Why is my small dog hunched, walking strangely, and acting unwell?

Since he is walking hunched it sounds like he either had injured his back and/or neck OR he is guarding his abdomen and something in there hurts. I suggest you get him to your vet for an exam as soon as possible.

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.

This position can be a sign of a stomach ache or abdominal pain. This can be from many things including constipation, an intestinal blockage, stomach ulcer etc. please monitor if she’s eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally. If not then please bring her in for an exam. They will check her over to see if they can find the reason for these symptoms, and may recommend abdominal X-rays and lab tests. Once they have a diagnosis then they can start the appropriate treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.

A dog with abdominal pain may walk with the back hunched or may posture in a "play bow" (front legs on floor, back end in the air). Lethargy, decreased appetite and rapid breathing may also indicate some degree of pain, abdominal or other.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bundy. Has he been assessed for neck and/or back pain? This is common in small breed dogs. Symptoms can include a reluctance to move, jump or do stairs. Many walk with a hunched posture and will yelp when being picked up. The most common condition causing this pain is known as intervertebral disc disease. I would ask his veterinarian if this is a possibility. I hope this information helps!

I would be concerned about back pain. Without a complete physical examination it is difficult to say what is causing the pain but with a hunched back it is typically back or belly pain. I would recommend a visit to your veterinarian and they can distinguish where the pain is and if x-rays are need or just medication. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It sounds like your dog is uncomfortable or painful from some reason. He may have a back injury, a disc problem, or hip problem, or even abdominal pain. Your pet needs to be seen by your vet for an exam, bloodwork, and possibly x-rays to determine the cause for your pet's symptoms and get him stated on treatment.