My Shih Tzu is lethargic and whimpering after anal sac cleaning. Why?

Your pet sounds very much like she has an inflamed or infected anal gland. This condition is very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, the gland may rupture, causing an open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care and antibiotics as well as some pain relief. I'm glad you're getting her in to see your vet very soon.

Often I see anal sac infections, or perianal dermatitis ( skin infection) causing the signs that you are seeing. However, back pain could be another possible cause. If it continues I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bobo! He is so cute in his bed! It sounds like Bobo is experiencing periodic stomach pains. The noises you hear is likely gas moving through his intestines. Gas can be painful. When dogs are in pain they shake, don't want to move and whimper. Possible causes are: viral or bacterial infection, reaction to a new food/treat/table food, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver problems, food allergy or intolerance or cancer. Since Bobo is older I do recommend having him seen Monday when your Vet opens for blood work and belly X-rays. In the mean time I would start a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day as small frequent meals. I wish you and Bobo the best!

I am sorry to hear that Junior isn’t feeling well. Those symptoms are pretty vague and can be associated with many different problems. I would be suspicious about neck and back pain, but nausea and abdominal pain could be possible as well. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and I hope they find the answer and he is improving quickly. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If you are concerned that she is not doing well even after a visit to your veterinarian, I highly recommend that you have her reevaluated for further assessment. Keep in mind though that therapy sometimes can take a bit to take effect. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!

It's good that Bella isn't having diarrhea, and a light yellow color is the normal color of urine. It could be that she simply isn't feeling well today, or she could have played a lot yesterday and is very tired at the moment. I would monitor her for now. and make sure she is still eating, drinking, and going potty normally. Should she still be lethargic after 48 hours, then I would take her into the vet.

She can have a few different things going on. She can have a urinary tract infection or she may have an upset stomach from eating human food. I recommend calling your veterinarian in the morning and having a physical examination performed to see what is going on. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.