Why Is My Dog Not Eating And Shaking? Causes, Symptoms & Care

When your dog isn’t eating and is shaking, it’s a clear sign something is wrong. What is causing my dog to refuse food and tremble? Several factors, ranging from mild discomfort to serious medical conditions, can lead to this concerning behavior in your canine companion. It’s crucial to investigate these symptoms promptly to ensure your dog receives the appropriate care.

Deciphering the Symptoms: Beyond Refusal and Trembling

A dog that isn’t eating and is shaking is presenting a combination of symptoms that require careful observation. Dog appetite loss is a significant indicator of distress. This can manifest as a complete refusal to eat, picking at food, or showing a decreased interest in their usual meals. Alongside this, dog trembling can range from a subtle quiver to more pronounced shaking. These physical manifestations are often accompanied by other dog symptoms that can provide vital clues to the underlying issue.

Common Accompanying Dog Symptoms

Beyond the primary signs of not eating and shaking, other observable changes can help pinpoint the problem:

Dog lethargy: A noticeable decrease in energy levels. Your dog may seem unusually tired, sleep more, and be less inclined to play or engage in activities they normally enjoy.
Vomiting: This can be a single episode or recurring. The vomit might contain undigested food, bile, or even foreign objects.
Dog diarrhea: Loose, watery stools can indicate digestive upset or more serious gastrointestinal problems.
Dog nausea: This can be harder to spot directly but may be inferred from lip-licking, excessive swallowing, drooling, or a reluctance to be touched around the abdomen.
Changes in drinking habits: Your dog might drink significantly more or less water than usual.
Pacing or restlessness: Some dogs may exhibit anxious pacing or appear unable to settle down.
Whining or vocalization: Your dog might be more vocal than usual, perhaps due to pain or discomfort.
Changes in posture: They may adopt unusual positions, such as a “play bow” that looks more like a sign of discomfort, or hunching their back.
Labored breathing: Difficulty breathing is a serious symptom that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Pale gums: This can indicate anemia or shock and is a critical warning sign.
Dog behavioral changes: Beyond lethargy, you might notice increased irritability, hiding, or a general change in their personality.

Fathoming the Causes: A Deep Dive into Potential Triggers

The combination of appetite loss and shaking in dogs can stem from a wide array of causes, each requiring a different approach to diagnosis and treatment. These can be broadly categorized into medical conditions, environmental factors, and behavioral issues.

Medical Conditions Leading to Appetite Loss and Shaking

Many dog medical conditions can manifest with these symptoms. It’s essential to consider the possibility of illness as the primary culprit.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Indigestion and Upset Stomach: This is a very common cause. Eating something unusual, rich food, or even just a dietary change can trigger temporary gastrointestinal distress. This can lead to nausea, reduced appetite, and sometimes trembling due to discomfort.
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining. Causes include dietary indiscretion, bacterial or viral infections, parasites, or even certain medications. Symptoms often include vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain, which can manifest as shaking.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas. This can be triggered by fatty meals, certain medications, or underlying health problems. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain (leading to shaking and a hunched posture), vomiting, diarrhea, and a significant loss of appetite.
Intestinal Parasites: Worms like roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms can irritate the digestive tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and general discomfort.
Bacterial or Viral Infections: Infections like parvovirus (especially in puppies), distemper, or various bacterial infections can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, dehydration, and systemic illness, resulting in the symptoms observed.
Foreign Body Obstruction: If a dog ingests a non-food item (like a toy, sock, or bone fragment), it can cause a blockage in the digestive tract. This is a medical emergency and leads to severe pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, and often shaking.
Food Allergies or Intolerances: While less likely to cause acute shaking, chronic digestive issues from food sensitivities can contribute to general malaise and reduced appetite.

Systemic Illnesses and Organ Dysfunction

Kidney Disease: When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, toxins can build up in the bloodstream, leading to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and general weakness.
Liver Disease: Similar to kidney disease, liver problems can cause a buildup of toxins, affecting appetite and overall well-being.
Diabetes Mellitus: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various complications, including nausea and appetite changes, especially if diabetic ketoacidosis is developing.
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism): This hormonal disorder affects the adrenal glands and can cause waxing and waning symptoms, including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. The body’s inability to regulate electrolytes can sometimes lead to tremors.
Cancer: Various forms of cancer can impact a dog’s appetite and cause pain or discomfort, leading to shaking and lethargy.
Heart Disease: Advanced heart conditions can lead to poor circulation, fluid buildup, and a general feeling of unwellness, affecting appetite and potentially causing weakness or tremors.
Neurological Conditions: Disorders affecting the nervous system, such as seizures, tremors, or brain tumors, can directly cause shaking. If these conditions also impact their ability to eat or cause nausea, the symptoms will be combined.

Pain and Discomfort

Arthritis and Joint Pain: Older dogs, or those with joint issues, may experience pain that makes it uncomfortable to stand or move to their food bowl. This discomfort can lead to a reduced appetite and visible shaking.
Dental Problems: Toothaches, gum disease, or mouth sores can make eating extremely painful, leading to the refusal of food and overall discomfort that might manifest as trembling.
Abdominal Pain: Any condition causing abdominal discomfort, from a mild gas bubble to more serious issues like pancreatitis or bloat, can induce pain severe enough to cause a dog to shake.

Toxins and Poisoning

Ingestion of Toxic Substances: Many common household items, plants, or foods (like chocolate, xylitol, certain medications, or pesticides) are toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and profound lethargy, often with an accompanying loss of appetite.

Infections and Fever

Fever: An elevated body temperature is a common response to infection or inflammation. Dogs with a fever often feel unwell, lose their appetite, and may shiver or tremble as their body tries to regulate its temperature.
Kennel Cough or Respiratory Infections: While primarily affecting the respiratory system, severe infections can lead to a general feeling of sickness, reduced appetite, and sometimes shaking, especially if accompanied by a fever.

Environmental and Situational Triggers

Sometimes, the cause isn’t a specific illness but rather external factors or a change in routine.

Stress and Anxiety: Dogs can experience significant stress from changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet or baby, or separation from their owner. This can manifest as dog behavioral changes, including loss of appetite, pacing, and trembling.
Heatstroke or Overheating: Dogs that overheat can become nauseous, lethargic, and may tremble.
Cold or Hypothermia: While less common in many climates, prolonged exposure to cold can also cause shivering and a reluctance to move, which might be interpreted as a loss of appetite if the dog is too uncomfortable to eat.
Recent Vaccinations or Medications: Some dogs can experience mild, temporary side effects from vaccinations or new medications, such as a brief period of lethargy, reduced appetite, or mild trembling.

Nutritional Deficiencies or Imbalances

While less common with commercial dog foods, very poor-quality diets or specific deficiencies could theoretically contribute to overall malaise and appetite changes.

When to Seek Veterinary Care: Red Flags and Urgency

It’s crucial to know when a trip to the veterinarian is necessary. While occasional mild upset is normal, persistent or severe symptoms warrant professional attention.

Immediate Veterinary Attention is Required If:

The dog appetite loss is complete for more than 24 hours.
The trembling is severe or accompanied by muscle spasms or seizures.
Your dog is showing signs of severe pain (e.g., crying out, guarding their abdomen).
You observe persistent dog vomiting or dog diarrhea, especially if there’s blood.
Your dog appears extremely weak or shows extreme dog lethargy.
You suspect your dog has ingested a toxin or a foreign object.
Your dog is having difficulty breathing.
Your dog’s gums are pale, white, or bluish.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian for Scheduled Appointments:

If the symptoms are persistent but not life-threatening (e.g., mild appetite loss for a couple of days, intermittent mild shaking).
If you notice gradual changes in your dog’s behavior or eating habits.
If you are concerned about potential dog medical conditions based on your dog’s age or breed predispositions.

Diagnostic Approaches: Pinpointing the Problem

A veterinarian will employ a systematic approach to diagnose the cause of your dog’s refusal to eat and shaking.

Veterinary Examination and History Taking

The process typically begins with a thorough physical examination and a detailed discussion about your dog’s history.

Medical History: The vet will ask about your dog’s diet, any recent changes, vaccination status, potential exposure to toxins, any medications they are on, and the onset and progression of the symptoms.
Physical Examination: This involves checking vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate), palpating the abdomen for pain or masses, listening to the heart and lungs, and assessing overall body condition and neurological function.

Diagnostic Tests

Based on the initial assessment, the veterinarian may recommend several diagnostic tests:

Blood Work (Complete Blood Count – CBC and Biochemistry Panel):
- CBC: Evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can help detect anemia, infection, and inflammation.
- Biochemistry Panel: Assesses organ function (kidneys, liver), electrolyte levels, blood sugar, and pancreatic enzymes. This is crucial for identifying systemic diseases.
Urinalysis: Checks for urinary tract infections, kidney function, and the presence of crystals or abnormal substances.
Fecal Examination: Tests for intestinal parasites.
X-rays (Radiographs): Can reveal foreign objects, blockages in the intestines, organ enlargement, or signs of bone problems.
Ultrasound: Provides detailed images of internal organs, which can help detect inflammation (like pancreatitis), tumors, or fluid accumulation.
Specific Toxin Screening: If poisoning is suspected, specific blood or urine tests can identify certain toxins.
Endoscopy: In some cases, a flexible tube with a camera can be used to visualize the upper digestive tract to identify inflammation or foreign material.

Care and Treatment: Managing the Symptoms and Addressing the Cause

The care and treatment plan for a dog not eating and shaking will entirely depend on the diagnosed cause.

Supportive Care

While the underlying issue is being addressed, supportive care is vital:

Fluid Therapy: Intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids are often administered to combat dehydration, especially if the dog is vomiting or has diarrhea.
Anti-nausea Medication: To alleviate dog nausea and make the dog more comfortable.
Pain Management: If pain is a significant factor, appropriate pain relief medication will be prescribed.
Nutritional Support: In severe cases, a temporary feeding tube may be necessary to ensure the dog receives adequate nutrition.

Specific Treatments Based on Diagnosis

Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Dietary Management: A bland diet, prescription gastrointestinal diets, or food elimination trials may be recommended.
- Medications: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, dewormers for parasites, anti-diarrheal medications, or medications to protect the stomach lining.
- Surgery: May be required for intestinal obstructions caused by foreign bodies or severe conditions like bloat.
Systemic Illnesses: Treatment will focus on managing the specific condition, which might involve medications for kidney disease, insulin for diabetes, or hormone replacement therapy for Addison’s disease.
Toxin Exposure: Treatment depends on the toxin ingested but may include inducing vomiting (if safe and within a specific timeframe), administering activated charcoal, providing specific antidotes, or supportive care.
Pain and Inflammation: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain relievers may be prescribed for conditions like arthritis or pancreatitis.
Stress and Anxiety: For behavioral causes, environmental management, calming aids, pheromone diffusers, or anti-anxiety medications might be recommended, often in conjunction with behavioral modification techniques.

Home Care and Management

Once your veterinarian has provided a diagnosis and treatment plan, diligent home care is essential for recovery.

Follow Medication Instructions Carefully: Administer all prescribed medications exactly as directed, for the full duration.
Provide a Quiet and Comfortable Environment: Reduce stress and allow your dog to rest.
Offer Small, Frequent Meals: If your dog begins to eat, start with small amounts of easily digestible food as advised by your vet.
Monitor Fluid Intake: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water and is drinking.
Observe for Changes: Continue to monitor for any new symptoms or changes in existing ones.
Gentle Exercise: Once your dog is feeling better, reintroduce exercise gradually.

Preventing Future Episodes

While not all causes of not eating and shaking can be prevented, some strategies can reduce the risk.

Proper Diet: Feed a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Avoid sudden dietary changes.
Toxin Proofing Your Home: Keep all potentially toxic substances (household cleaners, medications, certain plants, human foods like xylitol and chocolate) out of reach.
Supervision: Supervise your dog, especially in new environments or when they are playing with toys, to prevent ingestion of foreign objects.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual (or semi-annual for seniors and those with chronic conditions) check-ups allow for early detection of potential health problems.
Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite preventatives.
Gradual Introduction of New Foods or Treats: Introduce new items slowly to avoid digestive upset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can stress cause a dog to stop eating and shake?

Yes, significant stress or anxiety in dogs can lead to dog behavioral changes including a loss of appetite and physical manifestations like trembling.

How long can a dog go without eating before it’s dangerous?

While individual tolerance varies, most healthy adult dogs should not go without eating for more than 24 hours without concern. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk and should not go without food for more than 12-18 hours.

Is shaking always a sign of something serious in dogs?

Not always. Mild trembling can be due to excitement, cold, or nervousness. However, when shaking is accompanied by a lack of appetite, lethargy, or other concerning dog symptoms, it’s often an indicator of an underlying medical issue that needs veterinary attention.

My dog ate something they shouldn’t have and is now shaking and won’t eat. What should I do?

If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional, as it can sometimes cause more harm.

Can a dog’s diet affect their appetite and lead to shaking?

Yes, an unbalanced diet, sudden dietary changes, or feeding spoiled food can lead to dog digestive issues, nausea, reduced appetite, and discomfort that may manifest as shaking.

Conclusion

Observing your dog refuse food and shake is a distressing experience for any pet owner. It’s a signal that requires attentive observation and, often, swift action. By recognizing the range of possible causes, from simple indigestion to serious dog medical conditions, and understanding the importance of prompt veterinary consultation, you can navigate these challenging situations effectively. Your veterinarian is your best ally in diagnosing the root cause and developing a tailored care plan to restore your beloved companion’s health and well-being.