Dog Shivering Throwing Up: Causes, Treatments, and When to Worry

Dog shivering and throwing up can be alarming for any pet owner. While these symptoms can sometimes indicate a minor ailment, they can also be signs of a more serious underlying condition. Understanding the potential causes, treatments, and when to seek immediate veterinary care is crucial for ensuring your furry friend’s health and well-being. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about dog shivering throwing up, empowering you to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your beloved companion.

What Causes Dog Shivering and Vomiting?

A variety of factors can contribute to a dog shivering and throwing up. Some common causes include:

Dietary Indiscretion: Eating something they shouldn’t, like spoiled food, garbage, or even toxic plants, can lead to gastrointestinal upset, resulting in both vomiting and shivering.
Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting, shivering (often due to fever), lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Parasites: Intestinal parasites can disrupt the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes shivering.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can be a serious condition, causing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and shivering.
Kidney Disease: Kidney problems can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, leading to nausea, vomiting, and shivering.
Liver Disease: Similar to kidney disease, liver problems can also cause vomiting and shivering.
Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that include nausea and vomiting, and shivering can occur if the dog experiences discomfort or pain.
Anxiety or Stress: Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety and stress, which can manifest as physical symptoms like vomiting and shivering.
Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, cutting off blood supply. Vomiting, shivering, and a distended abdomen are common signs.
Toxins: Ingesting poisonous substances can cause a range of severe symptoms, including vomiting, shivering, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

When Should You Worry About a Dog Shaking After Vomiting?

While an isolated incident of vomiting and shivering might not be cause for immediate panic, certain signs warrant immediate veterinary attention. These include:

Bloody vomit or diarrhea: This can indicate a serious problem in the digestive tract.
Persistent vomiting: If your dog vomits multiple times in a short period or continues vomiting for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary help.
Lethargy or weakness: If your dog seems unusually tired, weak, or unresponsive, this could indicate a serious underlying issue.
Difficulty breathing: This could be a sign of bloat or toxin ingestion.
Abdominal pain or distension: A swollen or painful abdomen can indicate bloat or other serious abdominal issues.
Pale gums: Pale gums can indicate anemia or poor circulation, which can be associated with various serious conditions.
Seizures: Seizures are a serious neurological symptom and require immediate medical attention.

What to Do if Your Dog is Shivering and Throwing Up

If your dog is shivering and vomiting, the first step is to assess the situation.

What to Look For:

What did they vomit? Examining the vomit can provide clues to the cause, such as undigested food, foreign objects, or blood.
How frequently are they vomiting? Note the frequency and duration of the vomiting episodes.
Are there other symptoms? Check for other symptoms, such as diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain.

How to Help:

Withhold food and water initially: This allows the stomach to settle.
Offer small amounts of water after a few hours: If the vomiting subsides, offer small sips of water to prevent dehydration.
Contact your veterinarian: Describe the symptoms, frequency, and any potential causes you suspect.

Treatments for Dog Shivering and Vomiting

Treatment for dog shivering and throwing up will depend on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian may recommend:

Fluid therapy: To address dehydration caused by vomiting.
Medications: Such as anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, or pain relievers.
Dietary changes: A bland diet may be recommended to help the stomach settle.
Surgery: In cases of bloat or foreign body ingestion, surgery may be necessary.

Preventing Dog Shivering and Vomiting

While not all causes are preventable, some measures can help reduce the risk of your dog experiencing these symptoms:

Proper diet: Feed a high-quality, balanced diet and avoid feeding table scraps.
Prevent access to garbage and toxins: Keep garbage securely stored and remove any potentially toxic plants from your home and yard.
Regular parasite prevention: Use preventative medications to protect your dog from intestinal parasites.
Reduce stress and anxiety: Create a calm and safe environment for your dog and consider training techniques to manage anxiety.
Regular veterinary checkups: Regular checkups can help identify and address potential health problems early on.

Can a Dog Shivering Be Related to Low Blood Sugar?

Yes, shivering can sometimes be a sign of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in small breed puppies. If you suspect hypoglycemia, rub some honey or corn syrup on your dog’s gums and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Why is My Dog Shaking After Vomiting and Eating Grass?

Dogs often eat grass to soothe an upset stomach. Vomiting and subsequent shivering could be due to the initial gastrointestinal issue or a reaction to the grass itself.

Conclusion

Dog shivering and throwing up can be concerning, but by understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek veterinary care, you can help ensure your dog’s health and well-being. Remember to observe your dog closely, note any accompanying symptoms, and contact your veterinarian for guidance.

FAQs

Is it normal for a dog to shiver after vomiting? Shivering can be a normal response to nausea, discomfort, or changes in body temperature after vomiting. However, persistent or severe shivering should be investigated by a veterinarian.
What home remedies can I give my dog for vomiting? It’s best to avoid giving home remedies without consulting your veterinarian. Some remedies can be harmful, and it’s crucial to determine the underlying cause of the vomiting before administering any treatment.
How can I prevent my dog from eating things they shouldn’t? Training, supervision, and removing access to potentially harmful substances are key to preventing dietary indiscretion.
When should I take my dog to the emergency vet for vomiting? If your dog is experiencing persistent vomiting, bloody vomit or diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.
Can stress cause a dog to vomit and shiver? Yes, stress and anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms like vomiting and shivering in dogs.