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Why is my senior cocker spaniel shaking, drowsy, and not eating?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Female | unspayed | 10 years and 7 months old | 0 lbs

I have an 11 year old cocker spaniel who is a girl that since this morning has been shaking with her tail tucked under her legs. She won’t eat or drink anything and looks generally sad. Her movements are also slow. She has since stopped shaking but still very much drowsy and unwell in herself. I’ve felt her body to see if she twitches but nothing and finally she hasn’t yet been outside for a wee/poo.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 12th, 2020

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lulu. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian today. It does not sound like she is not feeling well. Small breed dogs are prone to neck and/or back pain which can be excruciatingly painful. It causes dogs to shake, pant, and not want to move. Most will hesitate to jump on furniture or be reluctant to do stairs. If this is the case, x-rays can be taken of the spine. Based on these results, medications are prescribed. In the meantime, keep her quiet and carry her if possible. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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