If your dog is shivering and throwing up, it’s a sign that something is wrong and requires your attention. This combination of symptoms can point to a variety of dog illness causes, ranging from mild to severe. Canine nausea and dog vomiting are common issues, but when coupled with shivering dog symptoms or dog tremors, it suggests a more systemic problem affecting your pet’s overall well-being. This article aims to help you decipher these worrying signs, explore common causes of dog vomiting and reasons for dog shivering, and discuss potential pet gastrointestinal issues and dog health problems that might be at play.
Deciphering the Shivers and Vomit: What’s Happening?
When your dog shivers and vomits, it’s your dog’s body telling you it’s not feeling well. Shivering, or dog tremors, is often an involuntary response to cold, pain, fear, or anxiety, but in this context, it can also be a sign of internal distress or sickness. Dog vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, a reflex triggered by various irritants or problems in the digestive tract or elsewhere in the body. The combination of vomiting and shivering in dogs is particularly concerning because it indicates that multiple bodily systems may be compromised.
Common Causes for Vomiting and Shivering in Dogs
There are many reasons why a dog might exhibit both shivering and vomiting. It’s crucial to consider the context: what has your dog eaten? Has there been a change in their routine? Have they been exposed to anything unusual?
1. Ingestion of Toxins or Poisons
One of the most serious reasons for vomiting and shivering in dogs is the ingestion of toxins. Dogs are naturally curious and can accidentally eat poisonous substances.
- Household Cleaners: Many common cleaning products are toxic to dogs.
- Human Foods: Certain foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic can cause severe reactions.
- Plants: Many houseplants and garden plants are poisonous if ingested.
- Pesticides and Rodenticides: These are designed to kill and are highly dangerous if consumed by pets.
- Medications: Both human and pet medications can be harmful if not given as prescribed or if ingested accidentally.
Symptoms to Watch For: Besides dog vomiting and dog tremors, signs of poisoning can include lethargy, drooling, difficulty breathing, seizures, and diarrhea.
2. Gastrointestinal Upset and Illnesses
Pet gastrointestinal issues are a very common cause of vomiting. However, when shivering is also present, it might indicate a more significant problem.
a. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, or dietary indiscretion.
- Symptoms: Besides dog vomiting, you might see diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain. The shivering can be due to the discomfort and the body’s response to infection.
- Dietary Indiscretion: Eating spoiled food, garbage, or non-food items can lead to gastroenteritis.
b. Pancreatitis
This is a painful inflammation of the pancreas.
- Causes: Often linked to fatty meals, but can also be idiopathic (unknown cause), viral infections, or certain medications.
- Symptoms: Severe dog vomiting, abdominal pain (dogs may hunch over), lethargy, loss of appetite, and shivering.
c. Intestinal Blockage
When a dog swallows something it shouldn’t, like a toy, bone fragment, or foreign object, it can cause a blockage in the digestive tract.
- Symptoms: Persistent dog vomiting (often after eating or drinking), loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and sometimes shivering due to pain and dehydration.
3. Systemic Illnesses Affecting Multiple Organs
When the body is fighting a significant infection or dealing with organ dysfunction, the dog may shiver and vomit.
a. Kidney Disease
Kidney failure can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, causing nausea and vomiting.
- Symptoms: Increased thirst and urination, lethargy, canine nausea, dog vomiting, weight loss, and sometimes shivering due to the general malaise.
b. Liver Disease
Similar to kidney disease, liver dysfunction can cause toxins to accumulate, leading to gastrointestinal signs.
- Symptoms: Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), lethargy, loss of appetite, dog vomiting, and potentially dog tremors due to hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction caused by liver failure).
c. Infections (Bacterial or Viral)
Systemic infections can cause a wide range of symptoms, including vomiting and shivering.
- Examples: Parvovirus (especially in puppies), Leptospirosis, severe bacterial infections.
- Symptoms: Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and shivering are common.
4. Pain and Discomfort
Severe pain, regardless of its source, can cause a dog to shiver and sometimes vomit.
- Causes: Injuries, arthritis, internal organ pain, or even severe anxiety.
- Symptoms: The shivering is a physical manifestation of distress. Vomiting can occur due to the stress response.
5. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
This is particularly common in puppies and small breeds, or in dogs with certain medical conditions like diabetes.
- Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, disorientation, dog tremors, seizures, and vomiting. The shivering is often due to the body’s attempt to generate heat.
6. Heatstroke or Hypothermia
While heatstroke typically causes panting and overheating, in severe stages, a dog might shiver as its body tries to regulate temperature. Hypothermia (low body temperature) can also directly cause shivering.
- Heatstroke: Vomiting can occur as the body’s systems begin to shut down.
- Hypothermia: Shivering is the primary response to cold. If prolonged or severe, it can lead to lethargy and other signs of illness.
7. Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
While less common for this specific combination, a severe allergic reaction can lead to gastrointestinal signs and shock, which might include trembling.
- Symptoms: Swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and collapse.
8. Stress and Anxiety
Extreme fear or stress can manifest physically.
- Triggers: Fireworks, thunderstorms, vet visits, separation anxiety.
- Symptoms: While typically associated with panting and restlessness, severe stress can cause dog tremors and even vomiting in some dogs due to the physiological impact of adrenaline.
Identifying the Symptoms: What to Observe
Beyond the primary vomiting and shivering in dogs, owners should be vigilant for other signs that can help a veterinarian diagnose the issue.
Key Symptoms to Note:
- Vomiting Characteristics:
- Frequency of vomiting.
- What is being vomited (food, bile, foam, blood, foreign objects)?
- Timing of vomiting (after eating, randomly).
- Shivering Intensity and Pattern:
- Is it a mild tremor or violent shaking?
- Does it happen constantly or intermittently?
- Gastrointestinal Signs:
- Diarrhea (consistency, color, presence of blood).
- Abdominal pain (whining when touched, hunched posture).
- Loss of appetite or increased thirst.
- General Well-being:
- Lethargy or weakness.
- Changes in behavior (irritability, hiding).
- Difficulty breathing.
- Changes in urination or defecation.
- Gum color (pale or bright red can be significant).
When to Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
The combination of vomiting and shivering in dogs is often a red flag that warrants immediate professional attention.
Seek veterinary help without delay if you observe any of the following:
- Persistent vomiting: If your dog vomits multiple times within a few hours.
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
- Severe shivering or tremors, especially if accompanied by weakness or collapse.
- Signs of severe pain.
- Lethargy that prevents your dog from standing or moving.
- Pale or white gums.
- Suspected ingestion of toxins or foreign objects.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Your dog is a puppy, elderly, or has underlying health conditions.
Diagnostic Approaches by Veterinarians
When you bring your dog to the vet, they will conduct a thorough examination to determine the causes of dog vomiting and shivering.
Physical Examination:
The veterinarian will check your dog’s vital signs, palpate the abdomen for pain or masses, and assess overall condition.
Diagnostic Tests:
The specific tests ordered will depend on the suspected cause.
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Blood Work (CBC, Chemistry Panel) | Checks for infection, inflammation, organ function (kidneys, liver), electrolyte imbalances, and blood sugar levels. |
| Urinalysis | Assesses kidney function and checks for urinary tract infections. |
| Fecal Exam | Detects intestinal parasites. |
| X-rays (Radiographs) | Visualizes internal organs, checks for foreign objects, obstructions, or bone abnormalities. |
| Ultrasound | Provides detailed images of abdominal organs to detect inflammation or masses. |
| Toxin Screening | If poisoning is suspected, specific blood or urine tests may be run. |
Treatment Strategies for Vomiting and Shivering Dogs
Treatment will entirely depend on the underlying diagnosis.
Supportive Care:
- Fluid Therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluids are crucial to combat dehydration from vomiting and improve circulation.
- Anti-nausea Medications: To control canine nausea and reduce vomiting.
- Pain Management: Medications to alleviate any discomfort causing the dog tremors.
- Rest: Allowing the body to recover.
Specific Treatments Based on Cause:
- Toxin Ingestion: This might involve inducing vomiting (if safe), activated charcoal to bind toxins, antidotes, or specific decontamination procedures.
- Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Gastroenteritis: Bland diet, probiotics, anti-diarrheal medication.
- Pancreatitis: Aggressive fluid therapy, pain management, nutritional support (often low-fat diet), sometimes hospitalization.
- Intestinal Blockage: Surgical removal of the foreign object.
- Infections: Antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitic medications.
- Organ Disease: Medications to manage kidney or liver function, dietary changes.
- Hypoglycemia: Intravenous glucose administration.
Prevention Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy
While not all causes of vomiting and shivering in dogs can be prevented, certain measures can significantly reduce the risk.
- Secure Your Home: Keep all toxic substances (cleaners, medications, certain plants) out of your dog’s reach.
- Supervise Your Dog: Especially when outdoors or around new environments, prevent them from eating unknown items.
- Choose Toys Wisely: Opt for durable, appropriately sized toys to prevent choking or ingestion. Regularly inspect toys for damage.
- Dietary Management: Feed a high-quality, balanced diet. Avoid sudden changes in food. Be cautious with fatty or table scraps.
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Routine visits allow for early detection of potential dog health problems.
- Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming to prevent common infectious diseases.
- Acclimatize to New Foods: When introducing new food, do so gradually over a week to allow the digestive system to adjust.
- Awareness of Local Hazards: Be aware of potentially toxic plants or substances common in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can stress cause a dog to shiver and vomit?
A1: Yes, extreme stress or fear can cause physical reactions in dogs, including shivering (dog tremors) and even vomiting due to the body’s fight-or-flight response. This is often a temporary reaction to a specific stressful event.
Q2: My dog ate something they shouldn’t have and is now shivering and vomiting. What should I do?
A2: If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a vet, as it can sometimes worsen the situation.
Q3: Is shivering always a sign of being cold?
A3: No, while shivering is a primary way to generate heat when cold, reasons for dog shivering can also include pain, fear, anxiety, neurological issues, metabolic problems, and systemic illness. When combined with vomiting, it’s less likely to be solely due to being cold.
Q4: How long should I wait before taking my dog to the vet if they are shivering and vomiting?
A4: It is generally recommended to seek veterinary care promptly if your dog is exhibiting both shivering and vomiting, especially if the symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning signs like lethargy or pale gums. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to these symptoms.
Q5: What are some common home remedies for mild vomiting in dogs?
A5: For mild, uncomplicated vomiting (without shivering or other severe symptoms), a vet might suggest withholding food for 12-24 hours followed by a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice). However, given the presence of shivering, home remedies are not advisable, and a veterinary consultation is necessary to rule out serious underlying issues.
Conclusion
Observing your dog shivering and throwing up is a critical moment that requires careful attention. While some instances might be due to transient gastrointestinal upset, the presence of dog tremors alongside dog vomiting can signal a more serious underlying condition. By being aware of the potential dog illness causes, recognizing accompanying symptoms, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can ensure your beloved pet receives the timely diagnosis and care they need. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative measures are your best allies in maintaining your dog’s health and preventing such distressing episodes.