My dog yelps and acts scared when picked up. Could she be in pain?

Poor Joey. The two possibilities here are that it hurts or that he scares him when you pick him up. I'd lean towards pain from your description, but keep fear in mind since your vet didn't find any pain. One area pain can "hide" during a physical exam is in the spine or neck - vet's don't always check this area carefully. I would recommend a recheck visit, since it's still going on with no changes to see if anything is different on physical exam this time, and ask if doing a trial of pain meds for around 5 days would be appropriate. If pain meds don't help, experiment with never picking him up to see if that makes him happier. Good luck!

It could be that Sadie is experiencing pain in her hips or spine leading her to yelp when you pick her up. I would have her seen by a vet for this today. The vet can diagnose what is causing her pain so she can be treated. The vet can also prescribe her pain medications as needed. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Blue! Common causes of pain when small dogs are picked up are: neck and back pain for forelimb pain. If this is new and he is also jumping up less, shivering or tremoring and not using the stairs I would take him in to the Vet this week for an exam as that indicates pain. Other reasons for crying when picked up is arthritis or being scared or surprised. So try to go slowly and gently if he is otherwise acting normal. Good luck!

Jojo could be just a little more anxious right now since there is so much going on in the household. On the other hand, he could be hurting somewhere like his neck/back. I would rest him and see if he continues to act painful. When you go to pick him up, make sure you don't startle him as this can also cause them to yelp. If he continues to act painful, I would have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to do a thorough orthopedic and spinal exam to localize the pain. Your vet will also be able to do x-rays if needed. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Lily isn’t feeling well. It sounds like there may be some pain in her neck or back. If there is a pinched nerve in the neck, it will radiate through the whole body and cause discomfort when picking up. I wouldn’t consider it “urgent” but it does sound like she may be in pain and need some medications to help relieve her pain. Please do not give any over the counter medications as they are not safe for pets. Good luck and kisses to Lily!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some dogs feel uncomfortable while being picked up, and you may want to try to be gentle while drying/brushing her. I typically recommend waiting until most dogs are fully dry before brushing. It is important to establish good behavior around people while Muffin is a puppy. You can do this by giving her treats when she is "good" or in situations where she may be somewhat uncomfortable in - for example, while you are picking her up, brushing her, etc. If Muffin starts barking, growling or nipping at a time when she shouldn't, I recommend ignoring her rather than punishing her. I would also be happy to answer any more questions you may have about training Muffin!