If your dog is shaking and vomiting, it can be quite scary. These symptoms can range from a temporary stomach ache to a life-threatening issue. So it’s important to learn about the different causes as well as what you can do to help your pup through this challenging time as soon as possible.
Read on to learn more about why your dog might be shaking and vomiting, as well as what you can do to ease its symptoms.
Why is my dog shaking and vomiting?
Your Dog Is Extremely Stressed
If there is an external stressor such as fireworks, a move to a new home, or even a change in the family dynamics (a new baby or pet, for example), your dog may start shaking and vomiting.
Anxiety and fear trigger the “fight-or-flight” response in your dog’s body, which can lead to shaking and vomiting. This is because their bodies stop focusing on digestion and instead redirect all their energy into preparing for a possible threat.
Your Dog Ate Something Toxic
If your dog ate something toxic, it can cause it to start shaking and vomiting. This is because their body is trying to get rid of the poison as quickly as possible. Common household items like cleaning products, plants, and chocolate can be poisonous to dogs.
Your dog may also have an object stuck in its throat or digestive tract, which can cause them to start shaking and vomiting. This will likely be accompanied by irregular or strained breathing alongside gagging and coughing.
Your Dog Has an Infection
If your dog has an infection such as food poisoning or parvovirus, it can cause it to start shaking and vomiting. This is because their body is trying to get rid of the infection as quickly as possible and experiencing these symptoms is a natural part of that process.
Your Dog Is Experiencing Glucose Imbalance
If your dog’s blood sugar levels are too high or too low, it can lead to shaking and vomiting. This is because their body is trying to regulate their blood sugar levels and these symptoms are a natural part of that process.
This may indicate that your dog has diabetes. Other signs of diabetes include excessive drinking, urinating, and constant hunger.
Your Dog Is Pregnant
If your dog is pregnant, it may start shaking and vomiting. This is a common occurrence during the first few days of a dog’s pregnancy and is similar to morning sickness in women. It should subside after a few days.
Your Dog Has Generalized Tremor Syndrome
This is a rare condition that causes the entire body to tremble and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as seizures, weakness, and paralysis. It can be caused by a number of things including low blood sugar, infection, or even certain types of cancer. Your vet will need to diagnose your pup immediately.
An Acute Organ Disease Is Present
This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If your dog is shaking and vomiting, it could be a sign of an acute organ disease such as liver disease or kidney failure.
Other symptoms of an acute organ disease include lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Cold Weather
While this doesn’t usually cause vomiting, in extreme cases, dogs can develop Hypothermia. This is when their body temperature drops below the normal range and can cause serious health problems.
If your dog is shaking and vomiting and you suspect it’s due to the cold weather, bring them inside immediately and warm them up gradually with a blanket or warm water bottle.
Excitement or Exercise
If your dog has been shaking and vomiting after a period of excitement or exercise, it’s likely due to heatstroke. This is when their body temperature gets too high and they are unable to regulate it.
Other symptoms of heat stroke include panting, excessive thirst, lethargy, and dizziness. This could be life-threatening, so it’s important to get your dog some fresh water as soon as possible.
Motion Sickness
Like humans, some dogs experience motion sickness when they travel. This can cause them to start shaking and vomiting. This will happen if a dog isn’t secured in the car and is constantly moving around, or if the driver is making sudden stops and starts.
What to do if my dog is shaking and vomiting?
If your dog is shaking and vomiting, the first thing you should do is take them to the vet. This is because there are a number of potential causes and it’s important to rule out any serious or life-threatening issues.
Once you’ve ruled out any serious conditions, there are a few things you can do at home to help ease your dog’s symptoms.
Reduce Stress in the Environment
If your dog is shaking and vomiting due to stress, try to create a calm environment for it. This may include putting on some soft music, using a diffuser with calming essential oils, or giving them a special toy or treat that they only have during times of stress.
Make Sure Your Dog Gets Plenty of Water
If your dog is shaking and vomiting due to an infection or food poisoning, it’s important to make sure they stay hydrated. Offer them small sips of water frequently throughout the day and make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.
Provide Small, Frequent Meals
If your dog is shaking and vomiting due to low blood sugar, it’s important to provide them with small, frequent meals. This will help to stabilize their blood sugar levels and prevent further episodes. You can even use substances such as broth that are high in electrolytes and very easy on the stomach.
Just make sure that there aren’t any toxic ingredients in the broth, such as onion or garlic. These foods could further harm your dog.
Don’t Force Your Dog to Eat
If your dog is shaking and vomiting, it’s important not to force it to eat. This will only make their symptoms worse. Try offering small amounts of food and see if they’re interested. If they’re not, that’s okay. Just let them rest and try again in a little while.
Monitor Your Dog’s Symptoms
If your dog is shaking and vomiting, it’s important to monitor its symptoms closely. This includes taking note of how often they are vomiting, what type of vomit it is, and if there are any other accompanying symptoms.
This information will be helpful for the vet so that there aren’t unnecessary tests or medications prescribed. It will also help you to determine if the condition is improving or worsening.