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Vomiting and Shaking in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 06/19/2017Updated: 09/13/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Vomiting and Shaking?
A dog who is vomiting and shaking at the same time may be suffering from a set of problems that are different from vomiting or shaking alone. It can be somewhat common for dogs to vomit bile occasionally, and they may regurgitate their food if they eat too fast or too much. It's also normal for a dog to shiver when they're cold.
However, if your dog simultaneously vomits and shakes (or shivers), you may be facing a more serious problem that requires medical intervention. Common causes of simultaneous vomiting and shaking in dogs include:
- Emotional upset
- Glucose imbalance
- Poisoning
- Metabolic disease
Vomiting and shaking together indicate an overall imbalance in your dog’s physical condition. If the cause is anxiety, fear, or excitement, the vomiting and shaking should subside within 30 to 60 minutes of the stimulus being removed.
Glucose imbalance may be a sign of a much more serious condition.
Poisoning and metabolic disease are very serious health disorders. Without immediate medical intervention, both conditions can be fatal.
Why Vomiting and Shaking Occurs in Dogs
Your dog may simultaneously vomit and shake from either an emotional or a physical disorder. Emotional disturbances typically don't last as long as symptoms caused by an underlying condition.
Emotional disturbance
Smaller dog breeds and puppies are most likely to respond to anxiety, fear, or excitement by vomiting and shaking. For example, a toy Poodle who's sensitive to the sounds of fireworks, skateboards, and other loud noises might respond by vomiting and shaking.
Diabetes
Glucose imbalance can cause your dog to vomit and shake. When this occurs because the dog has gone too long without eating, adjusting the dog's feeding schedule may solve the problem.
However, vomiting and shaking may also be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a very dangerous complication from diabetes. Diabetes is more likely to occur in female dogs who are middle-aged and overweight, and especially in Schnauzers, Dachshunds, and Poodles.
Poisoning
Many foods that are safe for humans are poisonous for dogs. Chocolate, grapes, and raisins are common examples. Rat poison and snail bait are poisonous for anyone. Your dog may also ingest things you might not consider, such as poinsettia plants at the holiday season, petroleum products, or antifreeze that's leaked from a car.
Metabolic Disease
Diseases of the organs can be acute or chronic. Acute organ disease might come on suddenly, but may be treatable. Older dogs can develop more chronic forms of organ disease, and some signs can be managed.
What to do if your Dog is Vomiting and Shaking
If your dog is vomiting and shaking because of an emotional upset, they'll need some time to calm down. Watch your dog carefully to see if their symptoms subside, continue, or even worsen. Check your dog's gums by pressing them gently with your finger. Unless there's a physical problem, their normal pink color should return within two seconds.
If any other symptoms are present, such as difficulty breathing, changes in the dog’s pulse, or loss of consciousness, there's likely something else wrong. If the vomiting and shaking don't subside within about half an hour or your dog experiences other symptoms, go to the vet immediately.
Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests and urinalysis. If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, your veterinarian will discuss treatment and prescribe a home care routine, which will include daily insulin injections, regular blood glucose readings, a specific diet, and regular exercise.
If poisoning is suspected, your veterinarian may try to clear the dog’s stomach, depending on the timing. To get a more accurate treatment plan for a specific toxin, your vet may contact poison control.
Lab testing will likely be needed to determine metabolic disease, whether acute or chronic. Your dog will likely be hospitalized to receive fluid therapy and medications, and your veterinarian will advise you on what to expect.
Prevention of Vomiting and Shaking
If you know that your dog responds to excitement, anxiety, or fear with vomiting and shaking, take care to minimize their exposure to situations that trigger these emotions.
Diabetes is less likely to develop if you keep your dog at a healthy weight. Keep all toxins and poisons safely stored out of your dog's reach.
The causes of vomiting and shaking can be expensive to treat. To protect your dog and prevent high vet care costs, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Cost of Vomiting and Shaking
The cost of treating vomiting and shaking depends on the cause. Your dog may be prescribed a drug for anxiety, but your vet may also recommend training methods to keep your dog calm in triggering situations. The cost of treating diabetes can range from $500 to $3,000. Treatment of poisoning varies between $150 to $1,500.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Vomiting and Shaking Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Rama Weiner
Six Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Throwing Up Yellow Bile And Shaking
He’s throwing up yellow bile shaking excessively and won’t eat or drink
Oct. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
2 Recommendations
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda.
I'm sorry to hear this.
Vomiting can have many causes including an infection, obstruction, pancreatitis, toxicity etc
As the pup is not eating, they are at risk of dehydration and low blood sugar.
The best thing is a vet check and we can then determine if any treatment such as iv fluids and an anti nausea injection are needed.
Oct. 30, 2020
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Cocker Spaniel
Sixteen Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Dog had a touch of diarrhea earlier in the day. While on our walk I believe he found a chicken bone ..then he came in and ate His food and I gave him a dose of a chewable Bravecto and I also gave him a pill for diarrhea. He ate more and then a few hours later he started throwing up continuously. He threw up all his food, the diarrhea pill. He stopped but has been shaking badly with just diarrhea. His throw up was clear liquid with a little foam. I don’t know what to do.
Oct. 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
2 Recommendations
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda.
I'm very sorry to hear your dog is going through this and appreciate it must be a real concern.
At 16 and with an underlying health issue, we would be very concerned that this could lead to dehydration and abnormal salt/sugar levels.
Possible causes for his symptoms would include gastroenteritis caused by eating food he shouldn't have, pancreatitis or even a gut obstruction. For some, chicken bones are not well digested and can even lacerate (tear) the gut.
I would want him seen ASAP. The vet will determine if he needs fluids and may perform an xray to check for an obstruction.
Hopefully he just needs some medicine (such as an anti sickness injection and ant acids) but it is important we have him checked over.
Oct. 22, 2020
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Poodle
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
My pup vomited a bone on Saturday and also had diarrhea. Both subsided on Sunday. Today I noticed she shivering and doesn’t want to be touched from her back. Should I be concerned?
Oct. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I would be concerned, yes. The bone may be causing GI upset, or there may be a blockage that is happening.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 20, 2020
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Pittbull
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking, Throwing Up,
I took my dog tobthe vet 3 days ago for hives the said it could have been a wasp sting the gave him two shots of steroid and said it was a 48 hour medicine he was fine until the meds wore off then he started getting hives again abd just peeing uncontrollably they put him on. The prednisolne and now he shaking to the point he is stiff like a muslce spamz not seizures. He was eating fine until today he does not want any food and is drinking very little in which just yesterday he couldnt get enough to drink. I spend my last 300 in the vet and just want my dog to be ok
Oct. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
SO sorry to hear about your dog. The prednisone will cause your dog to pee a lot. This is normal. The hives can be from many different things including an allergic reaction to something. You can try Benadryl at 1mg/pound to help with the hives. Also continues giving the steroids as directed to help with the hives. If this does not improve in a day or two, your dog may need another steroid injection. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
Oct. 4, 2020
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American Stafforshire Terrier
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting Tremors
He was throwing up all morning and won't eat won't drink anything. He's got tremors when he lays down
Oct. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. The best thing to do for a dog with parvovirus is for them to see your vet. if this is not possible, you can try to syringe food and water to help keep them hydrated. This is a virus and there is no medication that will kill the virus but there are many things that your vet can give you to help your dog feel much better. Good Luck.
Oct. 3, 2020
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Dachshund
Teesse
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
ne day she is playing and being herself the next day she is trembling and throwing up everything. She'll be fine for weeks then it hits her. I took her to the vet a few months ago told me cause shes a small dog she has a sensitive stomach. It usually lasts about 3 days then she acts as If nothing ever happened. She drinks water maybe I'll give her a small bite but other than that once shes over it shes fine, It's weird often it only seems to happen at night. Anyone else experience this. ( also she doesnt have diarrhea at all) Teesee is a 7 year old peekapoo miniature dachshund
