My dog is sluggish, won't jump or use stairs. Is she in pain?

Question

Hi, a few days ago my dog appeared a bit sluggish , she’s a very active 8 year old jack Russell. She was extremely reluctant to come home after a walk and to go up a step and the stairs. She also didn’t bark for food as she always does. She’s gotten better, but won’t jump, is slow and reluctant to go up the stairs or step, and still won’t bark for food but she will eat happily, Otherwise she’s perfectly normal. It’s as if anything elevated is her problem. Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 8 years old

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Poor Chloe! It sounds like she may be painful somewhere. I often see dogs with back or neck pain that act this way, because doing stairs or jumping is painful for them. It's also possible that she may have injured herself somehow, or has some type of orthopedic problem that makes these activities uncomfortable. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam. He/she may be able to determine what the problem is by palpating her neck, back, and legs, and may also recommend x-rays or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem.

My dog is sluggish, won't jump or use stairs. Is she in pain?

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