If your dog is shaking and not moving or eating, it can be alarming and concerning, especially when the symptoms occur suddenly or persist for a long time.
These signs often point to an underlying medical or emotional issue that needs immediate attention.
We outline the common reasons why your dog may be experiencing these symptoms, what each might indicate, and what steps you should take to help your furry friend.
Why Is My Dog Shaking and Not Moving or Eating: Why It Happens
When your dog is shaking and not moving or eating, it typically signals an underlying issue that could be physical, emotional, or neurological.
This behavior may be caused by pain or injury, gastrointestinal problems, toxin ingestion or poisoning, stress or anxiety, fever or infection, neurological conditions, cold or hypothermia, or low blood sugar.
Each of these conditions can disrupt your dog’s normal behavior, leading to trembling, immobility, and loss of appetite.
Dog Shaking and Not Moving or Eating: Common Causes
Pain or injury
One of the most common causes of a dog shaking and not moving or eating is physical pain.
Dogs in pain may tremble or shiver as a response to discomfort.
Pain can be caused by injuries, sprains, internal trauma, or even conditions like arthritis.
For example, if your dog is shaking and not moving or eating after a fall or accident, it could be due to an internal injury or a broken bone.
Dogs may also avoid food and movement when pain intensifies during activity or swallowing.
Watch for other signs of pain such as limping, whining, licking a specific body part, or flinching when touched.
These clues can help pinpoint the source of pain and help your veterinarian make a quicker diagnosis.
Gastrointestinal issues
Another potential reason why your dog is shaking and not moving or eating is a problem with the digestive system.
Conditions such as gastritis, pancreatitis, or intestinal blockages can cause severe discomfort.
Dogs experiencing nausea or abdominal pain often lose their appetite, and their bodies may shake as a stress response to the internal discomfort.
Bloating, vomiting, and a distended abdomen may also be present.
In severe cases like gastric torsion (bloat), the symptoms can escalate quickly and become life-threatening.
If your dog is also drooling excessively or retching without producing anything, these are red flags indicating a possible gastrointestinal emergency.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Toxin ingestion or poisoning
If your dog is shaking and not moving or eating, and especially if they also appear disoriented or lethargic, poisoning is a serious possibility.
Dogs are naturally curious and may consume toxic substances like chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), grapes, cleaning products, or medications.
These toxins can cause muscle tremors, vomiting, seizures, and an overall collapse of the nervous system.
In cases of toxin ingestion, shaking is a neurological symptom, and not moving or eating is a result of the body shutting down or reacting to the poison.
This is an urgent medical emergency, and time is critical.
Immediate veterinary intervention is required to reduce the absorption of the toxin and support the dog’s recovery.
Stress, anxiety, or fear
Shaking in dogs can also be emotional. If your dog is shaking and not moving or eating, it may be reacting to an environmental stressor such as loud noises (like thunderstorms or fireworks), recent trauma, separation anxiety, or new surroundings.
Dogs under emotional distress may freeze in place, avoid food, and tremble.
Emotional causes are more likely if your dog has a history of anxiety or is fearful by nature.
Other signs include tucked tail, flattened ears, yawning, lip licking, and pacing.
Even though emotional stress doesn’t always cause physical harm, chronic anxiety can weaken your dog’s immune system and lead to further behavioral and health issues.
Fever or infection
Systemic infections or high fever can also make your dog feel weak, leading to them shaking and not moving or eating.
Infections such as canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, or tick-borne illnesses like ehrlichiosis can all cause these symptoms.
A dog with a fever may shake as a way to generate warmth (much like humans shiver), and weakness or body aches from the infection may make them reluctant to move or eat.
If you also notice vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, nasal discharge, or lethargy, you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Infectious diseases often progress rapidly, especially in puppies and older dogs. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Neurological conditions
If your dog is shaking and not moving or eating, and especially if they seem disoriented or uncoordinated, a neurological issue may be involved.
Disorders such as epilepsy, vestibular disease, or brain inflammation can affect a dog’s ability to move and function normally.
These conditions may cause tremors, balance problems, confusion, and behavioral changes.
Seizures can appear as episodes of trembling followed by a disoriented or unresponsive state, during which the dog may refuse food and be unwilling to move.
Some neurological issues are treatable with medication, but early detection is vital for a better prognosis.
Related: Dog is tired and not eating and shaking (Here’s why)
Cold or hypothermia
If your dog is exposed to low temperatures or is wet and cold, they may begin to shake involuntarily as their body tries to warm up.
Dogs that are shaking and not moving or eating in cold environments may be experiencing hypothermia, especially small breeds, puppies, or senior dogs.
They may also become lethargic or too weak to walk or eat.
This situation can quickly become dangerous if not addressed immediately by warming the dog and seeking veterinary help.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Particularly in small dog breeds or puppies, a drop in blood sugar can cause a dog to shake and become lethargic or immobile.
Hypoglycemia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can develop if a dog hasn’t eaten for a while, is under stress, or has an underlying illness like diabetes.
Signs of low blood sugar include weakness, tremors, confusion, collapse, and loss of appetite.
Prompt treatment by administering a glucose source and veterinary evaluation is essential.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating and lethargic (Explained)
What to do if your dog is shaking and not moving or eating
If your dog is shaking and not moving or eating, take the situation seriously.
Even if the cause appears mild, symptoms like these can rapidly become critical.
1. Observe for other symptoms: Check for vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, drooling, limping, fever, or labored breathing. These can help your vet assess the situation.
2. Keep your dog calm and warm: Reduce noise and stress. If it’s cold, wrap your dog in a blanket.
Avoid handling them too much if they seem to be in pain.
3. Do not force food or water: Forcing food or water can worsen nausea or cause choking.
Allow your dog to drink on their own if they want to.
4. Avoid giving medications: Don’t administer any human medication or even leftover pet prescriptions without veterinary approval.
You could make the situation worse.
5. Call your veterinarian immediately: If the symptoms persist for more than a couple of hours or are severe from the beginning, seek veterinary care right away.
Waiting can worsen the condition and limit treatment options.
6. Emergency care is required if:
Your dog collapses or has seizures
Vomiting or diarrhea is frequent or bloody
Your dog is very lethargic or unresponsive
You suspect poisoning or toxin ingestion
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has a pre-existing condition
Key Takeaway
When your dog is shaking and not moving or eating, it’s usually a sign that something is wrong—whether physically, emotionally, or neurologically.
From pain and poisoning to stress and illness, many underlying causes can lead to these symptoms.
That’s why it’s crucial to not delay action.
Prompt veterinary evaluation can help identify the root cause and ensure that your dog gets the care they need.
While some causes may be minor and treatable at home, others require urgent medical attention.
By acting quickly and knowing what signs to watch for, you can help protect your dog’s health and well-being.