My dog is slow, tail tucked, and stretching. Could it be stomach pain?

This position can be a sign of a stomach ache or abdominal pain. This can be from many things including constipation, an intestinal blockage, stomach ulcer etc. please monitor if she’s eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally. If not then please bring her in for an exam. They will check her over to see if they can find the reason for these symptoms, and may recommend abdominal X-rays and lab tests. Once they have a diagnosis then they can start the appropriate treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.

Check your dog's abdomen by pressing gently into the sides of his belly. If it is [bloated](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/bloating-in-dogs/), hard or feels like a drum, then you need to [take him to your veterinarian](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit) or a veterinary ER right away. This pacing and not being comfortable can be a sign of abdominal pain or [stomach upset](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-treat-your-dogs-upset-stomach). If this does not subside or if your dog has additional symptoms, he needs to be seen by a vet right away.

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!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Princess. It sounds like she is in pain. Rest her tonight. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to potty on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. In the morning, have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

Poor guy. Stomach upset is a possible cause; however, with such vague symptoms of being uncomfortable and decreased appetite, there are other potential internal issues. I notice that he is intact also, so a prostate issue could also cause a sudden pain response and decreased appetite as well. If he does not seem to be improving on his own within the next 1-2 days, then it is best to get him fully examined by your veterinarian for any other sources of his pain (prostate, joints, etc). I hope that your furry friend feels better soon! Best wishes and take care.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dan. He could be holding his tail down because he has pain in his lower back or hips. Holding his head down slightly can also be a sign of spinal pain. 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. I hope this helps!

Poor Phoebe! Shaking like this is a common sign of pain in dogs, especially when there is no other obvious reason (such as fear or cold) for her to be doing this. Many dogs who have back pain due to a herniated disc or other problem act very much like this, so this would be my first suspicion based on your description. She could also be uncomfortable due to abdominal pain, or some other injury that is not visible from the outside. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam today if possible - he/she can do x-rays or other testing if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.