My dog is sluggish, yelps when I touch his back. Should I see a vet?

Poor Gunner! 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

Poor baby. It sounds like he may have injured something. It is common for them to injure their back or neck and act this way. I would have your vet look st him today. Your vet will be able to localize the pain and give him the appropriate pain meds to help him feel better. If it is his lower back, you vet may also prescribe him a stool softener so it is easier for him to have a bowel movement. Your vet will also be able to do X-rays if needed. I do not recommend to give any human pain meds as most of these are toxic to dogs. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

Oh no, poor Zangus! It could be that he injured himself causing him to yelp in pain. Given that tomorrow is Friday and I'm not sure if your vet is open on Saturday, I would rest him tonight and take him into the vet tomorrow for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing him pain so he can be treated. If he isn't acting this way in the morning, then I would monitor him for the next couple of days; should he appear painful again, then take him into the vet. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe Zangus pain medications as needed.

Hello, sorry to hear about Kona. He may be having back or neck pain associated with a disk injury. If you think he is in severe pain then he should be seen immediately by a veterinarian to determine the source of his pain. However if you think he can hold until Monday then he may be able to see his veterinarian when they open up. In the interim, please keep him quiet, rested and exercise restricted. That is no jumping, running, playing, or going up/down stairs. Keep him low to the ground and in his kennel for the next 2-3 weeks. When picking him up, keep him in a horizontal position to decrease pressure on his back and neck. Hope this helps and best of luck.

I would be concerned that Max is suffering from arthritis. Sometimes like with people a patient will act completely normal and than after exercise like a walk be painful. I would recommend restricted activity for 4-5 days and see how he feels. If he is still painful I would take him to a vet for an x-ray of his back and possible starting pain medications. You can try an over the counter glucosamine and chondroitin supplement with helps with joint inflammation and arthritis formation.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ben. He sounds painful with his struggling to move and crying. He could have arthritis, back pain or a muscle strain. If he was particularly playful yesterday or this morning, he may have over done it and be sore now. Back pain is more common in small breed dogs. It is demonstrated by a reluctance to do stairs, jump on furniture or even the inability to properly use a limb. Arthritis tends to be more common in larger dogs. It is usually a gradual slowing down or stiffness, but can be exeracerbated by hard play. Ben will need to see his veterinarian to determine the source of his pain. In the meantime, keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications. I hope this information helps!

Chronic pain in a three year old Yorkie should definitely be investigated more closely by your primary care vet. Back issues are quite common in small breed dogs, usually related to disk disease in the spinal column. This can be verified with an x-ray. Your vet will also be able to perform a thorough orthopedic exam to try and see if the pain is arising from elsewhere. Pain and be treated with various medications, including anti-inflammatories, opioids, and muscle relaxants. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for dogs in these cases is rest them. This means no more jumping, no more running, and no more rough housing for a couple of weeks to allow for any healing that might be needed. I realize this might be frustrating for both Lou and you, but it potentially might be for the best. Let me know if I was helpful and if there is anything else I can do for you.