My dog fell down stairs, seems in pain. When should I see a vet?

If you are able to try to pull a towel underneath him and use it like a hammock to carry your dog or put it Oscar in a box with the hammock. Then immediately take him to a Pet ER. He likely damaged his spine (slipped a disk or similar) or has suffered an injury that will need immediate attention. Please take him to a vet now.

In my experience, injuries like this often take a bit of time to manifest. Usually there is at least some soreness involved, and even though it doesn't sound like anything is broken, I would recommend a vet visit to be sure. It's kind of like straining something at the gym - you often don't feel the pain for several hours, and you vet can give him a bit of an anti-inflammatory pain medication to help him be more comfortable.

Ouch, poor Zoey! She sounds quite painful if she won't put weight on the leg. She could have broken a bone, or torn a ligament in her knee. I would rest her tonight, and have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing her swelling and pain, and can treat her for it. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe safe medications for her.

It would be a good idea to have your vet do an exam to determine the cause of his pain and if treatment is needed. He may just have a soft tissue injury and your vet could prescribe and anti-inflammatory to help alleviate his pain.

Poor Sweet Pea! If she is holding her rear leg up, it means that it is painful and yes she should see a vet for it. She could have broken her leg, or torn or strained a ligament. She likely needs pain medications, and you cannot give her any human ones because many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe her pain medications that are safe to give. I do recommend taking her into the vet. Good luck, I hope this helps!

If she isn't feeling well and just laying on you then I would take her in. If she is comfortable and otherwise ok you can wait until tomorrow but if she won't walk, very lethargic or seems painful I would take her now. A veterinarian can see if x-rays are needed and provide medication to make Rosie feel better. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor girl! She does sound painful. Because she has been in pain for a couple of days and it sounds like she may have accidentally made things worse today, I think it would be better to get her into a vet now.