Why is my puppy yelping when picked up, eating less, and lethargic?

Question

My dog ( 5 month old Jack Russel Shih Tzu mix) has recently started yelping when picked up from behind her front paws. She has full range of motion in all for extremities, no signs of distress with pressure to chest, abdomen, and back; or legs. She also had a diminished appetite and thirst (she drinks about 20oz if water a day she loves to drink) her water intake has been about 12 oz in the past 36 hours. She also is very playful but hasn’t been since this started. She was fine all day till 4p. Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 5 months and 6 days old | 14.6 lbs

Catherine Stecyk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Sophie has been seeming uncomfortable when being picked up a certain way, and is eating and drinking less. While more common in larger breed dogs, it is possible that she has some "growing pains", or panosteitis, in her long bones, which is painful for her when she is picked up as you are describing. This discomfort may be causing her to eat and drink less, and be less playful too. I'm glad to hear that she is not painful in her chest, abdomen or back. She may be suffering from neck pain, which can be a common occurrence in smaller breed dogs. If she continues to seem uncomfortable, lethargic, and have a decreased appetite and water intake, I recommend having her evaluated by your veterinarian. He/she can perform a thorough physical exam to better localize her discomfort and pain. He/she may also recommend bloodwork to evaluate for any underlying systemic disease that could cause her to have a decreased appetite and act lethargic. Please do not give Sophie any pain medications that are intended for humans, such as Advil or Tylenol, as these can be fatally toxic to dogs. I hope this is helpful!

Why is my puppy yelping when picked up, eating less, and lethargic?

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