4 Reasons Why Dogs Keep Yelping in Pain Randomly
Is your dog suddenly going through an episode of random yelps? What is the mysterious pain that’s causing him to act this way? Here are some common reasons for dogs that yelp randomly.
Your Dog has Joint or Muscle Problems
Your dog could be suffering from joint or muscle problems in specific sections of the body. This may cause the dog to yelp when they perform a specific body moment. Joint problems can form due to two issues: developmental and degenerative problems.
Developmental problems occur due to a dog’s hereditary predisposition. Hip dysplasia, for example, is a hereditary condition common among larger-breed dogs such as Great Danes and German Shepherds. These dogs may start to yelp in pain as they start to feel the effects of these conditions.
Degenerative joint and muscle problems occur due to overuse or age. Osteoarthritis is one common example of this. A life spent playing, jumping, and running will eventually wear down a dog’s body. Dogs with joint conditions will likely display other symptoms such as having difficulty lying down, having trouble climbing stairs, or showing a reluctance to jump.
We strongly recommend you visit the vet as soon as possible in case your dog is suffering from any one of the above health conditions.
Your Dog is Suffering from an Infection
Joint and muscle problems aren’t the only health issues that may cause your dog to randomly yelp in pain. It could also be an infection that’s causing him to yelp in discomfort. For example, a middle or inner ear infection is very painful for dogs and may cause them to yelp in pain when their ears get touched.
Pay closer attention to your dog and see if he is displaying any worrying health symptoms such as a change in stool appearance, lethargic movements, whimpering, and vomiting or diarrhea.
Your Dog is Suddenly Feeling Anxious
Your dog might yelp in a painful tone if he experiences a sudden surge in anxiety or stress. For example, he may be reacting to something he senses in the environment. He may yelp because he is frightened by the presence of a stranger in his territory, or due to behavioral issues such as separation anxiety.
Record the occurrences when your dog starts to yelp and see if you can identify any common patterns in his yelping behavior. For example, most of the yelping may be occurring in the evening when people in the neighborhood or building are returning from work. This information will help a vet or pet behaviorist better understand the underlying issues.
Your Dog is Suffering from Cramps
Yes, even dogs are susceptible to cramps and muscle spasms. Cramps can occur due to an overexertion of the muscles. Common symptoms include twitching and tremor, limping, slow movement, and having temporary difficulty straightening their legs.
You can prevent your dog from feeling cramps and muscle spasms by making sure he gets plenty of small breaks in between a play session, and making sure he has access to drinking water throughout his play or exercise session.
Can I Give my Dog Anything for Pain?
It’s an understandable reaction for dog owners to want to give their dog something to alleviate their pain, but it’s something you must avoid at all costs. You should only give your dog pain medication that the vet specifically recommends. Giving your dog the wrong type of medication and in the wrong dosage can lead to fatal consequences.
Outside of medication, the thing we do recommend is to make sure your dog has access to plenty of drinking water and to limit your dog’s movement (e.g. avoid stairs and other strenuous physical activities) until your dog’s pain has been diagnosed by a vet.
John Cho is the Founder of My Pet Child, where he shares his tips on living with a dog in an apartment.
My dog is yelping like something is hurting her! This morning we were laying in bed and she cries out!! I can’t seem to figure out what’s bothering her and I definitely don’t have the money to take her to the vet!!
My dog is doing the same thing. One minute she’s laying there and then she suddenly yelps! She keeps looking around like she’s looking at something.
my dog, he keeps randomly yepling to! and he also is walking away from us and we dont knwo what is wrong with him x
Did you figure out why your dog’s yelps?
i have the same problem when she wakes up from laying she sound pain
I don’t know what it is or why. She is healthy and barley adopted her last month. She is about 2 months old. A few times she has yelped/screamed. At random. Yeah, it makes me feel like I am hurting her but then again just wonder if shes being vocal? Acts fine immediately after as her sweet self or goes back to playing. She has a clean bill of health but the random cries are non the less anxiety raising.
She is a Husky and Healer mix. Im here stressing and she is just having some play growls playing and is perfectly fine. Like she is talking. A lot of the times I wish communicating with animals full on was a capability. 🤦 Swear I’m not over here needing PETA called. She is such a spaz.
My dog does this about once a year. She will go through a phase where sudden touches will cause her to yelp. I’m thinking allergies, but she has no other symptoms. We’ve brought her to the vet several times. She is always normal. I don’t know what this is.