My dog is sore, has an arched back, and tail tucked. What's wrong?

I think he should be seen by a vet. An arched back can be caused by pain, which could be in the muscle, bone or spine, or belly. Belly pain could be from inflammation of a major organ or from something they ingested (like a food intolerance or a foreign body). After physical examination, the vet may recommend x-rays or ultrasound to see what is going on inside the abdomen, and/or bloodwork to look values of major organs like kidneys and liver. Then once they have a better idea of the cause of Kody's symptoms, they can discuss treatments.

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!

I would be concerned about back pain. Without a complete physical examination it is difficult to say what is causing the pain but with a hunched back it is typically back or belly pain. I would recommend a visit to your veterinarian and they can distinguish where the pain is and if x-rays are need or just medication. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm sorry to hear that Mayhem hasn't been feeling well. The signs that you describe - reluctance to use stairs, pain on manipulation of the tail, not pooping (likely due to pain while posturing/squatting), lethargy, and a decreased appetite - are all most suspicious for a sign of back pain. This could be a result of a soft tissue injury while playing, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE), among others. Regardless of the cause, it sounds as though Mayhem is quite painful and would greatly benefit from an urgent trip to the vet for an exam and pain medications. Do not give any pain medications at home (including aspirin), and only give medications prescribed by his vet as most human pain medications are not safe for use in dogs. I hope that he feels better soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Jess! The most common cause for a limp or down tail and decreased activity is back pain. Back pain can be from a slipped disk or a muscle strain or sprain. They tend to hurt and thus do not want to play or jump up or do stairs. Pain also affects the appetite. I highly recommend a Vet visit today as it is Friday. The vet should be able to elicit back pain on exam. I treat with anti-inflammatories, pain medications, muscle relaxants and strict rest. I wish Jess the best!

Poor Axle! This definitely sounds like a neck or back injury. They can tweak their back from running too fast or turning/jumping the wrong way. This could be an inflamed intervertebral disc or a pulled muscle. I would strictly confine him for a week. I would also have your vet check him out to confirm this is the problem. Your vet will be able to get him started on some pain anti-inflammatory meds to help heal his injury and make him feel better. If he looks like he is labored breathing, his gums are not pink, or he is walking really wobbly (drunk walking), then I would take him to the emergency clinic as This could be a serious problem and need to be addressed immediately. I hope this helps and that sweet baby starts to feel better soon.

Usually with constipation they will try to go to the bathroom but nothing will come out - and they are straining (pushing hard). it doesn't sound like the issue to me. It is more likely that she got injured somehow while you were gone like jumping down off the couch or something similar. They will often do this and get a sore back. I suggest you get her to your vet for an exam - if she did injure her back the vet can give you some medication to help her feel better.