My old dog wanders, tail tucked, can't lie down. Is he in pain?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Jack does not feel well. These could all be signs of discomfort or pain. However, those signs are rather non-specific and while I agree with you that something is likely wrong with him, further work-up would be needed to know what is causing him to be unwell. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. Likely diagnostics include bloodwork and radiographs if he appears to be in discomfort. Good luck and I hope he does well!

That sounds like Toby may be in pain or feeling uncomfortable in the hind end or back, especially if he is shaking, seems in distress, and is abruptly sitting or having trouble walking normally. It's a good idea to bring him into your vet for an exam and to have the back checked as back issues are very common in "long" breeds such as Dachshunds. Your vet can help check for any pain, inflammation, swelling, or arthritis that could be potential causes.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dan. He could be holding his tail down because he has pain in his lower back or hips. Holding his head down slightly can also be a sign of spinal pain. 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. I hope this helps!

I'm so sorry to hear Jack is so sick. There are many reasons for these signs including infection, trauma, orthopedic issues, digestive issues, and internal organ problems so Jack really needs to see a veterinarian so he can be examined. An veterinary examination will help reveal what is the cause of his discomfort and he can be started on the appropriate pain medication. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs so you will need to have these prescribed by a veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Jack is on the mend soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Jack! Jack is obviously painful! Beagles commonly get slipped disks in their backs and suffer from back and neck pain. The symptoms you are describing occur with back or neck pain. It is best to have Jack seen by a Vet. I treat back pain with strict rest, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and pain medications. I do not recommend starting human medications as they might interfere with your vet's choice of medications. I hope this helps and I wish Jack the best!

In an old dog, my primary suspicion is that he is suffering from arthritis. It is quite common for old dogs to get varying degrees of arthritis. This can be helped with medication and some physical therapy. In order to get the best treatment you would have to take Jack to a veterinarian. The veterinarian will ensure that Jack doesn't have any other injuries or conditions causing him to limp. Considering he seems to have a significant decrease in activity, it's best to take him to the vet within the next day or two. Decreased activity can also indicate other, more serious problems like heart disease or anemia, so it's best to get him evaluated by a vet as soon as possible to ensure it's nothing serious. I hope that helps and Jack gets better soon.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Jess! The most common cause for a limp or down tail and decreased activity is back pain. Back pain can be from a slipped disk or a muscle strain or sprain. They tend to hurt and thus do not want to play or jump up or do stairs. Pain also affects the appetite. I highly recommend a Vet visit today as it is Friday. The vet should be able to elicit back pain on exam. I treat with anti-inflammatories, pain medications, muscle relaxants and strict rest. I wish Jess the best!