My dog has recurring back pain and is yelping. How can I help?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ben. He sounds painful with his struggling to move and crying. He could have arthritis, back pain or a muscle strain. If he was particularly playful yesterday or this morning, he may have over done it and be sore now. Back pain is more common in small breed dogs. It is demonstrated by a reluctance to do stairs, jump on furniture or even the inability to properly use a limb. Arthritis tends to be more common in larger dogs. It is usually a gradual slowing down or stiffness, but can be exeracerbated by hard play. Ben will need to see his veterinarian to determine the source of his pain. In the meantime, keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications. I hope this information helps!

Boba may have overdone it. Rest him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, 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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are medications to help with back pain but none of them are over the counter unfortunately. The one thing you can do at home which is often times the most important component of medical therapy for back pain is rest him. This means limiting Buddy's activity to just walks to go to the bathroom but otherwise to keep him calm. I recommend that you have Buddy evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian can prescribe pain control medications. Good luck and have a good night!

Chronic pain in a three year old Yorkie should definitely be investigated more closely by your primary care vet. Back issues are quite common in small breed dogs, usually related to disk disease in the spinal column. This can be verified with an x-ray. Your vet will also be able to perform a thorough orthopedic exam to try and see if the pain is arising from elsewhere. Pain and be treated with various medications, including anti-inflammatories, opioids, and muscle relaxants. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for dogs in these cases is rest them. This means no more jumping, no more running, and no more rough housing for a couple of weeks to allow for any healing that might be needed. I realize this might be frustrating for both Lou and you, but it potentially might be for the best. Let me know if I was helpful and if there is anything else I can do for you.

Oh no, poor Zangus! It could be that he injured himself causing him to yelp in pain. Given that tomorrow is Friday and I'm not sure if your vet is open on Saturday, I would rest him tonight and take him into the vet tomorrow for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing him pain so he can be treated. If he isn't acting this way in the morning, then I would monitor him for the next couple of days; should he appear painful again, then take him into the vet. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe Zangus pain medications as needed.

It's possible that he has some back or neck pain. This is one of the more common causes of sudden yelps of pain that don't seem related to anything specific. It does sound like Oreo is likely having some pain, so I would recommend that you take him in to see your veterinarian today if at all possible. They will do a physical exam and determine whether he's painful and try to localize the cause better. They can send him with some medications to make him more comfortable and may recommend other treatments as well (acupuncture, therapeutic laser, etc). Until you can get him in to see your vet, avoid giving him any over the counter human pain medication, as there is not a safe option to use and giving something like aspirin at home will limit the choices your vet has to treat his pain when you take him in. Also, until you can get him in for an exam, keep him exercise restricted; don't take him on walks, don't encourage "tug or war," chasing a ball, or other play. I hope that helps you! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello there, I'm sorry but legally we cannot prescribe or suggest any drug dosages. You could try calling the nearest vet and they may be able to prescribe some pain relief for you to pick up to tide you over.