Why is my dog suddenly slow and whimpering when I pick him up?

Question

My dog hasn't been moving as much, and sometimes he walks very slowly. This started a day ago, but he has gotten a little better as he ate and drank, peed and pooped, and can jump on the couch and go up/down the stairs. But, it seems that he only does so when he really feels like it. Sometimes we have to carry him outside before he walks (sometimes slow sometimes fast). He also sometimes whimpers/cries when picked up below his front legs. It's pretty unpredictable. Any thoughts? Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | neutered | 16 lbs

Penelope Graben, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, The first thing that comes to my mind is chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain. Dogs with pain in these areas often hesitate to use stairs or jump on and off furniture. They may also want to lay around more and be generally less active. Pain in dogs can be similar to humans in that in can be caused by things like arthritis, disc disease, or a pinched nerve. It can also flare up and be worse at some times than at others, which may be why he vocalizes at some times and not at others. Anti-inflammatory drugs (a common one is carprofen) and nerve pain drugs (a common one is gabapentin) are commonly used to treat these conditions. I would recommend taking Gage into see a vet and be evaluated for chronic pain. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Why is my dog suddenly slow and whimpering when I pick him up?

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