Why is my dog suddenly slow and whimpering when I pick him up?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Gage! I would worry that Gage has hurt his back or neck. This is how they tend to act. They also don’t jump up in furniture like normal and avoid the stairs. They cry when touched, picked up or move. I would take him in to your vet today before the holiday for an exam. I treat neck and back pain with anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and pain medications. I wish Gage a speedy recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Blue! Common causes of pain when small dogs are picked up are: neck and back pain for forelimb pain. If this is new and he is also jumping up less, shivering or tremoring and not using the stairs I would take him in to the Vet this week for an exam as that indicates pain. Other reasons for crying when picked up is arthritis or being scared or surprised. So try to go slowly and gently if he is otherwise acting normal. Good luck!

Sorry to here that Kemo is having some troubles. There are many things that can cause pain in dogs. Some of them include trauma, degenerative diseases, inflammatory conditions, spinal issues, cancers, clotting disorders, and some others that are less common. In a small breed dog of about six years, my top two differentials would be some sort of traumatic event (that could have happened when you were not around) or an issue with the back. Many times when dogs are lifted and they yelp, it is a spinal problem causing some pretty severe discomfort. If you have ever had back pain yourself, you know just how uncomfortable this can be. Based on the severity and progression of the problems, I would say that Kemo definitely needs a visit to the vet sometime soon. They will be able to perform a thorough physical, and based on the findings, determine if x-rays are warranted. They will be able to target what part of the body requires x-rays. There are many medications available to treat inflammatory conditions and trauma, as well as pain associated with the back and spine. I hope you are able to work through things with your vet to resolve Kemo's pain.

I hate to hear this is happening to Harley. Back pain can be severe and debilitating. The fact that he suddenly can't use the back legs is extremely worrisome and could indicate an emergency situation! Back pain and paralysis can signify a compressed disc or a disc that is pushing on the spinal cord. This is very worrisome because these pets can experience a sudden paralysis that requires surgery. These pets can end up suddenly paralyzed and this can even happen if they have surgery. I recommend to have Harley examined by the veterinarian today. These pets are often given anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs or steroids), muscle relaxants, pain control and STRICT rest so no walks, running, jumping, stairs. Crate rest is best. This could last for up to 8 weeks. Sometimes acupuncture or other therapy is also required. Play it safe and have him examined today. I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry to hear about Jagger. This could be a few different things but I am particularly concerned about a back injury. (Other soft tissue and arthritis conditions are possible too.) Though it's probably not a true emergency, I would get him in to the vet as soon as possible for an evaluation and for some safe pain medication. I do NOT recommend any over the counter pain medications as they are neither safe, nor very effective in dogs. (Plus, some will interfere with the medication your vet will want to prescribe.). For now, keep Jagger kenneled or closely supervised and no running, jumping, wrestling, or stairs until you get him evaluated. If any more concerning signs arise (loss of appetite, tremors, seizures, dragging a back leg/legs, etc), head to the emergency vet immediately. Best wishes to you and Jagger.

This episodes could be due to spinal pain that can give intermittent signs when a nerve is ''impinged''. Typically dynamic intervertebral disc extrusion can cause this presentation. If it was just a soft tissue injury (strained muscle) usually with rest and some anti-inflammatories the signs can recede in about a week time. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Poor Bodie. Sometimes when they are showing these odd signs, they are in pain. It could be his neck or back hurting. Since this is so unusual for him, I would have your vet do a thorough exam on him to help figure out what is causing this weird behavior before it gets any worse. Nausea is possible by I would excpect excessive licking of the lips or drooling excessively and not willin to eat much. If you think it could be anxiety, you could try acalming collar like adaptil. I hope this helps!