My senior dog is whimpering and restless after exercise. Is he hurt?

I'm so sorry to hear that Max is having a hard time walking. I would be worried that Max may have some arthritis pain at his age. I am attaching a handout below with more information about pain control options for arthritis. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=587 I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Max and determine what is going on with Max's rear legs and best way to treat him. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and you can figure out how to help Max feel better. Thanks for using PetCoach.

I would be concerned that Max is suffering from arthritis. Sometimes like with people a patient will act completely normal and than after exercise like a walk be painful. I would recommend restricted activity for 4-5 days and see how he feels. If he is still painful I would take him to a vet for an x-ray of his back and possible starting pain medications. You can try an over the counter glucosamine and chondroitin supplement with helps with joint inflammation and arthritis formation.

The walk may have been too much for Benji. 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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Zoey. I suspect she is sore from her long session of fetch on Tuesday. She may have some underlying arthritis that has been aggravated. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian to determine if this is the case. If so, pain medication can be prescribed to keep her more comfortable. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Poor Maxx! He is a handsome boy. In Dachshunds, back problems are very common due to their elongated spine, and he could be painful at his back by his tail, leading to sensitivity when touched around that area. A painful back would keep him from jumping on the couch and whimpering when picked up. I would rest him tonight and tomorrow, no running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead, and bring him right back in when he's done. I would take him into the vet first thing Monday morning for a physical exam and x-rays. The vet can diagnose if he does have a problem with his back, and how best to treat it. Unfortunately, Dachshunds frequently need surgery to repair their back problems. I hope this helps!

Max sounds like he is very ill and he likely has an internal illness or organ malfunction that is causing his overall lethargy, heavy breathing (can be a sign of pain, underlying lung disease, heart disease or infection) and unwillingness to move. This sounds serious and there isn't much you will be able to help him with at home, he needs to be seen by your vet. For an older dog I worry about things that may not be treatable and also major illness that can take its toll if not identified quickly and treated quickly. He likely needs bloodwork analysis and chest radiographs to start. Once his underlying illness has been properly identified then the vet can discuss treatment options with you, if available. I am so sorry that Max is so ill, but the next best thing is to take him in and make a decision concerning his quality of life and likelihood of having a positive outcome with treatment. I wish you all the best and hope that things do work out for your pet Max. Best wishes and take care.

It sounds like poor Max injured himself playing outside. He is in pain because he's limping. 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!