Why is my senior beagle hiding, tucking tail, and crying when touched?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Billy. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. Some dogs, Beagles being one of them, are prone to neck and/or back pain. The muscle that lines the spine can spasm. This can be excruciatingly painful for the dog. Some dogs will move and cry out, bark or whine. They can be reluctant to do stairs or jump on/off furniture. Some are hesitant to walk and may stand with a hunched posture. This could be his problem or he may have a separate issue. The veterinarian will carefully examine him and determine how best to treat him. In the meantime, keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

I am so sorry to hear about JR. In a beagle with these symptoms, the most common cause would be interveterbral disk disease, or a slipped disk in the back. Unfortunately beagles or prone to this condition which can vary from mild pain to complete paralysis. Your dog needs an exam to see if this is indeed what is affecting him and receive medication to make him more comfortable, including muscle relaxers, pain medicaiton, and anti-inflammatory medication. Until he is seen, keep him as quiet as possible. No jumping/stairs/rough housing, outside only on leash to go potty, and confine to a crate or small area in your home. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3223

I am so sorry to hear about Josie. I suspect she could be suffering from intervertebral disk disease, or a herniated disk in her spine. This condition is commonly seen in beagles and can cause the symptoms you describe. It can be spontaneous with no known cause. In mild cases we often treat with muscle relaxer, pain medication, and anti-inflammatory medication, which aren't too pricey. I would recommend getting Josie into the vet as soon as possible and until then keep her confined to a small area with no jumping/climbing/running allowed. You can try putting an ice pack (a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel works well) over the sore area on her back for 10-15 minutes every couple hours to help ease her pain but if it causes her distress then stop. You can read more about this condition at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4953012

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!

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!

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lazy! She does sound very painful! She likely has hurt her back, hips or tail. The fact she cries out when you touch her there and when trying to get up indicates back end pain. Some dogs with anal gland issues or Lyme disease can show similar symptoms. I would have her seen today by your Vet before the weekend. They will very likely on physical exam be able to tell where she hurts. They can then prescribe the correct and safest medications for her condition. I hope this helps and I wish Lazy a speedy recovery!