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My dog is shaking, not eating, and won't drink. ER vet or wait?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 11 months old | 14 lbs

My dog has refused to eat anything and he’s been shaking all day. He’s not his usual self either, no playing or anything. The vets are already closed today. Should I take him to emergency or is it ok to wait until tomorrow morning to take him to a vet? He’s pooped once normally today, but I haven’t seen him drink any water.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 10th, 2017

I'm sorry Paws isn't doing well at the moment! I would try offering him water. Give him a chance to drink the water, I would keep offering it to him over an hour. If he refuses to drink the water, or he drinks the water and then vomits it up, then I would take him into the ER vet. It's a pretty serious sign when a dog won't drink water or can't keep it down, and in cases like that, it's best for them to see a vet right away. Should he drink the water and keep it down, then it's fine to wait until the morning to take him into the vet. Continue to monitor him tonight, and if Paws becomes very lethargic, the shaking gets worse, he starts vomiting, or he shows any other signs of illness, then take him into an ER vet right away. I hope this helps and he feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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