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My dog whimpers, won't eat, and has neck pain. What should I do?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

my dog, Ob, whimpers when he moves, it also happens with his neck. he hasn't ate yet and refuses food, but he'll drink water. he can run up the stairs and there appears to be red marks behind his legs, he has slept a lot and his pee and poop like normal, and whenever he moves his neck to much, he whimpers- do you have an advice for this?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 24, 2018

He may have some spinal cord problems, especially with the cervical spinal cord, such as a slipped disk or arthritic changes that press on nerves and are painful.
Ob is apparently very much in pain and therefore should be seen by a veterinarian tonight. The vet will do a thorough physical exam, palpate the spine to find where the pain is coming from, and also do a neurological exam and then x-rays. He will then discuss the exam findings with you and possible treatment. Your dog will get pain medicine and other medications as necessary. Dogs with pain often do not eat, and eating also may be painful as he has to chew, open his mouth and move the jaws. This may be more painful than lapping up water.
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