Why is my dog hunched and in pain when sitting or changing position?

Hello! That crouched stance is usually a sign of either back or abdominal pain, which can also cause decreased behavior. I would recommend having him get a physical exam from a veterinarian. If they are able to localize simple arthritis pain, they may be able to give him some anti-inflammatory or pain medications. If they are worried about a serious back problem or abdominal pain, they will likely recommend x-rays to look at his intestinal tract and spine and possibly bloodwork to check his major organ functions. Then, they can make additional testing or treatment recommendations based on what they find. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It could be Charlie has some pain in his neck or back. Please do not give him any human pain medication. Many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Rest him tonight and take him into the vet in the morning to get this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.

Poor Pancho! I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Rock. Poor boy. It sounds like he is in a lot of pain, and it's quite concerning that now he's having trouble walking with his back legs. He could be arching back to relieve pressure off another area of his body that is painful. Tonight, rest him. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. Take him into the vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck.

Poor baby. It sounds like he may have injured something. It is common for them to injure their back or neck and act this way. I would have your vet look st him today. Your vet will be able to localize the pain and give him the appropriate pain meds to help him feel better. If it is his lower back, you vet may also prescribe him a stool softener so it is easier for him to have a bowel movement. Your vet will also be able to do X-rays if needed. I do not recommend to give any human pain meds as most of these are toxic to dogs. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Callie. Did she have diarrhea when she defecated today? If so, she could be experiencing abdominal pain. If not, then I worry that she has neck and/or back pain as this is common in small breed dogs. This can be excruciating and cause the dog to cry out. Most are hesitant to jump or do stairs. They will stand or walk with a hunched posture. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian today. She will be examined and the source of her problem located. Based on these results, the veterinarian may recommend testing such as blood work and x-rays. This information will guide treatment. In the meantime, keep her quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Poor Bud! It sounds like he is uncomfortable if he's not settling, and may be experiencing some pain in his hips or back. I would rest him tonight, no running or jumping, and take him out to toilet on a lead only, bringing him right back in when he's done. If he is still like this in the morning, I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, a lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to determine if there is a musculoskeletal problem causing him to be uncomfortable.