My small dog is shaking uncontrollably and hiding. Is she in pain?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I recommend that he sees an emergency veterinarian today. Screaming and shaking typically represent pain in dogs. Small breed dogs are prone to neck and/or back pain. The muscles lining the spine can spasm causing excruciating pain. In more severe cases, a bulging or swollen disc can place pressure on the spinal cord creating neurological problems. Of course, there are other causes of pain. His veterinarian will examine him carefully and direct you on treatment based on these results. 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!

Poor Phoebe! Shaking like this is a common sign of pain in dogs, especially when there is no other obvious reason (such as fear or cold) for her to be doing this. Many dogs who have back pain due to a herniated disc or other problem act very much like this, so this would be my first suspicion based on your description. She could also be uncomfortable due to abdominal pain, or some other injury that is not visible from the outside. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam today if possible - he/she can do x-rays or other testing if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

It sounds like she should be examined by a vet to determine the source of her pain. She could have neck or back pain, arthritis, abdominal pain, etc. and your vet should be able to localize the pain and decide the best way to treat. She may need an anti-inflammatory and your vet can prescribe. Do not use any human OTC pain relievers as they can be toxic to dogs.

May sounds quite uncomfortable! A hunched back stance and trembling can often occur with some back conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), discospondylitis or fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). May should be examined by her vet and assessed for the presence of neurological deficits as well as the location of the pain, as this will help to guide her treatment. Until you are able to take May to her vet, keep her confined to a very small room with no furniture or to a crate. She should not be running, jumping, or playing because this could exacerbate any back condition or injury. Do not give her any medication - there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lucy. She needs to see her veterinarian today. I am concerned that she may experiencing neck or back pain. It is common in small breed dogs and can be excruciatingly painful. It starts as a reluctance to walk or move, the dog will avoid stairs and is hesitant to jump on furniture. It is common for the appetite to be decreased and the dog to pant and shake. It can progress to weakness or even paralysis of a limb. So it is best to address it as soon as possible if this is the cause of her symptoms. In the meantime, keep her very quiet and carry her when she needs to move. I hope this information helps you and Lucy. Good luck!

Poor Grace! If you can't find an obvious cause for anxiety, it's best to have her checked out for pain as pain can make pets behavior this way as well. Pain can be in many forms including back pain, pain from the pancreas or bladder pain. Since she can't talk and tell you why she is acting this way, it's best to play it safe. Try to keep her quiet and keep the house quiet and non-stimulating and pay close attention to her eating/drinking/bathroom habits until you get her in for her exam. I hope she starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Princess. It sounds like she is in pain. Rest her tonight. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to potty on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. In the morning, have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!