What this means
A dog shows neck pain quietly. It may pull its head away when you reach to stroke the neck or fasten the collar, yelp or growl at a touch, be reluctant to lower its head to the bowl or the ground, or not turn its head to the side. Sometimes the dog holds its neck stiffly, looks only straight ahead, or turns the whole body with the head.
The pain may come from the neck itself: the muscles, the vertebrae, the discs between them or the spinal cord. Sometimes neck pain goes with other spinal problems, which may also show as scratching or sensitivity around the neck and shoulder. Some of these problems are inherited or developmental, but that has to be judged by a vet, not by the owner.
Do not massage, stretch or make your dog bend its neck. Note when you first saw the change, in which moments the pain is worst (lifting the head, lowering it to the bowl, fastening the collar, climbing stairs) and whether the legs are also getting weaker. If you can, film your dog eating or walking. Your vet may well discuss a harness instead of a collar, but talk it over with them first.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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A problem with the neck vertebrae or discs
When vertebrae or discs press on the spinal cord or nerves, the neck becomes painful and stiff. The legs may also weaken.
About the condition: Wobbler syndrome -
Fluid pockets in the spinal cord
Fluid-filled pockets in the spinal cord can cause pain and sensitivity around the neck and shoulder. A dog may scratch at the air or dislike the neck being touched.
About the condition: Syringomyelia -
A strained muscle or an injury
A sudden movement, a jump or a yank on the lead can make the neck sore. The dog holds its head still and avoids turning the neck.
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Inflammation or infection
Some inflammation in the neck area causes severe pain, a fever and general dullness. The dog then often refuses to move at all.
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Irritation from a collar or similar
Pressure or a knock from a collar can make the neck sore. It is worth checking, but do not forget the other causes.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- When the neck hurts most: lowering the head, fastening the collar or getting up
- Whether your dog yelps or growls when the neck is touched
- Whether it holds the neck stiffly and turns with the whole body
- Whether the legs are also weakening or the walk has become clumsy
- Whether it scratches around the neck or shoulder
- Whether it eats from a raised bowl or avoids eating
When to book a routine visit
If your dog dislikes its neck being touched, holds it stiffly or is reluctant to lower its head, book an examination and show a video of the behaviour. Do not make it bend its neck.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Syringomyelia Nerves and muscles Syringomyelia is a condition in which fluid-filled cavities form inside the spinal cord. It is linked to the shape of the back of the skull, which disturbs the flow of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, and the cavities that form damage the nerve tissue. It can cause chronic pain and strange sensations, so it has a big effect on how a dog feels.
- Wobbler syndrome Bones and joints This is a condition in which changes in the neck vertebrae or the discs between them narrow the spinal canal and press on the spinal cord. This disrupts the nerve signals to the legs, and the dog starts to walk unsteadily. It can get worse gradually, but sometimes it worsens suddenly.
Body systems: Nerves and muscles Bones and joints