My dog whimpers, won't eat/jump after injury. What should I do?

It sounds like Daddy injured himself jumping up on the bed. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry to hear about Jagger. This could be a few different things but I am particularly concerned about a back injury. (Other soft tissue and arthritis conditions are possible too.) Though it's probably not a true emergency, I would get him in to the vet as soon as possible for an evaluation and for some safe pain medication. I do NOT recommend any over the counter pain medications as they are neither safe, nor very effective in dogs. (Plus, some will interfere with the medication your vet will want to prescribe.). For now, keep Jagger kenneled or closely supervised and no running, jumping, wrestling, or stairs until you get him evaluated. If any more concerning signs arise (loss of appetite, tremors, seizures, dragging a back leg/legs, etc), head to the emergency vet immediately. Best wishes to you and Jagger.

Limping is a sign of pain, and some dogs will have a poor appetite with higher levels of pain. I would recommend that Jax be checked out by a vet to figure out why he is limping (possible bone fracture, muscle sprain, muscle spasm, etc.) so that he can be appropriately treated. Other causes of a poor appetite in a puppy include nausea from dietary intolerance or indiscretion, food allergy, intestinal parasites, GI blockage, gastroenteritis, bacterial or viral infection, among a few others. These can be discussed at the same appointment that is made to have the limp checked out.

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!

Best case scenario, Tizer has a soft tissue injury/muscle sprain for which activity restriction for a week and a dog safe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Rimadyl (carprofen) usually resolves the issue. As a side note, never give a dog Tylenol (acetominophin) or Advil (ibuprofen) because they are toxic to dogs. A far worse scenario, and these usually present as non-weight bearing lameness in a hind leg, Tizer tore or partially tore a crucial ligament (a sedated exam +/- x-rays are usually required to diagnose this. Other less likely possibilities include a bulging intervertebral disc or bone fracture. If he’s still eating, drinking normally, able to pee and poop normally, able to walk without limping and only seems painful when when he gets up, you can either wait until tomorrow or go today and get him pain meds sooner. Good luck!

Poor Odin! 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.

It could be Buster injured himself yesterday, causing the crying and hesitation to jump. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!