Dog Shaking and Throwing Up: Understanding the Causes and Taking Action

Dog shaking and throwing up are alarming symptoms that can indicate a range of health issues, from mild stomach upset to serious conditions. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek veterinary care is crucial for every dog owner. This article will guide you through the common reasons why your dog might be exhibiting these symptoms, what you can do at home, and when professional help is necessary.

Why is My Dog Shaking and Throwing Up?

Several factors can contribute to a dog shaking and vomiting. These can range from relatively benign issues to more serious medical concerns.

Dietary Indiscretion: Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, from spoiled food to garbage and even non-food items like socks or toys. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset, causing both vomiting and shaking due to discomfort or pain.
Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause vomiting and shaking, often accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, and fever. Parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough are some examples.
Parasites: Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can irritate the digestive system, leading to vomiting. The discomfort and potential anemia caused by parasites can also make a dog shake.
Toxins: Ingesting poisonous substances, such as certain plants, cleaning products, or medications, can trigger vomiting and shaking. The severity of the symptoms depends on the type and amount of toxin ingested.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, leading to vomiting, shaking, and a hunched posture.
Kidney Disease: Kidney problems can disrupt the body’s balance, leading to nausea and vomiting. Shaking can occur due to electrolyte imbalances or the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream.
Liver Disease: Similar to kidney disease, liver issues can also cause nausea, vomiting, and shaking.
Motion Sickness: Some dogs are prone to motion sickness, which can trigger both vomiting and anxiety-induced shaking.
Anxiety or Fear: Stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits can cause a dog to shake and sometimes vomit due to extreme anxiety.
Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, trapping gas and food inside. It can cause intense pain, vomiting, and restlessness, leading to shaking.

Dog Shaking and Vomiting: Common Causes

What Should I Do if My Dog is Shaking and Throwing Up?

If your dog is exhibiting these symptoms, it’s important to monitor them closely and take appropriate action.

Observe for Other Symptoms: Note any accompanying symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst, or changes in urination or defecation. This information will be helpful for your veterinarian.
Withhold Food and Water Initially: If your dog continues to vomit, withhold food and water for a few hours to allow the stomach to settle.
Offer Small Amounts of Water: After a few hours, offer small amounts of water frequently. If the dog keeps the water down, you can gradually reintroduce bland food like boiled chicken and rice.
Contact Your Veterinarian: If the vomiting and shaking persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

When is it an Emergency?

Certain situations warrant immediate veterinary attention:

Continuous Vomiting: If your dog is vomiting repeatedly and unable to keep anything down, it can quickly lead to dehydration.
Bloody Vomit or Diarrhea: This can indicate a serious problem like an ulcer, obstruction, or internal bleeding.
Severe Lethargy or Weakness: If your dog is extremely weak, unresponsive, or collapsing, it could be a sign of a life-threatening condition.
Abdominal Distension or Pain: A swollen or painful abdomen, especially if the dog appears hunched or uncomfortable, can suggest bloat, which requires emergency surgery.
Ingestion of Toxins: If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous substance, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.

Canine Liver Disease Dog Food and Other Considerations

If your vet diagnoses a specific condition like liver disease, they may recommend a specialized diet, like canine liver disease dog food, to support your dog’s recovery. canine liver disease dog food provides specific nutrients and is formulated to be easy on the liver.

Conclusion

Dog shaking and throwing up can be caused by various reasons, ranging from mild to severe. Careful observation, appropriate home care, and timely veterinary intervention are key to ensuring your dog’s well-being. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.

FAQ

What can I give my dog for an upset stomach? If your veterinarian approves, you can offer small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken and rice.
Why is my dog shaking and throwing up white foam? White foam can indicate an empty stomach or the presence of bile.
How can I prevent my dog from eating things they shouldn’t? Keep your home clean and free of potential hazards, and train your dog not to scavenge.
Can stress cause vomiting in dogs? Yes, anxiety and stress can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting.
How do I know if my dog has bloat? Look for a distended abdomen, attempts to vomit without producing anything, restlessness, and signs of pain.
What are the symptoms of parvo in dogs? Parvovirus causes severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, and fever.
Is it normal for a dog to shake after throwing up? Some shaking after vomiting can be normal due to nausea or discomfort, but prolonged or excessive shaking warrants veterinary attention.

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