My 10-year-old dog yelps when touched on back. Is it arthritis?

It sounds like Max could be painful - he may have injured himself when exercising this evening. If he still seems painful in the morning I'd recommend seeing your vet for an exam. If he seems very lethargic or painful you may want to see a veterinarian tonight - they can determine whether or not he is painful and prescribe safe pain medication to keep him comfortable overnight.

I am not sure how old your pet is but if there are no external punctures or rashes to be found, then it is possible that his bones are the source of pain. Arthritis is the number one reason for pain in the lower back and hip area. Also the armpit area is the shoulder, which is another source of arthritic pain. If he is a younger dog than some inflammation of the bone is possible (i.e. Hypertrophic Osteopathy or Hypertrophic Osetodystrophy, Degenerative joint disease). All of these conditions are diagnosed with a radiograph that your vet can perform in the hospital. If your pet is older you can try some joint supplements to see if this makes a difference. My top brands are Dasuquin and Cosequin.

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.

It could be arthritis but it could also be a soft tissue injury or something else entirely. I can't really say much just based on one yelp. Where on his body were you touching when he yelped? His head? Could be an ear problem. His neck or back? Could be a soft tissue injury or arthritis. I don't suggest you do anything but keep him calm, warm and comfortable. Minimize activity so he doesn't continue to aggravate the situation and just get him to the vet when you can especially if he continues to cry out like he is in pain. Over the counter medications are really not recommended and can cause more problems if you don't know what you are treating.

He may have arthritis in his spine that is causing the issue. You should have him examined by a vet in person so that they can help you figure out what is going on. Flinching and shaking means he is in pain so it would be best to get him some help.

At 15 years old she could definitely have a medical issue going on. I suspect she may have some arthritis in her spine and hips/back legs which is why she is seeming sensitive on her back and limping on the hind limbs. I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam and to get some medication to help with the arthritis (if that is what is going on). We cannot diagnose over the internet of course I cannot tell you 100% for sure what is going on without examining her myself. That is why you need your local vet to help you figure out what is going on and how best to treat her. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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.