite, behavior, water intake, and bowel movements.
Share this with your vet.
Senior dogs should be seen as soon as symptoms appear—early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
Key Takeaway
When a senior dog is shivering and not eating but drinking water, don’t assume it’s just old age.
These signs often indicate underlying issues that require attention.
Pain, illness, stress, or cognitive decline can all reduce appetite and trigger shivering—especially in vulnerable older dogs.
Monitoring your senior dog closely, creating a comfortable environment, and seeking timely veterinary care can help catch problems early and ensure your dog stays comfortable and safe in their golden years.