My dog has back pain, panting, and can't sit. What should I do?

Poor Benito! When pets don't respond as well to anti-inflammaorties, I often try them on steroids (for 2-4 weeks), muscle relaxers and opioid pain medication. During this time, Benito should be crated at all times, allowed outside on a leash only to potty because you MUST make sure he is not moving around too much. You may also look into acupuncture or laser therapy which can also help significantly. Benito should be examined every 2 weeks until he is back to normal. The medications may need to be adjusted based upon his response. I hope this helps and that he feels better quickly.

Poor Zeke! I'm so sorry he's having a hard time. It sounds like he has some back and/or neck pain. The biggest concern I would have as to what may be causing his pain would be intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), where the shock absorbing discs between the back bones bulges and causes compression on the spinal cord. This causes great pain and if the problem progresses, can potentially lead to paralysis. It could also be a muscle injury, an infection along his spine (diskospondylitis) , or even a tumor causing pain. Please avoid giving him pain mediation at home, as this will limit the safe options your vet has for pain when you take him to the vet. Additionally, if your vet finds that steroids are indicated, it could set up a problem if he's received aspirin or any other OTC pain med or anti-inflammatory at home. Keep him in a confined space, and take him to your vet tomorrow, or better yet seek emergency care tonight if its available; so that he can start getting some pain relief. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pippin. It sounds like he is very sore. He will need to see a veterinarian to determine the source of his pain. It is common for small breed dogs to experience neck or back pain. These dogs will typically pant, shake and be reluctant to move. They can refuse to do stairs or jump on furniture. In severe cases, back pain can lead to weakness or paralysis. He should see his veterinarian soon. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are medications to help with back pain but none of them are over the counter unfortunately. The one thing you can do at home which is often times the most important component of medical therapy for back pain is rest him. This means limiting Buddy's activity to just walks to go to the bathroom but otherwise to keep him calm. I recommend that you have Buddy evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian can prescribe pain control medications. Good luck and have a good night!

It sounds like she should be examined by a vet to determine the source of her pain. She could have neck or back pain, arthritis, abdominal pain, etc. and your vet should be able to localize the pain and decide the best way to treat. She may need an anti-inflammatory and your vet can prescribe. Do not use any human OTC pain relievers as they can be toxic to dogs.

Poor Ace! It sounds like he needs to see the veterinarian today. The shaking may be related to a fever or pain. When pets exhibit back pain, it can be from a compressed disc, a slipped disc, discospondlylitis (an infection), a broken vertebrae, a tumor or an infection within the spinal canal. All of these conditions can result in severe pain and they all require treatment. Your veterinarian will need an x-ray to look at the spine. They can also provide medications to make Ace feel better. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor Rufus! Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd take him into a vet as soon as possible to be checked out and get pain medication. If he's extremely painful, I'd rush him into an ER vet. Until he sees the vet, rest him as much as possible. Take him out to potty on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. Best of luck, I hope this helps!