My dog isn't eating and is crying. Is she in pain? What should I do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Snoopy. It does not sound like she is feeling well and will need to see a veterinarian if her symptoms persist. I worry that she is experiencing pain with her crying. Small breed dogs can be prone to neck or back pain. The muscles lining the spine can spasm in response to inflammation within the spine. In this case, she would need medications to control her pain. Be sure to keep her quiet in the meantime and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications. Encourage her to eat and drink if you can. I hope this information helps!

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!

It sounds like Millie is in pain. Please have her seen by a veterinarian immediately so they can assess her. Your vet may want to run diagnostic testing such as blood work to look for signs of infection (such as pancreatitis, which can cause diarrhea) or imaging such as x-rays to look for signs of injury.

Poor Puppy. She could have pain in stomach, back, hips, or neck. She sounds pretty painful, and unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give her. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd take her into a vet today.

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.

Unfortunately, there are no safe OTC pain relievers for dogs. Many are toxic for dogs and can be fatal if given. I'm not sure what kind of surgery your dog has, perhaps a spay, but she should likely not still be in pain three days before taking out her staples. It's also concerning that she won't eat, which could also be due to pain. This pain and anorexia could be an indication of a post surgical complication. Her symptoms are serious enough that she needs medical treatment now. There will be a vet on call for emergencies in your area. The information to find that vet is found on the clinic's answering machine or website. You can also see if there is an ER veterinary clinic in your area. Please take her into a vet asap.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The symptoms you describe are concerning for something serious causing her pain or discomfort from something. I advice that you have Meg evaluated by your veterinarian for a thorough examination and further diagnostics to be followed by therapy if indicated based on findings. At the very least, if she is confirmed to be in pain or discomfort, she could at least be started on pain control medications. Good luck!