My dog has rib pain after playing. Does he need a vet or just rest?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Signs of broken ribs in dogs include pain on manipulation or restraint, bruising in the rib region and even dificulty breathing or coughing. If observed at any time, Chico should be evaluated as soon as possible for assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Poor Pipi!! I wonder if he may have injured his ribs or even injured his spine around his chest area. Poodles can have fine ribs, so if he fell he may have fractured one. Jumping on or off furniture or stairs can also strain the muscles that run along the spine (epaxial muscles) causing a very sore back. It is also important to check there are no injuries to his skin - an insect bite or sting may cause sudden pain. Given the severity of his crying, I would suggest you take him to the nearest emergency vet for an exam, so that they can identify the location and cause of his pain. Please do not give Pipi any human pain medicines, as many can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts. I hope he recovers very soon.

Poor Chief! I recommend resting 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. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Lennox isn’t feeling well. I would recommend taking him in to a vet first. You don’t have to do a lot of diagnostics first if you want. They can prescribe a safe medication to give him that may help him recover. I would not give anything over the counter as most human medications are toxic to pets. I also wouldn’t wrap it because you could cause more damage. I would recommend rest for at least a week as well (no running, jumping, playing, or stairs). Good luck and kisses to Lennox!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rambo. His behavior suggests that he is painful. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. His breed is especially prone to neck and/or back pain. If this is the case, it requires prompt treatment. In the meantime, keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If they are not concerned about a broken bone, it may be a good idea to give Ben some time to rest up to see if this is just a soft tissue injury of some sort. I would give him a few days to a week on the medications and complete rest limiting his activity to see if he improves on his own. If no improvement is seen by then or he worsens in the meantime, have him reevaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

Poor William! I recommend resting 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.