My Doberman won't sit, whines, and hasn't pooped. Is he in pain?

This sounds like he’s in pain. He could have back pain from a bulging intervertebral disc, or be constipated, or have hip pain. This sounds serious so I recommend a veterinary exam soon. With bloat they look bloated and they go from fine to very distressed in a few hours and then it’s life threatening. If this has been going on longer without a swollen abdomen then bloat is less likely. Regardless, he’s in pain and needs veterinary care. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Bo. Three things in particular that I would be concerned about- back or abdominal pain and anal gland problems. A common back problem that we see frequently involves the intervertebral discs which are between the vertebrae. This can range from the disc bulging against the spinal cord or a rupture of the disc. Dogs often pace, move cautiously and slowly, seem painful, can't get comfortable for any amount of time, etc. Back problems can also be due to soft tissue problems such as a muscle strain, other inflammation, infection, etc. Abdominal pain can mimic this same presentation even with a lack of clinical signs. This could be due to intestinal cramping, pancreatitis, kidney pain, or problems with any of the organs in the abdomen. I'm mostly suspicious of a back problem. I would advise keeping a very close eye on Bo. If this condition persists, worsens, or other signs develop then I would have him evaluated immediately. If you notice that he is getting weaker, seems uncoordinated, starts walking on the top of his back paws, becomes paralyzed in the rear legs then get him seen immediately. These signs would mean that he is having some significant pressure on his spinal cord. Anal gland problems range from enlargement to inflammation to infection of the glands. Clinical signs are often vague like this. Your vet can gather a history, perform an examination, and then make a diagnostic/treatment plan based on their findings. Possible tests include fecal/blood/urine tests and x-rays to evaluate the spine and abdomen. Anal glands can be emptied if they are found to be enlarged and painful. Treatment would be targeted once a diagnosis is made. Good luck with Bo

That sounds like Toby may be in pain or feeling uncomfortable in the hind end or back, especially if he is shaking, seems in distress, and is abruptly sitting or having trouble walking normally. It's a good idea to bring him into your vet for an exam and to have the back checked as back issues are very common in "long" breeds such as Dachshunds. Your vet can help check for any pain, inflammation, swelling, or arthritis that could be potential causes.

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!

Have her physically examined by your veterinarian. An orthopedic exam and x-rays may provide a diagnosis. Arthritis, joint disease or disc disease may be potential causes. In the meantime, restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination. Consider using a harness instead of a collar to prevent stress on her neck.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend having Dorian checked by a vet. It should not be painful for him to have a bowel movement. He may have constipation, parasites, a foreign body or anal gland infection.

This sounds like he has bad back or hip pain. He needs veterinary attention right away. They will prescribe pain medication and may do X-rays to determine if he has hip or spinal arthritis. With treatment he should improve if he was fine before. Sometimes back or arthritis pain is worse after a lot of activity, or from being confined and not being able to move around. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Alfa.