My chihuahua yelps when touched and can't lift his head. What's wrong?

Sorry to here that Kemo is having some troubles. There are many things that can cause pain in dogs. Some of them include trauma, degenerative diseases, inflammatory conditions, spinal issues, cancers, clotting disorders, and some others that are less common. In a small breed dog of about six years, my top two differentials would be some sort of traumatic event (that could have happened when you were not around) or an issue with the back. Many times when dogs are lifted and they yelp, it is a spinal problem causing some pretty severe discomfort. If you have ever had back pain yourself, you know just how uncomfortable this can be. Based on the severity and progression of the problems, I would say that Kemo definitely needs a visit to the vet sometime soon. They will be able to perform a thorough physical, and based on the findings, determine if x-rays are warranted. They will be able to target what part of the body requires x-rays. There are many medications available to treat inflammatory conditions and trauma, as well as pain associated with the back and spine. I hope you are able to work through things with your vet to resolve Kemo's pain.

It's possible that he has some back or neck pain. This is one of the more common causes of sudden yelps of pain that don't seem related to anything specific. It does sound like Oreo is likely having some pain, so I would recommend that you take him in to see your veterinarian today if at all possible. They will do a physical exam and determine whether he's painful and try to localize the cause better. They can send him with some medications to make him more comfortable and may recommend other treatments as well (acupuncture, therapeutic laser, etc). Until you can get him in to see your vet, avoid giving him any over the counter human pain medication, as there is not a safe option to use and giving something like aspirin at home will limit the choices your vet has to treat his pain when you take him in. Also, until you can get him in for an exam, keep him exercise restricted; don't take him on walks, don't encourage "tug or war," chasing a ball, or other play. I hope that helps you! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It sounds like Chuck potentially has some neck pain. This could be due to many different issues, but most common would be a slipped disc. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. If he is really painful then he should be treated by and emergency clinic veterinarian tonight. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

It sounds like Rott may be in pain. He could have a problem with his back or hips. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Poor baby. It sounds like he may have injured something. It is common for them to injure their back or neck and act this way. I would have your vet look st him today. Your vet will be able to localize the pain and give him the appropriate pain meds to help him feel better. If it is his lower back, you vet may also prescribe him a stool softener so it is easier for him to have a bowel movement. Your vet will also be able to do X-rays if needed. I do not recommend to give any human pain meds as most of these are toxic to dogs. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly neck or back pain. It could still be pain associated with a leg even if nothing seems wrong with them. I recommend that you have Chico evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make Chico feel better. In the meantime, reduce his activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good night!

It does sound suspicious that Gunner hurt his back. He could have pulled a back muscle or even slipped a disc. He also sounds like he is in a fair amount of pain. I would take Gunner in to see the vet tomorrow for pain medication and an exam. The doctor may recommend to do an x-ray to look at his back. Make sure to keep Gunner's activity level very restricted. The more he moves, the longer it will take to heal. I hope this helps!