What do you do when your dog yelps for no reason? Here’s the Answer

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Why Dogs Yelp, Cry or Shake Suddenly

  • Acute pain is the cause of most yelping ‘for no reason’
  • The majority of unexplained cases have neck or back pain
  • It can happen when moving, when touched or even while sleeping
  • Some of these dogs are at risk of IVDD

    • I’m sorry about the comic picture above. Yelping is no laughing matter. Dogs can go on for years before their suffering is recognised.

    This is Chi Chi. I don’t expect you to see it yet, but this dog is clearly in terrible pain. At home he would suddenly yelp without obvious reason, and shake all over. An internet search didn’t give the right answer, so let’s set the record straight…

    Why Dogs Yelp When Touched Or Moved

    A dog that yelps without an obvious reason usually has neck or back pain. Almost all other causes of yelping show extra symptoms such as limping or a poor appetite.

    It’s hardest to tell spinal pain from abdominal pain. Back pain often causes obvious referred pain to the abdomen, with a very tight, hard and painful belly. The clue is that dogs with spinal pain usually eat normally, as miserable and lethargic as they are. Dogs with abdominal pain are usually off their food.

    Two other conditions that cause yelping might be sometimes also occur. The first is a severe ear infection. These dogs have ‘got used’ to the pain but if you brush the side of the head they yelp.

    Dog Yelps When Picked Up – Possible Reasons Why

    Dogs are quite vocal, using a variety of sounds to communicate with us. One of those sounds is a yelp, which can often sound like your dog is in pain or afraid. That’s why it can be concerning when your dog yelps when picked up. Here are the most common reasons a dog will let out a cry when handled:

  • Excitement: That’s right! It could be a positive reaction. Look for a wagging tail and their tongue coming out of their mouth. Your dog may be happy to get attention from you.
  • Scared: Your dog may react with surprise if suddenly swooped off the floor. Some dogs don’t like when you dangle them or hold them up high.
  • Pain: Dogs are often good at hiding physical pain, but handling may trigger your pup. If they are experiencing joint or muscle problems, bruises, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, or another sickness, they may yelp.
  • Discomfort: You may be simply holding your dog wrong, making them uncomfortable or agitated.

    • Like us, dogs can become triggered in certain situations. It’s possible your dog experienced something unpleasant or painful the last time someone touched or picked them up. It may also remind them of a previous situation, like a dog attacking them from behind or getting hurt by a rougher child. These experiences can leave your dog triggered when picked up by surprise.

    Shelter dogs often struggle with worries that are trauma-based. If you’ve rescued your dog and have noticed that they seem excessively afraid or nervous, it may be a good idea to reach out to a vet or the shelter you rescued them from for professional medical advice.

    If you suspect that your dog has PTSD (or post-traumatic stress disorder), there are some symptoms to look for that go beyond yelping when picked up.

    Here are some trauma symptoms to look for if your dog yelps when picked up:

  • Urinating or defecating inside the house
  • Howling and barking
  • Whining and whimpering
  • Destructive behavior (i.e., chewing, biting, or digging)
  • Excessive grooming
  • Tucked tail
  • Shaking
  • Panting
  • Overly attached to you and clingy
  • Aggression
  • Lethargic behavior
  • Refusal to eat
  • Appearing paranoid or nervous

    • Remember that tips and tricks are not a replacement for professional medical care. A trained and licensed vet can properly assess and diagnose your pet.

    Dogs don’t want you to worry about them. You’ll often see them wagging their tail even when they are experiencing pain and illness. If your pup seems fine until you touch certain areas on their body, yelps could be a sign of a hidden health problem. This can range from bruises and aches to more serious problems like fractures or other serious sicknesses.

    Worried your dog may be ill or injured? There are many signs to look for if your dog cries out or yelps when picked up. It could be more than just a surprise if you notice these other signs:

  • Aggression: Your dog may start growling or lashing out when people come near them.
  • Lethargy: If your dog no longer wants to play or cuddle, there could be big problems underneath their fur.
  • Excessive Sleeping: Dogs in pain are often exhausted or trying to heal.
  • Limping: This is a sign that your dog has joint pain, fractured bones, or even a spinal cord injury.
  • Excessive Grooming: Your dog may start biting and chewing at a certain area if it’s the source of your dog’s pain.
  • Whining When Touched: If your dog whines when groomed, brushed, or pet, they may be experiencing discomfort.
  • Howling or Barking: Your dog may be more vocal when experiencing pain.
  • Difficulty Eating: Like us, dogs may lose their appetite when in pain. They may also avoid eating if they have dental issues.
  • Panting: Your dog may breathe heavily or start panting when in pain. Shallow breathing can mean it hurts for them to breathe.
  • Shaking: Shaking and trembling can be signs of discomfort. Too much chocolate, for example, can cause muscle tremors.

    • 14 Critical Signs Your Dog Is Begging For Help

    A dog yelp can catch us by surprise, especially if we are just trying to show our pup love or hold them close. You may be wondering why your dog yelps when picked up, especially if you have never heard this reaction before.

    There are many reasons why a dog cries out when picked up, ranging from fear and surprise to pain and injury. It’s important to figure out exactly what is causing your dog to yelp when handled so you can provide them with proper treatment. If your dog has started yelping when picked up, here is what you can do as a dog owner to keep your dog comfortable and healthy when during handling.