My dog is restless, pacing, and can't get comfortable. What's wrong?

It does sound like your dog could be in pain, and that could be causing the restlessness at night. He simply can't find a position that he is comfortable in, and it hurts to curl up. He could have an injury to his neck, spine, hips, or limbs. I would take him into the vet today for an exam. He may also benefit from pain medications if he is in pain. Do not give him any human pain medications, many are toxic to dogs and fatal if given. The vet can prescribe him safe pain medications if needed.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Bo. Three things in particular that I would be concerned about- back or abdominal pain and anal gland problems. A common back problem that we see frequently involves the intervertebral discs which are between the vertebrae. This can range from the disc bulging against the spinal cord or a rupture of the disc. Dogs often pace, move cautiously and slowly, seem painful, can't get comfortable for any amount of time, etc. Back problems can also be due to soft tissue problems such as a muscle strain, other inflammation, infection, etc. Abdominal pain can mimic this same presentation even with a lack of clinical signs. This could be due to intestinal cramping, pancreatitis, kidney pain, or problems with any of the organs in the abdomen. I'm mostly suspicious of a back problem. I would advise keeping a very close eye on Bo. If this condition persists, worsens, or other signs develop then I would have him evaluated immediately. If you notice that he is getting weaker, seems uncoordinated, starts walking on the top of his back paws, becomes paralyzed in the rear legs then get him seen immediately. These signs would mean that he is having some significant pressure on his spinal cord. Anal gland problems range from enlargement to inflammation to infection of the glands. Clinical signs are often vague like this. Your vet can gather a history, perform an examination, and then make a diagnostic/treatment plan based on their findings. Possible tests include fecal/blood/urine tests and x-rays to evaluate the spine and abdomen. Anal glands can be emptied if they are found to be enlarged and painful. Treatment would be targeted once a diagnosis is made. Good luck with Bo

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Meeko. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He may be experiencing neck or back pain as this is common in small breed dogs. It can create the changes you have described. His veterinarian will do an examination and determine if this seems to be the case. If so, x-rays may be taken and medication prescribed. In the meantime, keep him very quiet to allow his body to rest. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Check your dog's abdomen by pressing gently into the sides of his belly. If it is [bloated](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/bloating-in-dogs/), hard or feels like a drum, then you need to [take him to your veterinarian](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit) or a veterinary ER right away. This pacing and not being comfortable can be a sign of abdominal pain or [stomach upset](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-treat-your-dogs-upset-stomach). If this does not subside or if your dog has additional symptoms, he needs to be seen by a vet right away.

Poor Bud! It sounds like he is uncomfortable if he's not settling, and may be experiencing some pain in his hips or back. I would rest him tonight, no running or jumping, and take him out to toilet on a lead only, bringing him right back in when he's done. If he is still like this in the morning, I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, a lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to determine if there is a musculoskeletal problem causing him to be uncomfortable.

IT sounds like Sammy is probably in pain or severe discomfort, it could be from an internal condition such as a gastrointestinal problem and it could also be due to an orthopedic condition. if it doesn't seem to resolve in the next few hours i would recommend taking Sammy to your vet in order to get it checked and treated, right now the symptoms are too general to determine what it could be.

Poor baby. I'd recommend checking him all over for anything that hurts, or looks funny. In addition, if you know anyone that does analysis gland expressions, full analysis glands can make a pet act very anxious. They have to be trained to know how to do it, so most likely you will need to contact your veterinarian in the morning. You could also contact your local pet ER and have him seen tonight if he is acting that off.