My dog yelps when jumping or playing. Could it be back pain?

It might be that her back or neck is sore. Try to prevent her from jumping, running, or playing tug of war/roughhousing for a few days. If it’s not getting better in the next 2-3 days, take him in to the vet. If he’s getting worse, or develops other symptoms, don’t wait to take him in. Please don’t give him any human over the counter pain medications. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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.

To me this sounds like Echo is likely in some degree of pain. A change in activity is often a sign of pain. Most dogs don't actively whine or complain when they are uncomfortable or painful. If back or neck pain is present a dog won't always limp. This article discusses other signs of pain: https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-signs-your-pet-is-in-pain/ I'd recommend taking Echo to see a veterinarian to be examined. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs so you will need to have medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Until you can get to your veterinarian I'd suggest making sure Echo stays rested - don't allow running, jumping, or stair use. Thanks for using PetCoach and I hope Echo's issue resolves quickly!

Chronic pain in a three year old Yorkie should definitely be investigated more closely by your primary care vet. Back issues are quite common in small breed dogs, usually related to disk disease in the spinal column. This can be verified with an x-ray. Your vet will also be able to perform a thorough orthopedic exam to try and see if the pain is arising from elsewhere. Pain and be treated with various medications, including anti-inflammatories, opioids, and muscle relaxants. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for dogs in these cases is rest them. This means no more jumping, no more running, and no more rough housing for a couple of weeks to allow for any healing that might be needed. I realize this might be frustrating for both Lou and you, but it potentially might be for the best. Let me know if I was helpful and if there is anything else I can do for you.

I agree that Bow seems to be in pain. Although the injury could be anywhere in his body, the big concern with his breed is an injury to the neck or spine. With their long bodies, Dachshunds are prone to back injuries. I recommend to have him seen by his veterinarian who will palate the neck, spine and legs to determine what area is injured. They will also try to determine if it is a soft tissue injury or related to the bones. Until you see the doctor, Bow must have strict exercise restriction. Do not allow him to do any more jumping, no running, no stairs, no walks and outside on a leash only. You must be cautious with a potential back issue as it can have serious consequences. I hope you find this helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions. I hope he starts feeling better quickly!

It sounds like your dog has a problem with her back as that is a common sign of back pain. Dogs are usually reluctant to jump because it causes pain. Your vet can check her for back pain and then prescribe medications to help. She may need an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxer, and/or pain medications to help. Also, it would be a good idea to restrict her activity for a few weeks, no running, jumping, etc. Hope she feels better soon!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bundy. Has he been assessed for neck and/or back pain? This is common in small breed dogs. Symptoms can include a reluctance to move, jump or do stairs. Many walk with a hunched posture and will yelp when being picked up. The most common condition causing this pain is known as intervertebral disc disease. I would ask his veterinarian if this is a possibility. I hope this information helps!