My Dog is Shaking & Vomiting. What Do I Do?

It’s alarming to see your dog suddenly start shaking and vomiting. As a pet owner, you may feel anxious, wondering why your dog is behaving this way and if immediate care is necessary. While occasional vomiting or mild tremors can happen from time to time, the combination of shaking and vomiting may indicate something more serious. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, the team at Pewaukee Veterinary Service is here to help. Call us at (262) 347-0787 or request an appointment to discuss your concerns.

What Causes Shaking and Vomiting in Dogs?

Shaking and vomiting are symptoms with a variety of underlying causes. Some causes may be mild and resolve on their own, while others require prompt veterinary attention. Let’s look at some common reasons dogs might display these symptoms together.

Ingesting Harmful Substances

Certain foods, household chemicals, medications, or plants can cause toxic reactions. When a dog consumes a toxic substance, their body may react with symptoms like vomiting, shaking, diarrhea, and drooling. If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, reach out to your veterinarian right away. Quick action is crucial to managing possible toxicity and minimizing harm to your pet.

Gastrointestinal Upset and Bloat

Bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), is a severe condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist, causing immediate distress. Dogs experiencing bloat often show signs such as restlessness, shaking, vomiting, and a distended abdomen. Large or deep-chested breeds are particularly susceptible to this condition. Bloat is an emergency, and any sign of these symptoms should prompt a call to your veterinarian immediately.

Pain and Discomfort

Dogs may experience abdominal pain, joint discomfort, or internal injury, leading to both trembling and nausea. This type of pain can stem from various issues, including pancreatitis, which causes inflammation of the pancreas. When a dog has pancreatitis, they may exhibit signs such as shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weakness. Pancreatitis can range from mild to severe, so seeking veterinary evaluation is often the best course of action to manage the condition.

Symptoms That Require Immediate Veterinary Care

Knowing when to take your dog to the vet can make a critical difference in their well-being. Some symptoms accompanying shaking and vomiting require urgent veterinary attention to prevent serious complications.

Continuous Vomiting or Severe Dehydration

Vomiting can lead to dehydration quickly, especially in smaller dogs. If your dog is continuously vomiting and unable to hold down water, they may need fluids or medications to stabilize them. Severe dehydration affects a dog’s energy, circulation, and electrolyte balance, which could worsen other symptoms.

Signs of Neurological Distress

Neurological conditions, such as seizures, can also cause a dog to shake and vomit. If your dog has uncontrollable tremors, loss of coordination, or appears confused and unresponsive, this may indicate a neurological issue. Immediate veterinary care is essential in these cases to stabilize your dog and assess the cause of these symptoms.

Pale Gums and Rapid Breathing

Changes in your dog’s gum color and breathing patterns are often signs of distress that shouldn’t be ignored. Pale or blue gums, rapid breathing, and lethargy can all indicate low oxygen levels or circulatory problems. This may stem from issues like anemia, blood loss, or cardiovascular distress, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

How Stress and Anxiety Can Lead to Shaking and Vomiting

Stress and anxiety may not initially seem like a cause of physical symptoms, but they can have a substantial effect on your dog’s body. Dogs experiencing high levels of stress may tremble and even vomit in response to the adrenaline release.

Environmental Stressors

Loud noises, unfamiliar settings, new pets, or sudden lifestyle changes can all cause stress, leading to physical symptoms. For instance, dogs with noise sensitivities may begin shaking and vomiting during thunderstorms or fireworks. Identifying stressors in your dog’s environment can help you minimize triggers and reduce these responses.

Motion Sickness

Some dogs experience motion sickness, especially during car rides. This can lead to a combination of nausea, vomiting, and trembling. If your dog becomes ill in the car, try taking short trips to help them adjust or consult your vet about anti-nausea medications. Motion sickness typically does not require emergency care but can be uncomfortable and distressing for your dog.

When to Seek Help for Your Dog’s Shaking and Vomiting

While not every instance of shaking and vomiting is an emergency, it’s essential to know when to seek professional help. If your dog’s symptoms persist for more than a few hours or they exhibit any of the warning signs discussed, it’s best to call your vet for guidance. At Pewaukee Veterinary Service, we understand the concern that comes with unexplained symptoms in your pet. If you notice signs of ongoing distress, please don’t wait to seek help. Call us at (262) 347-0787 or request an appointment to have your dog examined by our team.