How do you tell if dogs back is hurt? Surprising Answer

3 Common Causes of Dog Back Pain

There are many reasons a dog may be suffering from back pain. Common causes of dog back pain include old age, spinal injury, and diseases such as Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD).

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a condition that over time causes damage and degradation to your dog’s spinal cord. IVDD can cause pain over time and can be set off from one wrong move that could cause rupture to a disk. While this tends to be more common in longer spine dogs such as Dachshunds and Corgis, many breeds can be affected by it especially dogs that are overweight. IVDD flareups are not uncommon and a dog may experience them multiple times.

The most common cause of dog back pain is IVDD although bulging disks and spinal trauma can cause spinal pain as well. If you are not sure what is causing this pain it is always recommended to seek further information on the underlying cause from your Veterinarian.

but unlike us, they can’t tell anyone about it – while acute back pain can be easy to pick, chronic back pain often goes unnoticed.

Dogs with acute back pain appear stiff and often yelp when moving or being touched. They can also tremble, pant and seem unsteady on their legs. Chronic back pain on the other hand may only show up as talking more time than usual to get comfortable.

How do you tell if dogs back is hurt?

Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain in Dogs

It is not always easy to recognize when your dog is suffering from an aching back, but there are some distinct symptoms you can look out for that mean your dog is uncomfortable. Here are the most common signs that your dog has hurt their back:

  • Muscle Spasms/Shaking
  • Stiffness or walking in a hunched position
  • Barking or crying when their back is touched
  • Increased sign of weakness or lethargy
  • Lack of control or coordination
  • Noticeable changes in mood or personality
  • Signs of limping or dragging
  • Visual trauma that can be seen, such as scratch marks, bruising.
  • Alleviating your dog’s back pain is crucial to keep them comfortable. The first step towards treating your dog’s spine is determining the underlying cause.

    If you are looking to help your pet with their aching back, the first thing to do is take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Once you know the underlying cause of their pain, you and your Vet will be able to form a plan that will work best to treat the soreness and overall cause.

    This may mean your dog will need surgery depending on the root cause. After surgery, your dog may need medication and rehab therapy in certain cases and maybe put on crate rest to not further agitate their back and allow for healing.

    Dog spinal disc problems: the initial consult