Why Is My Dog Shaking And Throwing Up?

Why Is My Dog Shaking and Throwing Up? A Guide to Understanding Canine Discomfort

Witnessing your dog shaking and throwing up can be a frightening experience. These symptoms can arise from various causes, ranging from mild to more serious conditions. This article explores the potential reasons behind your dog’s discomfort and offers guidance on how to proceed.

Understanding the Symptoms: Shaking and Vomiting in Dogs

Shaking, also known as tremors or shivering, and vomiting are common symptoms in dogs and can manifest due to various reasons. Let’s break down each symptom:

Shaking: This can be a whole-body tremor or involve specific muscle groups. It can be caused by anxiety, pain, cold temperatures, neurological issues, or even excitement.
Vomiting: This forceful expulsion of stomach contents can be caused by dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t have), motion sickness, infections, or more serious illnesses.

It’s crucial to consider other accompanying symptoms alongside shaking and vomiting to get a clearer picture of the underlying cause. Here are some additional factors to pay attention to:

Diarrhea: If vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, it could indicate gastroenteritis, a digestive upset. You can learn more about gastroenteritis in dogs on the website of the Waltham Petcare Science Institute Veterinary Partner – Vomiting in Dogs.
Loss of appetite: If your dog shows no interest in food along with shaking and vomiting, it might be a sign of a more serious issue.
Lethargy: Unusual listlessness or weakness along with these symptoms can indicate a systemic illness.
Blood in vomit or stool: The presence of blood is a cause for immediate veterinary attention.

Potential Causes of Shaking and Vomiting in Dogs

Several factors can trigger shaking and vomiting in dogs. Here’s a breakdown of some common causes, ranging from mild to more serious:

Dietary Indiscretion: Eating something they shouldn’t have, like spoiled food, human food, or foreign objects, can irritate the stomach and lead to vomiting.
Motion Sickness: Just like humans, some dogs experience motion sickness during car rides or other travel situations. This can cause nausea and vomiting.
Parasites: Internal parasites like worms can irritate the digestive system and cause vomiting.
Viral or Bacterial Infections: These can affect the gastrointestinal system and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Allergies: Food allergies or environmental allergies can manifest as digestive upset with vomiting and shaking.
Stress or Anxiety: Dogs can experience anxiety due to various factors like loud noises, separation anxiety, or new pets in the house. This can sometimes manifest as shaking or vomiting.
Poisoning: Ingestion of toxins, like household chemicals or plants, can cause severe vomiting, tremors, and other serious symptoms.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach bloats and twists. Symptoms include excessive drooling, a distended abdomen, and unproductive attempts to vomit.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure about the cause of your dog’s shaking and vomiting, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While some cases of shaking and vomiting might resolve on their own, it’s always recommended to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care if:

The symptoms are severe or persistent: If the vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, the shaking is uncontrollable, or your dog shows other concerning signs like blood in vomit or diarrhea, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Your dog is a puppy or senior dog: These age groups are more vulnerable to dehydration and complications from illnesses.
You suspect your dog has ingested something toxic: Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your dog has eaten something poisonous.
There are accompanying symptoms: As mentioned earlier, pay attention to additional signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever.

What to Do Until You See the Vet

While waiting for your veterinary appointment, here are some steps you can take to help your dog:

Withhold Food and Water: For a few hours, avoid giving your dog food or water to allow their stomach to settle.
Offer Small Amounts of Water: After a few hours, offer small sips of water to prevent dehydration. Monitor closely to see if they keep it down.
Provide a Comfortable Space: Create a quiet and comfortable space for your dog to rest.

Preventing Shaking and Vomiting in Dogs

Here are some proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of shaking and vomiting in your dog:

Feed a High-Quality Diet: Providing your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet suitable for their age and activity level can help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Avoid Table Scraps and Spoiled Food: Resist the urge to share your food with your dog, and ensure they don’t have access to spoiled food or garbage.
Regular Deworming: Schedule regular deworming treatments with your veterinarian to prevent parasite infestations.
Manage Stress: Identify and address potential causes of stress in your dog’s life, such as separation anxiety or loud noises. Provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation to promote relaxation.
Keep Toxins Out of Reach: Secure household chemicals, medications, and poisonous plants to prevent accidental ingestion.
Regular Veterinary Checkups: Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian for preventive care and early detection of potential health issues.

Living a Healthy Life with Your Dog

By understanding the potential causes of shaking and vomiting in dogs, knowing when to seek veterinary attention, and taking preventative measures, you can help ensure your furry friend’s well-being. A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and preventive care are all essential components of a happy and healthy life for your dog.

If you notice your dog shaking and throwing up, don’t panic. Follow the guidance provided, seek veterinary attention promptly if necessary, and remember that with proper care, your dog can bounce back and resume their playful and energetic self.