SHIVERING (NON-PAIN, NON-ANXIETY CAUSES) IN DOGS/CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Shivering can reflect cold, fever, nausea, endocrine disease, metabolic imbalance, or GI discomfort—not just fear or anxiety.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Cold
• Mild nausea
• Mild fever
MEDICAL
• Pain
• Pancreatitis
• GI upset
• Kidney disease
• Electrolyte abnormalities
EMERGENCY
• Shivering + vomiting
• Shivering + collapse
• Shivering + pale gums
• Shivering after toxin exposure
RED FLAGS
• Continuous shivering
• Shivering with abdominal pain
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Provide warmth
• Offer small amounts of water
• Monitor breathing
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Temperature
• Pain exam
• Bloodwork
• GI evaluation
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Pain
• GI upset
• Fever
• Kidney disease