Do not be tempted to give human pain relief medication to your dog unless instructed to do so under veterinary supervision.
Neck pain[7] X Research source Muscle spasms[8] X Research source Pain and sensitivity to touch[9] X Research source Lethargy[10] X Research source Signs of fever[11] X Research source
Your dog will most likely need to take antibiotics every day for around one month. Your vet may recommend extending or shortening the treatment length. Follow your veterinarian’s advice and ask questions if you’re unsure of how or when to administer antibiotics. [13] X Research source
Run your fingers over the entire length of your dog’s body. Check hard-to-see places like armpits, between toes, and behind ears. [14] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Look for bumps or raised spots. Any time you find a raised spot, pull the fur apart to inspect the bump. Use a magnifying glass if you need to. If you see a tiny spot with eight legs, it is most likely a tick. [15] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Use a clean pair of tweezers to grasp the tick’s head, as close to your dog’s skin as possible. You may wish to wear disposable gloves to reduce the likelihood of infection to yourself. [17] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Pull the tick straight out of the skin. If the tick breaks apart, be sure to remove any pieces left behind, as these may also transmit Lyme disease. [18] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Fever Neck pain “Stiff” neck and rigidity (difficulty moving the head and neck) Weakness in the legs Loss of balance/equilibrium Seizures
Neck pain/sensitivity[20] X Research source Yelping or crying[21] X Research source Rigidity of the neck[22] X Research source Difficulty or inability to lower the head during feeding[23] X Research source Difficulty walking[24] X Research source Arched back[25] X Research source Down-turned head[26] X Research source Incontinence[27] X Research source Paralysis[28] X Research source
Keep walks relatively short. Use a harness on walks instead of locking the leash to your dog’s collar, as a collar may put additional strain on your dog’s neck. [31] X Research source Administer any pain medication or muscle relaxants your vet prescribes for your dog. [32] X Research source
Weakness in the limbs[35] X Research source Difficulty standing or rising after reclining[36] X Research source Tendency to drag one or more paws (usually the back legs; look for worn or chipped nails as telltale signs)[37] X Research source Muscle loss extending through the shoulders[38] X Research source Partial or full paralysis of one or more limbs[39] X Research source
If your vet diagnoses your dog with Wobbler’s syndrome, you will need to use a harness for walking him instead of a leash. Do not keep a collar on your dog’s neck if he is diagnosed with Wobbler’s disease. [42] X Research source
Follow the directions bag’s packaging and heat for the appropriate time. Then speak calmly to the dog, encourage him to lie down, and place the bag over his neck for a period of five to ten minutes at a time.
Any dog with neck pain should be rested as movement is likely to make the pain worse. If the dog has other symptoms, such as if he goes off his food, then a vet check is essential.
