My dog is frantic, tail tucked, not eating. What could be wrong?

Check your dog's abdomen by pressing gently into the sides of his belly. If it is [bloated](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/bloating-in-dogs/), hard or feels like a drum, then you need to [take him to your veterinarian](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit) or a veterinary ER right away. This pacing and not being comfortable can be a sign of abdominal pain or [stomach upset](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-treat-your-dogs-upset-stomach). If this does not subside or if your dog has additional symptoms, he needs to be seen by a vet right away.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A firm, painful abdomen, with a loss of appetite is a concerning set of symptoms. It may be a simple stomach upset, or more serious condition called pancreatitis. A painful back can also reflect as a painful abdomen as a dog draws up the abdomen trying to protect the back. If there is any retching, vomiting or diarrhea tonight, he should be seen on emergency. Otherwise, if the symptoms persist into tomorrow, please have Harley seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible tomorrow. I hope all is well soon. Take care.

This sounds potentially serious (infection, trauma, foreign object or obstruction). Without a physical exam though, we can't determine what may be wrong with Timmy. Ideally, he should be seen by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER today. Abdominal x-rays and maybe lab work can be done after an exam to diagnose the underlying cause. Supportive care (IV or subcutaneous fluids, pain medication, etc.) can also be administered as indicated until a diagnosis is reached.

Your dog needs to be seen by your vet as soon as possible. Any abrupt change in behavior or attitude is a sign he's not feeling well, and without an exam from a vet there's no real way to know what's going on and therefore, how to treat it. He could have eaten something he shouldn't have that's causing an obstruction or irritation, he could have been exposed to something toxic that you weren't aware of, there's a number of possibilities. Your vet will do an exam, lab work, possibly x-rays if indicated, and based on these results, your vet will be better able to understand what is going on with your dog and how best to treat him.

I'm wondering if Lobo could have a prostate problem causing him pain, as those can be common in unneutered dogs. He certainly sounds uncomfortable, so I'd have him checked out by a vet in the morning.

This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. Praying stance (like the one in the picture) is sometimes related with cranial abdominal discomfort/pain and presence of foreign body in the stomach/first part of the intestine or pancreas inflammation. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence last for more than 24hours. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Poor Vader! You are correct to be concerned. I recommend having him seen by a veterinarian again since his symptoms have persisted. He could be dealing with an infection of some sort, or be dealing with pain. If a medical cause is ruled out, see the following links for more information about possible behavioural issues Vader may have: https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=C&C=153&S=1&EVetID=290471