My chihuahua is sluggish, not eating, hiding, and seems to be in pain.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rio, it sounds like he may be exhibiting this reaction due to pain. Some pets will display similar behavior if they are experiencing pain of the neck/back, abdomen, or mouth (dental). You are correct that these types of reactions can be due to severe anxiety, but this would most likely not affect his appetite and attitude when people are not interacting with him. I would recommend having him thoroughly evaluated by his veterinarian to see if the pain can be localized. Based on the physical examination findings, additional diagnostics may be recommended (complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis), and treatments can be tailored based on findings.

Poor Little Man. I recommend to have an x-ray to look for evidence of disease in his spine. This sudden pain could come from many things including intervertebral disc disease, discospondylitis, an anal gland infection or a pinched nerve. The x-ray could show evidence of the first two diseases. Discuss start medications like steroids and muscle relaxants with your vet as well. Have the anal glands checked as well. An omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs may also help but will not control the symptoms alone. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor guy. It sounds like he may be painful in his belly or even his joints. This is concerning when a pet is painful and also isn't eating. I would highly recommend that your friend take Peanut to the vet to get him examined. This needs to be looked at closer in order to determine what might be going on here, since so many problems can cause the symptoms he has. I do hope that your friends pet is able to get better soon! Best wishes and take care.

It sounds like something is causing her discomfort. She should really be examined by a vet, if it continues. She could have a problem with her back, neck, or abdomen causing her some pain. Your vet can do a thorough physical examination to localize the problem and then treat. She may need an anti-inflammatory or pain medications. Hope she feels better soon.

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!

Poor Niko! I am not sure if he is still having problems but it sounds like he could be experiencing some pain. He could have back/neck pain or possibly dental disease and pain while eating. Have your vet examine him to determine the cause and treat. He may need an anti-inflammatory and pain medications to help. Hope he is feeling better soon!

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your concern about your dog! It sounds like he is sick or in pain, and given that he needs help getting on his bed, I am wondering if he's in pain. This would cause him to be more lethargic than usual and lose his appetite. Having him seen by a vet today is the best idea, and that's great you already have an appointment! The vet can diagnose what is causing these symptoms, and he can be treated for it. Best of luck, I hope this helps!