Why does my dog squeal when I pet him? Could he be hurt or in pain?

If only Oscar could talk! It's possible something is hurting him but anxiety (related to something painful that he associates with petting) could also be the cause. Since he can't talk and explain, I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian. This is the best way to know if he is in pain or if it's behavioral. I hope this helps.

It's possible that he has some back or neck pain. This is one of the more common causes of sudden yelps of pain that don't seem related to anything specific. It does sound like Oreo is likely having some pain, so I would recommend that you take him in to see your veterinarian today if at all possible. They will do a physical exam and determine whether he's painful and try to localize the cause better. They can send him with some medications to make him more comfortable and may recommend other treatments as well (acupuncture, therapeutic laser, etc). Until you can get him in to see your vet, avoid giving him any over the counter human pain medication, as there is not a safe option to use and giving something like aspirin at home will limit the choices your vet has to treat his pain when you take him in. Also, until you can get him in for an exam, keep him exercise restricted; don't take him on walks, don't encourage "tug or war," chasing a ball, or other play. I hope that helps you! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I’m sorry to hear that Louie is uncomfortable. Sensitivity of one of the back legs can be caused by many things including a soft tissue strain or sprain, arthritis of the hip or radiating back pain, a bite wound from another dog or even an insect bite. If he is improving a little with time I would give him the weekend to rest but if not resolving by Monday have his veterinarian evaluate him. Keep an eye on the area for swelling, redness, wetness (from licking or a wound). These signs or worsening discomfort may be indications to have him seen sooner. I hope Louie is feeling better ASAP!

Poor Baby! It definitely sounds like she's painful somewhere. In my experience, the most common cause of yelping or yipping when touched or petted is back pain, often due to a herniated disc - this is a fairly common problem in dogs. She could also be painful due to some other injury to her legs or back. I would recommend having her examined by a vet as soon as you are able to - he/she can do a thorough exam to help localize the source of the pain, and may also do x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem.

Jojo could be just a little more anxious right now since there is so much going on in the household. On the other hand, he could be hurting somewhere like his neck/back. I would rest him and see if he continues to act painful. When you go to pick him up, make sure you don't startle him as this can also cause them to yelp. If he continues to act painful, I would have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to do a thorough orthopedic and spinal exam to localize the pain. Your vet will also be able to do x-rays if needed. I hope this helps!

It could be arthritis but it could also be a soft tissue injury or something else entirely. I can't really say much just based on one yelp. Where on his body were you touching when he yelped? His head? Could be an ear problem. His neck or back? Could be a soft tissue injury or arthritis. I don't suggest you do anything but keep him calm, warm and comfortable. Minimize activity so he doesn't continue to aggravate the situation and just get him to the vet when you can especially if he continues to cry out like he is in pain. Over the counter medications are really not recommended and can cause more problems if you don't know what you are treating.

Please have him assessed urgently for injury and inflammation by your vet. Fractures, dislocations, spinal disk disease and abscesses are just some of the possible causes of pain. He should receive urgent pain assessment and medications to help relieve his discomfort and suffering