Why is my dog shaking and crying

Updated November 29, 2020

‘At a glance’ (details below)

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

Now dive deeper…

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

Why is my dog shaking and crying

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.

The second is anxiety.

Signs Of Neck or Back Pain

Have a look at Chi Chi again. The first thing to see is that unusual head posture. No matter what, he keeps his head bent down and tries to only move his eyes to look around. This is a classic sign of neck pain.

Back pain is harder to see, but there is usually some degree of back arching. together with a rock-hard abdomen. For both necks and backs, dogs will be reluctant to move and probably not be jumping up at all. Remember, they should be otherwise fine.

Warning: dogs don’t usually yelp while you examine them, so you can easily do a lot of harm without realising. All a vet looks for is the subtle difference in muscle tension between these dogs and normal patients. Here’s why it matters…

The Dangers

Visit our page on back problems and IVDD to see a dog who could easily have died if his owners didn’t react properly. Many cases of spinal pain have unstable intervertebral discs that can rupture into the spinal cord. You need a vet to recognise which ones these are and take immediate action.

Vet care usually starts with a physical, a neurological exam and x-rays. This helps us decide whether your dog:

  1. can be treated just with medicines
  2. also needs cage rest (bed rest)
  3. needs immediate referral to a specialist surgeon

Thankfully, the third choice is the least common. It is necessary when there is a risk of:

  • permanent nerve damage
  • ongoing pain not easily managed by treatment
  • repeated episodes.

Treatment of Neck & Back Pain

Just like spinal pain in people, not all cases are serious. The minimum treatment is good pain control, usually via anti-inflammatories and opiates or gabapentin. Owners are also asked to keep their dogs rested until better, and to use harnesses instead of collars for restraint.

Why is my dog shaking and crying

Pictured is the Perfect Fit harness, which I recommend for these dogs.

Despite Chi Chi’s severe pain, he was suitable for home care and made a full recovery. Only time will tell if his problem will come back, and we’ll be there if it does.

One last thing needs saying: most dogs with unexplained yelping are overweight. Regardless of the cause, quality of life almost always improves if owners can just be strong. Follow this link for positive, non-judgmental advice on weight loss in dogs. You won’t regret it!

Note: Thanks for all the comments. These are now closed but you should find all the common questions answered if you scroll through them!

Have something to add? Comments (if open) will appear within 24 hours.
By Andrew Spanner BVSc(Hons) MVetStud, a vet in Adelaide, Australia. Meet his team here. The information provided here is not intended to be used as a substitute for going to the vet. If your pet is unwell, please seek veterinary attention.

Why is my dog shaking and crying

Dogs shake and tremble when they are excited, playing, stretching, or drying off. Most dogs are filled with energy, so happy shaking is a natural way for them to work some of their energy out. However, when this shaking is accompanied with crying or symptoms, it might be due to a medical condition or anxiety and fear.

What to do if your dog is shaking and crying?

If your dog is shaking and crying, take them to an animal hospital in St. Augustine immediately. Call Forever Vets Animal Hospital at 904-679-3432.

Why is my dog whining and acting weird?

Whining can be your dog’s way of saying that he is scared or anxious. If your dog is also pacing, trembling, or panting while whining, he is likely fearful or anxious about something. Perhaps there is a new guest or resident in the house making your dog nervous, or perhaps he is worried because someone is missing.

IT IS INTERESTING:  How much potato can a dog eat?

Is shaking a sign of pain in dogs?

Is Shaking A Sign Of Pain In Dogs? Shaking can be a sign of pain among other reasons. Pain is often exhibited through shaking in the hind legs, common in older dogs who have developed joint pain. Arthritis is one reason for shaking from pain in dogs.

What are signs of your dog dying?

  • Loss of Interest. As a dog draws closer to death, they may begin to lose interest in things and people around them. …
  • Extreme Fatigue or Loss of Energy. One of the most common signs that a dog may be dying is a severe loss of energy. …
  • Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control. …
  • Appetite Change or Loss of Appetite. …
  • Odd Breathing.

16.08.2018

Should I be worried if my dog is shaking?

Shivering and trembling may be symptoms of something serious — like poisoning, kidney disease, or injury. So, if your dog suddenly starts trembling or shivering, it’s important to take note of other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or limping. Then talk to your vet right away.

What are the signs of kidney failure in dogs?

Symptoms of kidney failure

  • Significant weight loss.
  • Vomiting.
  • Pale gums.
  • Drunken behavior or uncoordinated movement such as stumbling.
  • Breath that smells like chemicals.
  • Significant decrease in appetite.
  • Increase or decrease in water consumption.
  • Increase or decrease in volume of urine.

28.06.2020

Why is my dog whining all of a sudden?

Dogs often whine in response to pain or a painful condition. If you notice that your dog vocalizes frequently or has suddenly started to vocalize, it’s important to take her to the vet to rule out medical causes.

Why is my dog constantly whining all of a sudden?

A dog can whine because she’s excited, anxious, frustrated, or fearful. … Anxiety is accompanied by nervous pacing, and uncertain body language — ears and tail down, constant looking around. A frustrated dog may show obsessive behavior while whining, such as scratching at the door or reaching under the couch.

How do I know if my dog is crying in pain?

Even if they’re trying to be tough, dogs in pain tend to be more vocal, but unless this is paired with a specific physical action, it’s not always easy to spot immediately. A hurt dog may express this vocally in a number of ways: whining, whimpering, yelping, growling, snarling, and even howling.

How do I calm down a shaking dog?

7 Proven Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog

  1. Exercise Your Dog. If your dog has separation anxiety, the obvious way to ease their mind is to never leave them alone. …
  2. Physical Contact. …
  3. Massage. …
  4. Music Therapy. …
  5. Time-Out. …
  6. Calming Coats/T-Shirts. …
  7. Alternative Therapies.

3.04.2019

What does a dog seizure look like?

What Are the Symptoms of Seizures? Symptoms can include collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth. Dogs can fall to the side and make paddling motions with their legs. They sometimes poop or pee during the seizure.

What pain relief can I give my dog?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, help reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain in humans, and they can do the same for your dog.…

There are some of the available NSAIDs just for dogs: