My dog suddenly won't let me touch him. Is he sick or in pain?

Any abrupt change in demeanor or behavior should be checked by a vet as soon as possible. Sometimes this is the only way our pets can tell us something is wrong. Hiding and not wanting to be touched can indicate pain or discomfort. She could have a hidden injury you weren't aware of, she could have an infection of some kind, eaten something that didn't agree with her, there are a number of possibilities. Your vet will do an exam, labwork and probably x-rays and based on these results will be better able to tell you what is wrong and how best to treat it.

It's possible Toby may have an injury to his side or the leg such as a sprain, break, arthritis, or infection. Illness may also cause pain and may make Toby tender to the touch in certain places. Seeking a veterinary appointment ASAP to help figure out the issue is best.

A sudden change in behavior can be caused by a medical illness. Given that Jimbo has recently become aggressive, I would take him into a vet for a health check. Now if you can't get him into the car, see if there is a mobile vet in your area that can come to the house to see him.

I'm so sorry that you and Taz have experienced this. I would recommend getting Taz to a veterinarian right away. He may just be bruised and very painful, or he may have some internal damage that needs immediate attention. Either way, Taz needs significant pain medication. In the meantime, I would not recommend any over the counter pain medication since it may interact with the medications that your veterinarian may give him. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Taz feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It sounds like Brutus is painful, and he may have injured himself or could be suffering from something like arthritis. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Since this is so out of character for him he certainly could be injured. If a dog is hurting in a specific spot, they will sometimes becomes hypersensitive in that area. They will sometimes become aggressive. I would have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to localize the pain and start him on pain meds if needed. You may also have to put him in a short course of anti-anxiety meds until he feels better. Your vet will also be able to do X-rays if needed. I hope this helps!

Oh no, poor Zangus! It could be that he injured himself causing him to yelp in pain. Given that tomorrow is Friday and I'm not sure if your vet is open on Saturday, I would rest him tonight and take him into the vet tomorrow for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing him pain so he can be treated. If he isn't acting this way in the morning, then I would monitor him for the next couple of days; should he appear painful again, then take him into the vet. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe Zangus pain medications as needed.