Why is my dog yelping in pain when touched? Is it a pulled muscle?

Oh no, poor Pippin! Yes, it is possible that she could have pulled a muscle if she is a little lethargic and yelped when you try to pick her up. I would watch her for the next 24-48 hours. If she still appears painful and lethargic over this time, then I would have her seen by a vet for a health check. Should she develop other signs such as anorexia, vomiting, or diarrhea, then I would have her seen by a vet right away.

It certainly could be a pulled muscle, however usually we don't see those occurring with just normal activity. Confine him to a small space, and take him outside only on a leash and only for potty breaks for 2 - 3 days. Keep him quiet, and if he improves, then it probably was a mild injury like a strain. If not, he'll need to see his vet to determine exactly what happened, and how to treat it.

Poor Baby! It definitely sounds like she's painful somewhere. In my experience, the most common cause of yelping or yipping when touched or petted is back pain, often due to a herniated disc - this is a fairly common problem in dogs. She could also be painful due to some other injury to her legs or back. I would recommend having her examined by a vet as soon as you are able to - he/she can do a thorough exam to help localize the source of the pain, and may also do x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem.

Oh no, poor Zangus! It could be that he injured himself causing him to yelp in pain. Given that tomorrow is Friday and I'm not sure if your vet is open on Saturday, I would rest him tonight and take him into the vet tomorrow for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing him pain so he can be treated. If he isn't acting this way in the morning, then I would monitor him for the next couple of days; should he appear painful again, then take him into the vet. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe Zangus pain medications as needed.

It could be a muscular injury or sprain. I would leave the area alone and monitor for the next few hours, if she seems to be in discomfort best to have her checked over so can get some pain relief . If she is already in quite a bit of pain best to have her checked over sooner rather than later.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your mom's dog. I am glad that she is being seen today as she sounds very painful from your description. If she is a small breed dog, neck or back pain are common sources of pain. The muscles that line the spine can spasm causing the dog intense pain. In worst case scenarios, pressure can be put on the spinal cord resulting in neurological problems. If this is not the case, abdominal pain from GI upset or even constipation could be the source of pain. Her examination should tell the doctor the source of her pain so that treatment recommendations can be made. Keep her very quiet up until her appointment this afternoon. I hope this information helps!

Poor Lily! If she yelps when she is touched in these areas, this is likely a sign that something is painful - even if she doesn't react when you examine her afterwards. She may have a pinched nerve, a herniated or "slipped" disc, or arthritis pain that could be causing her to do this. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam when you are able to - he/she can do x-rays if needed to help determine the problem and can also prescribe pain medication for her to help make her more comfortable.