Why is my dog yelping, falling, and can't move her stiff legs?

Thank younfor submitting your question regarding Oochie. I am worried with the symptoms that you have described. I do recommend that he sees a veterinarian. Small breed dogs are prone to back pain. This can be very painful and cause a dog to yelp, not want to move, be reluctant to do stairs or jump and be less likely to eat. The veterinarian will examine him to determine if this is the case or if there is another issue. In the meantime, carry him if possible and bring food and water to him. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lazy! She does sound very painful! She likely has hurt her back, hips or tail. The fact she cries out when you touch her there and when trying to get up indicates back end pain. Some dogs with anal gland issues or Lyme disease can show similar symptoms. I would have her seen today by your Vet before the weekend. They will very likely on physical exam be able to tell where she hurts. They can then prescribe the correct and safest medications for her condition. I hope this helps and I wish Lazy a speedy recovery!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lacey. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. Small breed dogs are prone to neck and/or back pain. It can present as yelping. Her veterinarian will carefully examine her to determine if she is painful. If so, x-rays may be needed. In the meantime, keep her quiet and carry her as much as possible. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Poor Daisy Mae! This sounds like a very serious problem - she needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, so please take her in today for an exam. It sounds like she may have a neurologic problem of some kind, but will need a full exam and potentially some diagnostic testing such as blood work and x-rays to help determine what's wrong.

Poor Belle! It sounds like she injured herself when she jumped off the couch, and she could have hurt her back, hips, or back legs. It is concerning she is not moving, and that tells me she is likely in a lot of pain. Because of that, I advise you to take her into a vet today. You do not want her to stay in pain, and unfortunately you cannot give her any human pain medications. Many are toxic to dogs, and can be fatal if given. Having her seen by a vet today is in her best interest. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ben. He sounds painful with his struggling to move and crying. He could have arthritis, back pain or a muscle strain. If he was particularly playful yesterday or this morning, he may have over done it and be sore now. Back pain is more common in small breed dogs. It is demonstrated by a reluctance to do stairs, jump on furniture or even the inability to properly use a limb. Arthritis tends to be more common in larger dogs. It is usually a gradual slowing down or stiffness, but can be exeracerbated by hard play. Ben will need to see his veterinarian to determine the source of his pain. In the meantime, keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Poe. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She sounds painful based on your description. It is common for small breed dogs to experience back pain which can lead to lameness in the hind end. Joint pain can cause similar signs. Of course, an unknown traumatic event could have occurred as well. Her veterinarian will examine her and determine if pain medications or x-rays are needed. Keep her quiet in the meantime to allow her body to rest. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!