Yes, this is a serious situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. Your dog is displaying two critical signs: vocalization (crying) in response to touch and reluctance to move. This combination is a classic red flag for significant pain, often originating in the abdomen.
Here is a breakdown of what this could mean and exactly what you should do:
Why This Is an Emergency: Possible Causes
The causes range from severe to life-threatening. Do not wait to see if she improves.
- Acute Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is intensely painful, often causing a hunched back and a tense, painful abdomen.
- Gastrointestinal Obstruction (Bloat or Foreign Body): This is a TOP PRIORITY emergency.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus): Often called “bloat,” the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Symptoms include a painful, distended abdomen, unproductive retching, and restlessness. This is fatal within hours without emergency surgery.
- Foreign Body: Something she ate (a toy, sock, bone) could be blocking her intestines.
- Internal Injury or Trauma: Even if you didn’t see it happen, she could have internal bleeding or organ damage from a fall, a kick, or being hit.
- Severe Infection or Peritonitis: A ruptured intestine (from an ulcer or obstruction) or a severe uterine infection (pyometra in unspayed females) can lead to a life-threatening infection in the abdominal cavity.
- Urinary System Issue: A severe bladder infection, bladder stones, or a urethral blockage (more common in males but possible in females) can cause extreme abdominal pain.
- Poisoning/Toxin Ingestion: Some toxins cause severe abdominal cramping and pain.
Immediate Action Plan: What to Do NOW
- DO NOT give any human pain medication (like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin). These are highly toxic to dogs and can worsen the situation.
- DO NOT press on her stomach or try to examine it further. You will cause more pain and potentially worsen an injury.
- DO NOT offer food or water.
- Call Your Veterinarian or the Nearest Emergency Animal Hospital Immediately. Describe the symptoms precisely: “My dog is crying when touched anywhere near her stomach and will not move.” They will likely tell you to bring her in right away.
- Transport Her Carefully: If she can walk, let her walk slowly to the car. If she cannot or shouldn’t move, gently slide her onto a towel or blanket to use as a stretcher. Move her as little and as gently as possible.
What the Vet Will Do
The veterinary team will treat this as an emergency. Be prepared for:
- Immediate Pain Relief: They will often administer safe, injectable pain medication.
- Physical Exam: They will carefully palpate the abdomen, check gum color, heart rate, and hydration.
- Diagnostic Tests: These are crucial to find the cause and will likely include:
- Bloodwork & Pancreatic Test: To check organ function and for pancreatitis.
- Abdominal X-rays: To look for obstruction, gas patterns (like GDV), or foreign objects.
- Ultrasound: To see the soft tissue organs (intestines, pancreas, uterus) in detail.
Summary: Bottom Line
This is not a “wait-and-see” scenario. A dog that is in too much pain to move and cries out is telling you, in the only way she can, that she is suffering a medical crisis. The potential causes are too serious to delay. Your quick action in getting her to a vet is the only appropriate and loving response.
Please take her to the vet now.
