Why is my puppy tucking ears, cowering, restless, and clingy?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Your description sounds most suspicious of generalized anxiety. There may have been something that spooked your dog recently to cause the behavior change, making him want to be near you all the time and causing him to seek reassurance. However, given his breed, it's also possible that he's just got too much pent-up energy - many high energy breeds can develop either anxiety or boredom if they aren't given an outlet for their energy and a way to tire themselves out. I recommend making sure your dog has a way to RUN his energy off daily. (with his breed and age, a walk probably won't cut it). You can take him running, or if he's ball motivated, throwing a ball is a great option to get him running. Fenced in dog parks are good options too. If tiring him out doesn't help reduce his clingy behaviors, I recommend consulting your vet and having them do a physical exam and likely some screening bloodwork. Sometimes panting, whining, and being generally clingy are the dog's way of telling us that something's not right, which can be the first sign of a disease or health problem. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be signs of some form of trauma that is causing her pain or discomfort. I do not think that you damaged her hearing. It would be a good idea to have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. It is important to check her for any signs of pain or an internal injury that she could have suffered when she was outside. Good luck! I really hope that she does well!

If only Cooper could talk! This type of behavior could be related to something like anxiety or to pain/discomfort. I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian who will check for evidence of pain on the physical exam. They may also check a urine sample or the anal glands as well. Since he can't talk, it's best to play it safe. Best of luck.

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.

Poor guy. Unfortunately it sounds like Cooper has an ear infection that will require a vet visit, especially if he won't let you touch his ear. The vet can prescribe some pain medication (if requested) to help calm him enough where it will allow you treat his ears at home. The vet also has to prescribe some ear medication and cleaner once they test his ears to determine what kind of infection is present. Most ear infections respond well to treatment within 7 days. I would recommend just leaving them be for now, until you can get Cooper in to the vet. I wish you all the best with your pet Cooper and I hope that his ear infections resolves soon! Take care.

It's possible something may have startled your puppy, however if he is whimpering or appearing very agitated it could indicate an issue such as pain or illness causing him to feel unwell. If the problem persists or you see other signs of illness, it is best to seek veterinary care ASAP as very young puppies can become very ill quickly.

Cooper needs to be examined by the veterinarian. It sounds something is wrong and something is hurting him. Not being able to walk well is very worrisome. Although the pain could be anywhere, lesions in the neck/spine or pancreatitis could account for this behavior. Both of these conditions need treatment and this should be sooner rather than later. Copper needs a physical exam to begin figuring out what is going on. He needs the correct diagnosis so that he gets the correct treatment. Have him examined today.