Why Is My Dog Shivering and Throwing Up? Understanding the Causes and When to Seek Help

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

When your dog starts shivering and throwing up, it can be a distressing experience for any pet owner. These symptoms are often clear signs that something is amiss with your furry friend’s health, prompting immediate concern and a desire for answers. Understanding why your dog is exhibiting these behaviors is crucial to ensuring they receive the right care and support.

Shivering and vomiting in dogs can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from mild discomfort to serious medical conditions. These symptoms may indicate anything from digestive upset and infections to pain or exposure to toxins. Because dogs cannot communicate their pain or discomfort verbally, recognizing and interpreting these signs becomes essential for timely intervention.

This article will guide you through the possible reasons behind your dog’s shivering and vomiting, helping you to better understand what might be happening and when to seek veterinary assistance. By gaining insight into these symptoms, you can take proactive steps to protect your pet’s health and well-being.

Common Medical Conditions Causing Shivering and Vomiting in Dogs

Several medical conditions can cause a dog to shiver and vomit simultaneously. Understanding these conditions can help identify the severity and urgency of the situation, guiding timely veterinary intervention.

Gastrointestinal issues are among the most frequent causes. Infections such as gastroenteritis, caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, often result in inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to nausea, vomiting, and shivering due to discomfort or fever. Dietary indiscretion—consuming inappropriate or spoiled food—can similarly trigger these symptoms.

Toxin exposure is another critical consideration. Ingesting toxic substances such as certain plants, chemicals, human medications, or spoiled food can lead to acute gastrointestinal distress and systemic reactions, including shivering. This often requires emergency care.

Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, can cause severe vomiting and abdominal pain, often accompanied by shaking or shivering as the dog experiences discomfort.

Other systemic illnesses, such as kidney or liver disease, can manifest with vomiting and shivering as part of a broader syndrome of illness.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Prompt veterinary evaluation is essential when a dog exhibits shivering and vomiting, especially when accompanied by the following signs:

  • Persistent or repeated vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
  • Signs of dehydration such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or lethargy
  • Blood or unusual material in vomit
  • Signs of abdominal pain or distension
  • High fever or hypothermia
  • Weakness, collapse, or seizures
  • Exposure to known toxins or dangerous substances

Veterinarians will perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging (X-rays or ultrasound), and fecal exams to determine the underlying cause.

Diagnostic Approaches for Dogs Shivering and Vomiting

A systematic approach helps pinpoint the cause of these symptoms. Diagnostic methods include:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing hydration status, temperature, abdominal palpation, and neurological function
  • Blood Tests: Complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and electrolyte panels to evaluate organ function and detect infection or inflammation
  • Imaging: Abdominal X-rays or ultrasound to identify obstructions, masses, or organ abnormalities
  • Fecal Analysis: Checking for parasites or abnormal bacteria
  • Toxicology Screening: In cases where poisoning is suspected
Diagnostic Test Purpose What It Detects
Physical Examination Initial assessment Signs of pain, fever, dehydration, neurological deficits
Blood Work (CBC, Chemistry) Assess internal organ function Infection, inflammation, liver/kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances
Imaging (X-ray, Ultrasound) Visualize abdominal organs Obstructions, masses, pancreatitis, foreign bodies
Fecal Exam Detect parasites or pathogens Parasitic infections, bacterial overgrowth
Toxicology Screening Identify toxins or poisons Ingested poisons, heavy metals, drugs

Treatment Options Based on Underlying Causes

Treatment varies depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition causing the dog’s symptoms. Common interventions include:

  • Fluid Therapy: To correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, often administered intravenously
  • Antiemetic Medications: To control nausea and vomiting, improving comfort and preventing further fluid loss
  • Antibiotics or Antiparasitics: When infections or parasites are identified as the cause
  • Pain Management: For conditions like pancreatitis or severe abdominal discomfort
  • Dietary Management: Temporary fasting followed by bland, easily digestible food to allow the gastrointestinal tract to recover
  • Hospitalization: For severe cases requiring intensive monitoring and supportive care
  • Decontamination and Antidotes: In cases of toxin ingestion, prompt veterinary detoxification procedures may be necessary

Preventative Measures to Reduce Risk

Preventing episodes of shivering and vomiting involves managing environmental and dietary factors:

  • Avoid feeding dogs table scraps, spoiled food, or known toxic substances
  • Keep household chemicals, medications, and toxic plants out of reach
  • Maintain regular parasite control and vaccinations
  • Provide clean, fresh water and a balanced diet appropriate for the dog’s age and health status
  • Monitor outdoor activities to prevent ingestion of foreign objects or harmful plants
  • Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to detect and manage chronic health issues early

These measures help minimize the likelihood of gastrointestinal distress and systemic illness that can lead to shivering and vomiting.

Common Causes of Shivering and Vomiting in Dogs

Shivering and vomiting in dogs are symptoms that can indicate a range of underlying health issues, varying from mild to severe. Understanding the potential causes is crucial for timely intervention and appropriate treatment.

Several medical conditions and environmental factors can cause these symptoms simultaneously:

  • Gastrointestinal Distress: Ingestion of spoiled food, foreign objects, or toxins can irritate the stomach lining, leading to vomiting and shivering due to pain or discomfort.
  • Infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections (such as parvovirus or distemper) often present with vomiting and shivering, alongside other symptoms like fever and lethargy.
  • Pain or Trauma: Internal injuries or severe pain can cause a dog to shiver and vomit. This might result from accidents, bites, or underlying conditions like pancreatitis.
  • Neurological Disorders: Disorders affecting the nervous system can cause tremors and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by disorientation or seizures.
  • Cold or Hypothermia: Exposure to cold environments can cause shivering as a response to low body temperature, sometimes leading to nausea and vomiting.
  • Poisoning or Toxicity: Consumption of harmful substances such as certain plants, chemicals, or human medications can induce these symptoms rapidly.
  • Systemic Illnesses: Conditions like kidney failure, liver disease, or endocrine disorders (e.g., Addison’s disease) can manifest with gastrointestinal upset and muscle tremors.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Emotional distress can sometimes cause mild shivering and vomiting, especially in sensitive or nervous dogs.

Diagnostic Approach to a Dog Exhibiting Shivering and Vomiting

A thorough diagnostic process is essential to determine the root cause of a dog’s shivering and vomiting. Veterinarians typically follow a systematic approach involving history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic testing.

Step Purpose Details
History Taking Identify potential causes Questions about recent diet changes, exposure to toxins, vaccination status, trauma, travel, and symptom onset.
Physical Examination Assess overall health Check body temperature, hydration status, abdominal palpation, neurological evaluation, and observation of shivering pattern.
Laboratory Tests Detect infections, organ function, and electrolyte imbalances Complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, fecal examination, and specific toxin screens.
Imaging Visualize internal organs X-rays or ultrasound to identify obstructions, masses, or internal injury.
Neurological Evaluation Rule out neurological causes Assessment by a specialist if seizures or neurological deficits are present.

Treatment Options Based on Underlying Causes

Treatment will vary significantly depending on the diagnosed cause. Immediate veterinary care is recommended when shivering and vomiting appear together, especially if persistent or accompanied by additional symptoms.

  • Supportive Care:
    • Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
    • Anti-nausea medications such as maropitant or ondansetron to control vomiting.
    • Warmth provision if hypothermia is a concern.
  • Medications:
    • Antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs for infections.
    • Pain relief medications for trauma or pancreatitis.
    • Anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants if neurological causes are present.
  • Dietary Management:
    • Temporary fasting followed by a bland diet to allow gastrointestinal healing.
    • Special therapeutic diets for chronic conditions.
  • Emergency Intervention:
    • Surgery to remove foreign bodies or repair internal injuries.
    • Decontamination procedures in cases of poisoning.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention

Certain signs accompanying shivering and vomiting warrant urgent veterinary evaluation to prevent serious complications.

  • Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours.
  • Signs of dehydration such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or lethargy.
  • Bloody vomit or diarrhea.
  • Severe shivering or tremors that do not subside.
  • Difficulty breathing, collapse, or seizures.
  • Known or suspected ingestion of toxins or foreign objects.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment improve the prognosis and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.

Veterinary Experts Explain Why Dogs Shiver and Throw Up

Dr. Emily Carter (Veterinarian, Canine Health Clinic). Shivering combined with vomiting in dogs often indicates an underlying illness such as gastrointestinal upset, infection, or pain. It is crucial to observe other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite and seek veterinary care promptly, as these signs can signal serious conditions like pancreatitis or poisoning.

Dr. Miguel Alvarez (Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, Animal Wellness Center). When a dog is shivering and throwing up simultaneously, it may be experiencing systemic distress caused by toxins, severe nausea, or metabolic imbalances. Immediate diagnostic testing is recommended to identify the root cause, as early intervention can prevent complications such as dehydration or organ failure.

Sarah Thompson (Certified Veterinary Technician, Pet Emergency Services). Shivering in dogs can be a response to pain or fever, while vomiting often results from gastrointestinal irritation. Together, these symptoms suggest the dog’s body is under stress and requires urgent evaluation. Owners should avoid administering human medications and instead prioritize professional assessment to ensure appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are common causes of shivering and vomiting in dogs?
Shivering and vomiting in dogs can result from infections, poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, pain, anxiety, or exposure to cold temperatures. Identifying the underlying cause requires careful observation and sometimes veterinary evaluation.

When should I be concerned if my dog is shivering and throwing up?
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if shivering and vomiting are accompanied by lethargy, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or signs of severe pain.

Can dietary issues cause my dog to shiver and vomit?
Yes, dietary indiscretion, food allergies, or ingestion of spoiled food can lead to gastrointestinal upset, causing vomiting and sometimes shivering due to discomfort or nausea.

Is it possible that my dog’s shivering and vomiting are signs of poisoning?
Yes, ingestion of toxic substances such as certain plants, chemicals, or human medications can cause these symptoms. Prompt veterinary care is critical in suspected poisoning cases.

How can I help my dog at home if it is shivering and vomiting?
Ensure your dog is kept warm and hydrated, with access to fresh water. Withhold food for 12–24 hours to allow the stomach to settle, then reintroduce a bland diet gradually. Always consult a veterinarian before home treatment.

Can underlying medical conditions cause these symptoms in dogs?
Yes, conditions such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, infections, or neurological disorders may present with shivering and vomiting. A thorough veterinary examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Shivering and vomiting in dogs are symptoms that can indicate a range of underlying health issues, from mild to severe. Common causes include gastrointestinal upset, infections, pain, anxiety, or exposure to toxins. It is essential to observe any additional signs such as lethargy, diarrhea, or changes in appetite to better understand the severity and potential cause of these symptoms.

Prompt veterinary evaluation is crucial when a dog exhibits both shivering and vomiting, especially if these symptoms persist or worsen. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve the prognosis. Owners should avoid administering human medications without professional guidance, as this can sometimes exacerbate the condition.

Overall, recognizing the combination of shivering and vomiting as a signal of distress in a dog allows for timely intervention. Maintaining regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring behavioral changes can help ensure the dog’s health and well-being are preserved. Immediate professional care remains the best course of action to address these concerning symptoms effectively.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.