My dog is shaking, not eating, and lethargic. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My old dog Tigs is constantly shaking - he hasn’t eaten for two days, he’s just laid on my bed uninterested
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 12th, 2019
Poor Tigs! It definitely sounds like something is wrong. Unfortunately, these are very vague symptoms that could be caused by almost any kind of medical problem - shaking, acting lethargic, and not eating are generally signs of pain or discomfort, but beyond that he would need an exam and some diagnostic testing to determine what's wrong. I would recommend taking him to the vet today to be seen. He/she can do blood work, x-rays, or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 1st, 2017
It could be that his back legs, hips, or spine are painful, and that's why he's shaking and having trouble walking. I would rest him tonight, no running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. Then I would have him seen by a vet in the morning for a physical exam, lameness exam, and x-rays. The vet can diagnose what is causing his symptoms and can treat him for it. Please do not give him any human pain meds, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 30th, 2016
Poor pup! Shaking is a common sign of pain or discomfort in dogs, which could also cause him to be crying, acting lethargic, and not very social. Unfortunately, these are very vague symptoms that could be caused by almost anything, so it's hard to say what might be causing this without being able to examine him. Many dogs with back pain due to a pinched nerve or herniated disc will act this way, so this is certainly a possibility; he could also have abdominal pain, or some other type of injury that isn't visible from the outside. Since it sounds like he's very painful and the underlying problem may be serious, I would really recommend taking him to a vet right away - he/she can do x-rays or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 23rd, 2018
Poor Fabs! It sounds like he's very uncomfortable. These symptoms are very vague and could be caused by lots of things, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine him and run some tests. He may have back pain due to a "slipped" or herniated disc, a GI problem such as pancreatitis or an intestinal obstruction, or a systemic illness such as liver or kidney disease. He could also have been injured somehow. This does sound like it may be a serious problem, so I would recommend taking him to the vet today for an exam. He/she can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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