Dog Back Pain: Symptoms and Treatment

Our canine companions can develop pain just about anywhere in their bodies. Of course, it isn’t always easy for us to detect that they’re in discomfort, let alone to determine exactly where in their body is hurting them.

Any dog can suffer from back pain, with episodes ranging from short-lived to lasting many months or even years.

Your vet will work with you to identify the cause and develop the best treatment plan, aiming to get your dog pain-free and mobile as soon as possible.

What is Dog Back Pain?

Pain in the back can be located in the vertebrae (spinal bones) or joints, the surrounding muscles, the ligaments, or even the skin.

When a dog hurts their back, it can affect their mobility, their general behaviour, and even their mood.

What Are Common Symptoms of Back Pain in Dogs?

While your dog cannot tell you where they are hurting, they’re able to provide some good clues if you know where to look.

Behavioural Changes and Reduced Mobility

A dog with back pain is not going to be bouncing about and jumping up fluidly. These dogs will be reluctant to exercise and will hesitate before jumping, standing or running. Most will sleep more and will be sluggish and lethargic.

Signs of Pain When Walking, Jumping, or Lying Down

Signs of pain are not always going to include loud yelping or whimpering. Many dogs are completely silent despite feeling immense pain.

Your dog may tremble, take a long time to sit or stand, or walk slowly or with a limp. They will seem stiff and slow and might hunch over or hold their limbs at awkward angles.

Neurological Symptoms to Watch for

For some dogs, there will be spinal cord and nerve involvement. In these cases, you may spot other signs such as their paw(s) knuckling underneath them and paw dragging (a loss of proprioception), as well as wobbly walking or instability.

Sometimes, these neurological signs may be confused for an episode of syncope or collapse due to congestive heart disease.

However, syncope events should be brief, while those with heart disease will generally have additional signs, like a cough and abdominal bloating.

What Causes Back Pain in Dogs?

The cause of back pain varies from one patient to another, and there may be more than one medical issue at play.

Muscle Strain and Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue damage is not uncommon, especially in young, boisterous dogs who charge into furniture or wrestle with other dogs. For most, injuries will heal rapidly, within a week or so.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

A serious cause of back pain is IVDD. Slipped discs can occur out of the blue and are most common in long-backed breeds such as the Dachshund and the French Bulldog.

Signs usually develop rapidly and dramatically, and many patients exhibit neurological symptoms.

Arthritis and Degenerative Conditions

Chronic orthopaedic disorders such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation will eventually cause arthritis. While any age can be affected, it is most often seen in middle-aged and older dogs.

It is not uncommon for arthritis symptoms to flare when the weather is colder or after periods of intense exercise.

Infections or Inflammatory Conditions

Less often, back pain is linked to an infectious or inflammatory cause. This could be something like meningitis, Lyme’s disease, lupus, or reactive arthritis.

Masses or Structural Abnormalities

Rarely, the cause is a physical growth such as an abscess, cyst, or tumour. Tumours which can affect the back include osteosarcomas or nerve sheath tumours.

One example of a structural abnormality is ‘lumbosacral stenosis’, when the spinal canal becomes too narrow.

Are Certain Dogs More Prone to Back Pain?

There is no doubt that certain breeds are over-represented among dogs with back issues.

Breed-Related Risk Factors

The most obvious examples would be the Frenchie and Dachshund- the two poster children when it comes to Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Some sources state that a shocking 50% of French Bulldogs will suffer from a slipped disc at some point in their lives.

Age, Weight, and Lifestyle Considerations

We tend to see arthritis more often in older and overweight dogs. Similarly, obese dogs are much more likely to develop muscular strains.

A working or sporting dog is more prone to developing an injury, simply because they are more exposed to the elements and are putting their body under higher strain when compared to a lap dog, which has 25-minute strolls in the park each evening.

How Serious is Back Pain in Dogs?

Back pain is always something we want to assess promptly, as it can be serious and have lifelong repercussions.

When Should You See a Vet?

Back pain is never pleasant for your pet, so a vet visit is always advised. This is especially true if the symptoms are not resolving quickly with rest or if they are affecting your dog’s day-to-day life, e.g., causing a reduced appetite or making them less sociable.

When Back Pain is an Emergency

Certain red flags are signs that must not be ignored, including:

• Any evidence of weakness (paresis) or paralysis in the limbs
• Obvious signs of pain, such as yelping, shaking, or hunching
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• A recent trauma, such as being hit by a car or a fall from a height

Signs of back pain in breeds well-known for developing IVDD (Dachshund, Beagle, Shih Tzu, Frenchie, etc.) would always warrant a vet visit.

Signs of Paralysis

A paralysed dog is unable to move one or more limbs. They may attempt to move, but they drag one or more paws behind them.

Some dogs may simply stay lying down. The legs will look limp, and there will be no movement when you touch or pinch the toes.

How is Back Pain in Dogs Diagnosed?

When your dog presents to the vet clinic, the veterinary team will make a general assessment based on how your dog is moving, their age, and their breed.

Physical and Neurological Examination

Your veterinarian should check your dog from their nose to their tail, including performing an orthopaedic exam and a neurological assessment.

They will be paying close attention to any tense muscles, tender areas or weakness.

Imaging Tests and Further Investigations

Some patients will require further tests. This can include imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. When a slipped disc is suspected, an MRI is preferred, but a CT scan is more affordable and often provides the answers needed.

Additional tests, such as blood tests and a CSF tap, may be ordered to assess for conditions such as meningitis.

Identifying the Underlying Cause

Often, imaging will provide the missing piece of the puzzle and enable the vet to formulate a diagnosis.

Once the condition has been identified, the correct treatment plan can begin.

What Are Treatment Options for Back Pain in Dogs?

For most of our patients, the treatment plan will be multi-modal, meaning several approaches are used.

Rest and Activity Restriction

Rest is going to be paramount- both for avoiding pain and for allowing healing. This will mean a reduced exercise programme and keeping away from steps and furniture.

For some patients, strict rest is advised, including prolonged cage rest. While this can be difficult for the owner and pet alike, it is often a critical part of the healing process.

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Medications

The importance of medicine cannot be understated. These dogs will need strong pain relief and anti-inflammatories as they improve.

This can include medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, steroids, opioids, Gabapentin, and muscle relaxants.

Surgical Treatment for Severe Cases

For some, surgery will be a necessity. This is the case in more severe cases of IVDD, as well as when there are tumours that can be resected. Surgeries are typically carried out by specialists in referral centres.

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Those with more severe injuries or who have undergone surgery typically benefit from the input of a canine physiotherapist.

They can provide a tailored exercise plan and may also suggest interventions such as hydrotherapy to rebuild muscle and improve mobility.

Managing and Preventing Back Pain Long-Term

Back pain cannot always be prevented, but certain strategies can be useful.

Weight Management and Exercise

Owners should aim for their dog to maintain a Body Condition Score of about 4 out of 9. This helps keep pressure off joints and prevents injuries.

We are aiming for regular exercise, neither overdoing nor underdoing it. Avoid being a ‘weekend warrior’ who exercises their dogs much more intensely when not at work.

Home Adjustments to Protect the Spine

For breeds prone to spinal injuries, you may consider kitting out your house with ramps and non-slip floors or mats to prevent awkward jumps or slips.

Dogs can benefit from orthopaedic or memory foam beds, and these should be easily accessible without the need to jump on or off.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Dog

Contact us at any time to discuss concerns about your dog, including if you feel they are suffering from back pain, are stiff, weak, or struggling with mobility.

Call an emergency vet if you are concerned that your dog has injured their back or is showing any signs of weakness or paralysis.

Dog Back Pain FAQs

What Are the Signs That My Dog May Be in Pain?

Common signs include reluctance to move, stiffness, limping, difficulty jumping or climbing stairs, changes in posture, sensitivity when touched, reduced appetite, excessive panting, or behavioural changes such as irritability or withdrawal. Some dogs may also vocalise, tremble, or seem less active than usual. Subtle signs, such as slower walks or avoiding usual activities, can indicate discomfort.

How Can I Prevent Back Pain in My Dog?

Maintain a healthy weight, provide regular low-impact exercise, and avoid excessive jumping, especially from furniture. Use supportive bedding and ramps where possible. Strengthening core muscles through controlled activity and keeping nails trimmed to prevent slipping can help. Routine vet check-ups help detect spinal or joint issues early.

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet for Back Pain?

Seek veterinary advice if symptoms persist beyond 24-48 hours, worsen, or appear suddenly. Immediate care is needed if your dog cannot walk, shows weakness in the hind legs, cries out in pain, or loses bladder or bowel control. Early assessment improves outcomes and prevents complications.

What is the Recovery Process for Dogs With Back Pain?

Recovery depends on the cause and severity. Treatment may include rest, pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, weight management, or supportive aids such as harnesses. In some cases, imaging or surgery is required. Controlled activity and gradual rehabilitation are key, and following your vet’s guidance ensures the best recovery and reduces the risk of recurrence.