My dog suddenly can't walk. Is it an emergency? What do I do now?

Oh dear! This is a very serious problem - I'm afraid she really has to see a vet right away. She may have a herniated disc in her back causing the paralysis, or some other neurologic problem affecting her spinal cord. She may be in pain, or she may have no feeling at all in her rear legs - it's impossible to say without an exam. She needs immediate treatment to have a reasonable chance of regaining function in her rear legs, I'm afraid there's nothing you can do at home that will help her. If costs are a concern, you can see if there is a low-cost SPCA clinic in your area that could help. You could also apply online for Care Credit, which is a payment plan accepted by most vet clinics: www.carecredit.com

it sounds like she either hurt one of her front legs (and by lowering her head it puts less weight and pressure on the affected leg) or she has a slipped disk injury (cervical slipped disks can affect the head and the limbs at once). If you can't take her to an emergency center or out of hours services let her rest and minimize her movement as much as you can until you can get her to your vet.

This sounds serious and Blue needs to be seen by the veterinarian today. Losing function in the limbs is not normal and can indicate a serious infection, injury to the spinal cord, ingestion of drugs, medication or poisons, or tick paralysis. The veterinarian will start with a physical exam and will likely need some diagnostics. Best of luck.

It sounds like your dog is uncomfortable or painful from some reason. He may have a back injury, a disc problem, or hip problem, or even abdominal pain. Your pet needs to be seen by your vet for an exam, bloodwork, and possibly x-rays to determine the cause for your pet's symptoms and get him stated on treatment.

Poor pup! This sounds like a potentially serious problem, so I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic today to be seen. He may have a neurologic problem of some kind, may have injured himself somehow, or may have ingested something toxic. The ER veterinarian can do a completely neurologic exam and may recommend blood work, x-rays, or other testing if needed to help figure out what's wrong. If you're not sure where to go, try calling your regular vet's office - their voicemail message should have contact information for your nearest ER or an on-call doctor for emergencies.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Phoebe! If Phoebe suddenly is unable to use her rear limbs this is an emergency. I doubt it is from the mass and could be from a slipped disk in her back. This is painful and can have neurologic signs: walking drunk, dragging legs, paresis or paralysis. If she loses deep pain in her legs the prognosis for return of motor function decreases. I recommend that Phoebe go to an emergency hospital or your Vet if open as soon as possible. I hope this helps and I wish Phoebe the best!

If Snoopy isn't able to walk, that's a medical emergency. It sounds like he is in a lot of pain. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him, as many human ones are toxic and can be fatal if given. I would take him into a vet now to get this treated.