It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare: you notice your beloved furry friend trembling uncontrollably and then, to make matters worse, they start vomiting. Witnessing your dog go through such distressing symptoms can be alarming and leave you feeling helpless. Understanding the underlying causes behind why your dog is shaking and throwing up is crucial in order to provide the appropriate care and attention they need. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the potential reasons behind these symptoms, what actions you can take to help your pet, and when it’s time to seek veterinary assistance.
Why Is My Dog Shaking And Throwing Up
Dogs may shake and vomit for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild issues such as an upset stomach to more serious conditions like infections or organ dysfunction. Shaking, or tremors, can manifest as involuntary muscle movements and may be accompanied by vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
When your dog is experiencing both shaking and vomiting, it indicates that there’s an underlying problem that needs attention. While occasional vomiting may not always be a cause for concern, persistent or severe symptoms warrant investigation.
Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Upset
- Dietary Indiscretion: Dogs are notorious for scavenging and consuming items they shouldn’t, such as spoiled food, garbage, or toxic substances. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset, causing vomiting and possibly shaking.
- Sudden Diet Change: Abruptly switching your dog’s diet or introducing new foods can upset their stomach, resulting in vomiting and discomfort.
- Food Allergies or Intolerances: Some dogs may have sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food, leading to gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Infectious Diseases
- Parvovirus: This highly contagious viral infection affects the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, and dehydration. Tremors may occur due to weakness and electrolyte imbalances.
- Canine Distemper: Another viral illness, distemper affects multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, nasal discharge, and tremors.
- Gastrointestinal Parasites: Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can cause vomiting and may also lead to tremors if left untreated.
3. Systemic Diseases
- Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney failure can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and tremors due to electrolyte imbalances and toxin buildup in the bloodstream.
- Liver Disease: Liver dysfunction can result in vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, and neurological symptoms such as tremors.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition characterized by vomiting, weakness, and neurological abnormalities including tremors.
4. Toxicity
- Ingestion of Toxic Substances: Dogs may ingest various toxic substances such as plants (e.g., certain lilies), human medications (e.g., NSAIDs, antidepressants), household chemicals (e.g., cleaners, pesticides), or certain foods (e.g., chocolate, grapes/raisins). Toxicity can cause gastrointestinal irritation, organ damage, and neurological symptoms including tremors and seizures.
5. Neurological Disorders
- Seizures: Seizures can present with shaking or tremors along with other symptoms such as altered consciousness, drooling, and involuntary urination or defecation.
- Canine Vestibular Disease: This condition affects the inner ear and can cause sudden-onset vestibular signs such as head tilt, loss of balance, and tremors.
6. Stress And Anxiety
- Stress-induced Vomiting: Dogs may vomit as a response to stressors such as loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks), separation anxiety, or changes in routine. The associated anxiety can manifest as shaking or tremors.
What To Do
1. Assess The Situation
- Observe Your Dog: Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and symptoms. Note any additional signs such as diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
- Check for Potential Toxins: If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, try to identify the substance and remove it from their environment if possible.
2. Provide Comfort And Support
- Keep Your Dog Calm: Minimize stressors and provide a quiet, comfortable environment for your dog to rest.
- Offer Small Amounts of Water: Hydration is important, but avoid overloading your dog’s stomach with large quantities of water, especially if they’re vomiting frequently.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your dog’s symptoms and any changes in behavior. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms worsen or persist.
3. Seek Veterinary Care
- Consult Your Veterinarian: If your dog’s symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Diagnostic Tests: Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound), or fecal analysis to identify the underlying cause of your dog’s symptoms.
- Treatment: Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may include medications, fluid therapy, dietary changes, or other interventions.
4. Preventive Measures
- Proper Diet and Nutrition: Feed your dog a balanced diet appropriate for their age, breed, and health status. Avoid sudden dietary changes and be cautious about feeding table scraps or allowing access to potential toxins.
- Parasite Prevention: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for parasite prevention, including regular deworming and flea/tick control.
- Toxin Awareness: Be aware of common household toxins and keep them out of your dog’s reach. Store medications, chemicals, and harmful foods securely.
Conclusion
Shaking and vomiting in dogs can be distressing symptoms for both pets and their owners. While occasional vomiting may be benign, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored. Understanding the potential causes behind these symptoms, ranging from gastrointestinal upset and infections to toxicity and neurological disorders, is essential for providing appropriate care and seeking timely veterinary assistance.
As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to observe your dog closely, provide comfort and support, and seek veterinary care when needed. By taking preventive measures such as proper diet and nutrition, parasite prevention, and toxin awareness, you can help reduce the risk of your dog experiencing these distressing symptoms. Remember, early intervention and proactive veterinary care can make a significant difference in your dog’s health and well-being.