My dog's tail is tucked, legs trembling, won't stand. Is she in pain?

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.

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 submitting your question regarding Maya. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. Neck and back pain are common in small breed dogs. This is very painful and can cause shaking, panting and a reluctance to jump. Her veterinarian can detect this on her exam or another problem if that may be the case. In the meantime, keep her quiet. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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!

It sounds like Bella may be in pain. If she doesn't want to go upstairs, I suspect she may have pain in her back, hips, or hind legs. Rest her tonight, and have her seen by a vet in the morning. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. If she is in pain, thee vet can prescribe her safe pain medication.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly neck or back pain or pain of a different source. It could still be pain associated with a leg even if nothing seems wrong with them. I recommend that you have Pari evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make Pari feel better. In the meantime, reduce her activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good day!

Poor Bow. These symptoms suggest that she either has anxiety from something that scared her or she is having a sudden pain response from somewhere in her body. If the panting episode is continuous and seems labored, she has dulled responses, +/- white or pale gums, or if she seems to be in pain, then I would rush her to the ER vet to have her looked over. However if she is alert, has a normal mentation (aware of her surroundings), panting and shaking are intermittent and not continuous, and if she slowly improves over the next hour as you try to slowly coax her out of her hiding spot, then I would wait it to until morning. Especially if she has a history of anxiety or a recent event (i.e. Thunderstorms, guests over, loud noises, etc) can be seen as a possible cause for her current state. I hope your fur baby is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Hopefully she just got spooked and will return to her normal self after she has time to settle down. Best wishes.