Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

How long for dog neck pain to heal if he won't lower his head?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Dog has neck pain. Brought to vet. Currently on tramadol, methacarbamol and gabapentin. Doesn't scream in pain as much from getting up but still refuses to lower neck to eat. How long does it take approximately for neck pain to heal, at least to the point where he is willing to lower his neck?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2017

How long it takes to heal, if at all, depends on the injury the neck has sustained. If this is a muscle injury then that doesn't take more than a week or two to heal completely in most cases to heal. Fractures along the cervical spine, can take months, if at all, to heal without any type of surgical intervention. So I think it is best to find out what type of injury your pet has with an x-ray. Hopefully the injury can be seen with this diagnostic test; however in some situations more advanced testing (CT, MRI) is required to visualize small or nervous system injuries that wouldn't otherwise show up on standard x-ray film. Hopefully this is just a muscle sprain and your pet makes a full recover within a week or two.

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry your dog has such terrible neck pain! While the medication will help with the pain, it will not cure the underlying cause of the neck pain. If he had a slipped disc, for example, causing his pain, he may need surgery to take away the pain completely. These medications should start working pretty quickly to help relieve his pain, but it is concerning that he is still making sounds of pain getting up and won't lower his neck to eat. If this continues over the next couple of days, then I would have him seen by a vet again for x-rays to diagnose the cause of this neck pain. More intensive treatment may be needed to take away his neck pain. You might consider putting his bowl on a box to raise it up so he doesn't have to lower his neck so much to eat.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored