My dog won't walk, eat, or drink. What to do if I can't see a vet?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Winston and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. Oh no, this sounds bad. I suspect he is in a lot of pain if he won't eat or drink, and walks really slow. He could also have internal injuries. You cannot treat this at home, he has to see a vet immediately. Leaving him like this would be cruel to him, so please take him into a vet now to get this treated. Best of luck.

Cooper needs to be examined by the veterinarian. It sounds something is wrong and something is hurting him. Not being able to walk well is very worrisome. Although the pain could be anywhere, lesions in the neck/spine or pancreatitis could account for this behavior. Both of these conditions need treatment and this should be sooner rather than later. Copper needs a physical exam to begin figuring out what is going on. He needs the correct diagnosis so that he gets the correct treatment. Have him examined today.

Kanuke does look overweight in the picture, and he could have really hurt himself on the walk. 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.

Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach. I'm sorry that Cheti is not feeling well. I suggest you take him to your vet for an examination. It sounds like he may have hurt his neck and/or back. Even if nothing seemed to have happened while outside he may have just turned his head wrong and pinched a nerve. The other thing that happens sometimes is that dogs start to get arthritis in their spine as they age and that may be acting up. Here is a link to an article about neck/back pain in dogs that may help you: https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/neck-and-back-pain-in-dogs/ There is really no way for me to diagnose him over the internet, however. That is why a vet exam is important. He is obviously in pain and at the very least your vet can prescribe some pain medications for him. Hope this helps. Best wishes and I hope Cheti will be back to his normal self soon!

This sounds like he’s in pain. It can be from arthritis, a knee ligament injury or pain from his back. Arthritis should show up on x rays, and he would be lame on one leg if it’s a cruciate ligament injury. Back pain can be caused by a bulging intervertebral disc and can me difficult to see on x rays. It can cause trouble walking with incoordination. Regardless I would try Tom on pain medication to see if that helps and keep him quiet. No running or jumping and lots of short slow leash walks. Once the pain is controlled he should eat better. If there is no improvement I recommend a rcheck or an exam with a veterinary specialist. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tom.

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!

It sounds like Cooper is painful. It could be a back spasm, a pulled muscle, or something more serious like a bulging disc. If you have any prescribed pain medications for Cooper, you can start that, and make sure he is resting, no running, no jumping, carrying him outside to go potty, etc. You can do gentle massage to help with muscle aches, and if you find a sore area you can use a heating pad on low.