My senior dog is shaking, limping, and grunting. Is she in pain?

Sasha is so cute, but I'm sorry she's doing poorly! If she is limping, she is breathing heavily, trembling, and panting a lot, this can be a sign she is in pain. This would explain why she couldn't even go up the the stairs. If she's finally laying down and isn't showing any of this signs you described in your post, I would keep an eye on her for now and make an appointment for her with the vet in the morning. Now if these symptoms you are describing are continuing, then I think having her seen by a vet now would be best. In this case, please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

It sounds like Eve is in pain. She could have torn or strained a ligament in her leg. Given that this has been ongoing for a couple of days, it's time to see the vet. I'd take her into a vet now to get checked out. Best of luck.

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Nala's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. Unfortunately, without further diagnostics, it is not possible to know for sure what this may be. Anti-inflammatory medications may help. I recommend that you have her reevaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

It sounds like poor Laika is in a lot of pain. It could be that her arthritis has flared up, but there could be something else wrong such as a strained or torn ligament. Because she sounds so painful, the best thing to do is have her seen by a vet right away. The vet can diagnose what is causing her pain, and can treat her for it. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. My advice is to take her into a vet now. Good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor girl. It could be the meloxicam is no longer enough for her pain, and she may need an additional pain medication or an increase in dosage. She does sound painful to me. Rest her as much as possible tonight, and then take her into the vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!

It's possible there is still some underlying pain, or even an internal issue causing Nala's symptoms. You didn't mention if any tests had been done beyond a basic exam, so getting bloodwork, X-rays, etc may be a good next step for figuring out the cause of her problems. If your vet can't find anything, seeking out a second opinion or a specialist may be another step. You've listed Nala as ten years old, so she is well into her senior years as well. Older dogs can sometimes suffer incontinence and brain changes as they age which can sometimes cause the symptoms you are seeing. Medication and prescription diets can sometimes address this, as well as lifestyle changes at home. However, if Nala is truly feeling unwell, or completely listless, speaking with your vet about quality of life is best.

Poor Luna! Because she is 8 or 9, my first thought is that she may be suffering from arthritis. That would cause her pain, and from your description, it sounds like she is painful. It could also be that she injured herself. Arthritis is common in older dogs. I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from arthritis, and can give her some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving her glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjunction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from her symptoms. Give her vet a call today to make an appointment. Best of luck!