My dog cries when I pick him up. Is it pain in his arm or leg?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Blue! Common causes of pain when small dogs are picked up are: neck and back pain for forelimb pain. If this is new and he is also jumping up less, shivering or tremoring and not using the stairs I would take him in to the Vet this week for an exam as that indicates pain. Other reasons for crying when picked up is arthritis or being scared or surprised. So try to go slowly and gently if he is otherwise acting normal. Good luck!

I would avoid picking up Tobi in this manner until we figure out what is going on. It sounds like when he is putting all his weight on his hind legs/pelvis. He probably either has some arthritis or nerve/disc pain causing the discomfort. I would recommend taking Tobi to your veterinarian for an evaluation and X-rays so you can determine what is causing the pain. He may also need some pain medication as well. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly neck or back pain. It could still be pain associated with a leg even if nothing seems wrong with them. I recommend that you have Chico evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make Chico feel better. In the meantime, reduce his activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello, The first thing that comes to my mind is chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain. Dogs with pain in these areas often hesitate to use stairs or jump on and off furniture. They may also want to lay around more and be generally less active. Pain in dogs can be similar to humans in that in can be caused by things like arthritis, disc disease, or a pinched nerve. It can also flare up and be worse at some times than at others, which may be why he vocalizes at some times and not at others. Anti-inflammatory drugs (a common one is carprofen) and nerve pain drugs (a common one is gabapentin) are commonly used to treat these conditions. I would recommend taking Gage into see a vet and be evaluated for chronic pain. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lacey. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. Small breed dogs are prone to neck and/or back pain. It can present as yelping. Her veterinarian will carefully examine her to determine if she is painful. If so, x-rays may be needed. In the meantime, keep her quiet and carry her as much as possible. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Lily isn’t feeling well. It sounds like there may be some pain in her neck or back. If there is a pinched nerve in the neck, it will radiate through the whole body and cause discomfort when picking up. I wouldn’t consider it “urgent” but it does sound like she may be in pain and need some medications to help relieve her pain. Please do not give any over the counter medications as they are not safe for pets. Good luck and kisses to Lily!

It could be a muscular injury or sprain. I would leave the area alone and monitor for the next few hours, if she seems to be in discomfort best to have her checked over so can get some pain relief . If she is already in quite a bit of pain best to have her checked over sooner rather than later.