Can Dogs Get Stiff Necks? Understanding Neck Pain in Our Furry Friends


YES! Dogs Absolutely Can Get Stiff Necks

As a pet owner who’s experienced my fair share of dog health scares, I can tell you that dogs can definitely suffer from stiff necks, just like us humans do. While we might wake up with a crick in our neck from sleeping awkwardly, our furry companions can experience similar discomfort – though often for different reasons.

The surprising truth is that a surprisingly high number of dogs suffer from neck and spinal issues that can cause significant stiffness and pain. When my Golden Retriever, Max, started holding his head at an odd angle last year, I had no idea that neck pain could be so common in dogs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about stiff necks in dogs – from recognizing the symptoms to understanding the causes and exploring treatment options

How to Recognize if Your Dog Has a Stiff Neck

Unlike humans who can simply tell us when they’re experiencing neck pain, our canine companions rely on us to notice their discomfort through behavioral and physical signs. Here are the common symptoms to watch for:

Physical Signs of Neck Pain

• Lowered head when standing: Dogs with neck pain often hold their head in a lowered position
• Stiff neck or inability to turn head: They may resist turning their head to the side
• Neck muscle spasms: Visible twitching or tensing of neck muscles
• Abnormal posture: Sitting or lying at odd angles
• Unbalanced gait: Walking or running with an uneven gait
• Reluctance to jump: Unwillingness to jump on/off furniture or go up/down stairs
• Limited movement: General reluctance to move around

Behavioral Signs

• Whining when moved or touched: Especially around the neck area
• Spontaneous crying or yelping: Vocalizing pain without apparent cause
• Walking slowly or carefully: Moving with caution
• Reluctance to eat or drink from floor-level bowls: Difficulty lowering their head
• Change in personality: Becoming withdrawn or even aggressive
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing: Neck pain can affect these activities

I remember when Max started showing these signs – he was reluctant to bend down to his food bowl and would yelp when I tried to put his collar on. These subtle signs were my first clue that something wasn’t right.

Common Causes of Stiff Necks in Dogs

There are several conditions that can cause neck pain in our canine companions Understanding these can help you better address your dog’s discomfort

1. Cervical Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Cervical IVDD is perhaps the most common cause of neck pain in dogs. This condition occurs when the intervertebral discs in the neck (cervical spine) deteriorate, harden, and potentially rupture or herniate into the spinal canal.

Dr. Montana DiVita, Neurology Resident at Southeast Veterinary Neurology, explains: “Aside from a straightforward injury, neck pain in dogs is often caused by a neurological condition called cervical disc disease.”

Certain breeds are more predisposed to cervical IVDD, including:

• Dachshunds
• French Bulldogs
• Chihuahuas
• Beagles

IVDD can be graded on a scale of 1-5 based on severity:

1. Grade 1: Only experiencing neck pain, no neurological deficits
2. Grade 2: Weakness in all four limbs but still able to walk
3. Grade 3: Too weak to walk but can still move limbs
4. Grade 4: Paralyzed but still has feeling in toes
5. Grade 5: Paralyzed and cannot feel toes (rare in cervical IVDD)

2. Atlantoaxial Instability (AA Subluxation)

This condition affects the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis), just off the base of the skull. When this joint becomes dislocated or unstable, it can cause severe neck pain.

AA subluxation is more common in toy breeds such as:

• Chihuahuas
• Pomeranians
• Toy poodles
• Yorkshire terriers

3. Soft Tissue Injury

Just like us, dogs can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in their neck. These injuries may happen during play, exercise, or even from something as simple as sleeping in an awkward position.

My neighbor’s Labrador once developed a stiff neck after an enthusiastic game of fetch – a torn muscle that required rest and anti-inflammatory medication to heal.

4. Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can cause significant neck pain and stiffness, along with fever and lethargy.

5. Inner Ear Disease

A specific type of inner ear infection called secretory otitis media can cause neck pain in dogs. This condition involves fluid accumulation in the middle ear and is common in:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Boxers
• Other brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds

How Stiff Necks in Dogs Differ from Human Neck Pain

While there are similarities between neck pain in dogs and humans, there are also important differences to understand:

• Different manifestation: While humans typically have trouble moving their head from side to side, dogs often struggle with lowering their head (affecting eating and drinking)
• Different causes: Humans often develop neck pain from poor posture, desk work, or smartphone use; dogs usually experience it from physical activities or genetic predispositions
• Treatment approaches: Dogs can often tolerate more invasive treatments than humans, making surgery a more viable option in many cases

Diagnosing a Stiff Neck in Your Dog

If you suspect your dog has a stiff neck, a veterinary examination is essential. The diagnosis process typically includes:

1. Physical examination: The vet will observe your dog’s posture and movement, and gently manipulate the neck to identify painful areas
2. Neurological assessment: Testing reflexes and responses to determine if there’s nerve involvement
3. Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be necessary to visualize the bones, discs, and soft tissues of the neck
4. Additional tests: In some cases, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) analysis may be needed to check for inflammation or infection

Treatment Options for Dogs with Stiff Necks

The appropriate treatment for your dog’s neck pain will depend on the underlying cause and severity:

Conservative Management

For mild cases, non-surgical approaches may be sufficient:

• Rest: Restricting activity to allow healing
• Pain medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs or other pain relievers
• Muscle relaxants: To reduce muscle spasms
• Physical therapy: To strengthen supporting muscles and improve mobility
• Cold/heat therapy: To reduce inflammation and provide comfort

Surgical Intervention

More severe cases, particularly those involving IVDD or atlantoaxial instability, may require surgery:

• Disc surgery: Removing herniated disc material pressing on the spinal cord
• Spinal stabilization: Fusing vertebrae together to prevent movement and further damage
• Decompression procedures: Relieving pressure on the spinal cord

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After treatment, your dog may require:

• Restricted activity: Limiting movement during healing
• Physical rehabilitation: Exercises to rebuild strength and coordination
• Pain management: Ongoing medication to control discomfort
• Environmental modifications: Raising food bowls, providing ramps, etc.

When Max was diagnosed with a mild case of cervical IVDD, we went the conservative route with strict rest for 6 weeks, anti-inflammatory medications, and eventually some gentle physical therapy exercises. It was a slow process, but he gradually improved.

Preventing Neck Pain in Dogs

While not all causes of neck pain can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk:

• Weight management: Keep your dog at a healthy weight to reduce strain on the spine
• Proper equipment: Use harnesses instead of collar-only leashes, especially for breeds prone to neck issues
• Safe play: Discourage activities that put excessive strain on the neck
• Regular exercise: Maintain good muscle tone to support the spine
• Ergonomic considerations: Elevate food and water bowls for breeds prone to neck problems

When to See a Veterinarian

You should seek veterinary care immediately if your dog:

• Is in obvious pain
• Has difficulty walking or standing
• Seems to have lost coordination
• Shows weakness in any limbs
• Has a tilted head that doesn’t resolve quickly
• Is reluctant to move their neck

Real-Life Case Study

A friend of mine has a 5-year-old Labrador Retriever who started developing a slight limp a few days after an energetic play session at the park. Initially, she thought rest would help, but the problem got worse. Her dog began sitting oddly and having trouble bending his neck to eat.

After a veterinary examination, it was discovered that the dog had torn a muscle on the side of his neck, which was also affecting his shoulder. The treatment plan included:

• Anti-inflammatory medications mixed into his food
• Steroid injections directly into the damaged muscle
• Extended rest period with restricted activity

After several weeks of treatment and careful rest, the dog gradually returned to normal activities, though the vet advised avoiding strenuous exercise for a few months to ensure complete healing.

The Importance of Prompt Treatment

It’s worth emphasizing that neck pain in dogs requires prompt attention. Without timely treatment, conditions like cervical disc disease can progress quickly and potentially cause irreversible spinal cord injury.

The good news is that with proper treatment, the prognosis for recovery can be excellent – as high as 95% for many cases of cervical IVDD when addressed promptly.

Final Thoughts

As pet parents, we need to be vigilant about our dogs’ health, including potential neck problems. By recognizing the signs of neck pain early and seeking appropriate veterinary care, we can help our furry friends recover and return to their happy, active lives.

I’ve learned through experience that our dogs rely on us to be their advocates when they’re in pain. They can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s up to us to notice the subtle signs and get them the help they need.

Has your dog ever experienced neck pain? What symptoms did you notice first? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

Remember: This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is experiencing neck pain or discomfort.

If your dog has a stiff neck, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment, as it could be a symptom of a serious underlying condition like a spinal injury, infection, or neurological issue. While awaiting veterinary care, rest your dog and avoid giving them human medications, as they can be toxic.

Yes, dogs can get “cricks” or kinks in their necks, which are usually signs of neck pain caused by muscle strains, sprains, or more serious conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), trauma, infections, or degenerative diseases. Symptoms to watch for include stiffness, reluctance to move the head, unusual posture, or yelping when the neck is touched. If your dog shows signs of neck pain, you should see a veterinarian promptly for an accurate diagnosis and treatment to rule out serious conditions.