My small dog won't eat, cries at night. Is she sick or in pain?

I’m so sorry to hear about your pup! It sounds as though she could be in pain. I highly recommend seeing your vet to have a good evaluation done (back and neck pain are not always obvious). I would not give anything over the counter for pain until your vet has ruled out abdominal discomfort (aspirin,etc can make stomach conditions worse). Best of luck to you and your dog!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lucy. She will need to be seen by a veterinarian, tonight if possible. The panting and whining can indicate pain. She could also be experiencing a gastrointestinal infection affecting her appetite, joint or muscular pain or even a wound somewhere. In the meantime, try to encourage her to drink to that she does not become dehydrated. Good luck!

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!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Peanut. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. Small breed dogs are prone to neck and/or back pain which can be excruciatingly painful. He will be carefully examined to determine if this is the case or if he has another problem. Based on these results and any diagnostic testing, treatment recommendations can be made. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Peaches. If she ate a wasp or bee, I would except her muzzle to be quite swollen. She will need to see a veterinarian as she seems uncomfortable. Small breed dogs are prone to neck and back pain. Her veterinarian will examine to determine if this is the case. If so, she may need x-rays. Pain medications, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers are commonly prescribed. In the meantime, keep her quiet and carry her if necessary. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

He may have some spinal cord problems, especially with the cervical spinal cord, such as a slipped disk or arthritic changes that press on nerves and are painful. Ob is apparently very much in pain and therefore should be seen by a veterinarian tonight. The vet will do a thorough physical exam, palpate the spine to find where the pain is coming from, and also do a neurological exam and then x-rays. He will then discuss the exam findings with you and possible treatment. Your dog will get pain medicine and other medications as necessary. Dogs with pain often do not eat, and eating also may be painful as he has to chew, open his mouth and move the jaws. This may be more painful than lapping up water.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rosie. See if she will allow you to look in her mouth. You even use something soft like a Q-tip to lift her lip. I am concerned that she has a painful mouth if she will only eat the soft food. Dental disease is very common in her breed. Ear infections do not typically affect a dog's appetite. Has she had any vomiting or diarrhea? This will make a dog not want to eat. Another condition common in small breed dogs is neck pain. This could explain her screaming as well. She will need to see a veterinarian when you are able. In the meantime, offer soft food. You can add warm water to soften it further. I hope this information helps!