Dog Yelps When Picked Up: How To Calm and Cuddle Your Pup!

Dog Yelps When Picked Up: How To Calm and Cuddle Your Pup!
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A dog yelp can catch us by surprise, especially if we are just trying to show our pup love or hold them close. You may be wondering why your dog yelps when picked up, especially if you have never heard this reaction before.

 

There are many reasons why a dog cries out when picked up, ranging from fear and surprise to pain and injury. It's important to figure out exactly what is causing your dog to yelp when handled so you can provide them with proper treatment. If your dog has started yelping when picked up, here is what you can do as a dog owner to keep your dog comfortable and healthy when during handling.

 

 

Dog Yelps When Picked Up - Possible Reasons Why

Dogs are quite vocal, using a variety of sounds to communicate with us. One of those sounds is a yelp, which can often sound like your dog is in pain or afraid. That's why it can be concerning when your dog yelps when picked up. Here are the most common reasons a dog will let out a cry when handled:

 

  • Excitement: That's right! It could be a positive reaction. Look for a wagging tail and their tongue coming out of their mouth. Your dog may be happy to get attention from you.
  • Scared: Your dog may react with surprise if suddenly swooped off the floor. Some dogs don't like when you dangle them or hold them up high.
  • Pain: Dogs are often good at hiding physical pain, but handling may trigger your pup. If they are experiencing joint or muscle problems, bruises, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, or another sickness, they may yelp.
  • Discomfort: You may be simply holding your dog wrong, making them uncomfortable or agitated.

 

 

sad little pug

 

 

Was There a Traumatic Event?

Like us, dogs can become triggered in certain situations. It's possible your dog experienced something unpleasant or painful the last time someone touched or picked them up. It may also remind them of a previous situation, like a dog attacking them from behind or getting hurt by a rougher child. These experiences can leave your dog triggered when picked up by surprise.

 

Shelter dogs often struggle with worries that are trauma-based. If you've rescued your dog and have noticed that they seem excessively afraid or nervous, it may be a good idea to reach out to a vet or the shelter you rescued them from for professional medical advice.

 

Effects of Trauma

If you suspect that your dog has PTSD (or post-traumatic stress disorder), there are some symptoms to look for that go beyond yelping when picked up.

 

Here are some trauma symptoms to look for if your dog yelps when picked up:

  • Urinating or defecating inside the house
  • Howling and barking
  • Whining and whimpering
  • Destructive behavior (i.e., chewing, biting, or digging)
  • Excessive grooming
  • Tucked tail
  • Shaking
  • Panting
  • Overly attached to you and clingy
  • Aggression
  • Lethargic behavior
  • Refusal to eat
  • Appearing paranoid or nervous

 

Remember that tips and tricks are not a replacement for professional medical care. A trained and licensed vet can properly assess and diagnose your pet.

 

 

Physical Problems

Dogs don't want you to worry about them. You'll often see them wagging their tail even when they are experiencing pain and illness. If your pup seems fine until you touch certain areas on their body, yelps could be a sign of a hidden health problem. This can range from bruises and aches to more serious problems like fractures or other serious sicknesses.

 

 

sad canine ptsd

 

 

Spotting Physical Problems

Worried your dog may be ill or injured? There are many signs to look for if your dog cries out or yelps when picked up. It could be more than just a surprise if you notice these other signs:

 

  • Aggression: Your dog may start growling or lashing out when people come near them.
  • Lethargy: If your dog no longer wants to play or cuddle, there could be big problems underneath their fur.
  • Excessive Sleeping: Dogs in pain are often exhausted or trying to heal.
  • Limping: This is a sign that your dog has joint pain, fractured bones, or even a spinal cord injury.
  • Excessive Grooming: Your dog may start biting and chewing at a certain area if it's the source of your dog's pain.
  • Whining When Touched: If your dog whines when groomed, brushed, or pet, they may be experiencing discomfort.
  • Howling or Barking: Your dog may be more vocal when experiencing pain.
  • Difficulty Eating: Like us, dogs may lose their appetite when in pain. They may also avoid eating if they have dental issues.
  • Panting: Your dog may breathe heavily or start panting when in pain. Shallow breathing can mean it hurts for them to breathe.
  • Shaking: Shaking and trembling can be signs of discomfort. Too much chocolate, for example, can cause muscle tremors.

 

 

When Is Dog Yelping Not a Serious Concern?

If your dog has always yelped when picked up, it could be a natural response for them. Some dogs truly don't enjoy it when people pick them up or handle them. Others are afraid of being lifted off the floor. If your dog has yelped when picked up since they were a puppy, try not to pick them up unless needed — it could be stressing your dog out or annoying them.

 

 

When Is Dog Yelping a Reason To Go to the Vet?

You need to bring your dog to the vet immediately if their yelping is a new development. This could mean that your dog recently suffered an injury or that a hidden medical condition got worse.

 

You never want to leave an injury or disease untreated. A vet will provide a proper diagnosis and treatment and will give you instructions on keeping your pet healthy in the future.

 

 

pup at vet

 

 

Ways to Help:

Does your dog yelp when picked up? Do they struggle while in your arms? Here are some ways to help a yelping pup deal with getting picked up.

 

Pick Them Up Properly

First, it's important to make sure you pick up your dog the correct way. Holding your dog incorrectly can scare them or hurt them.

 

When it comes to puppies, try picking them up by placing one of your hands between their front legs. Another hand should support their rear legs and backside. This is similar to the way you'd pick up a small dog, which requires one hand on their chest and one on their rump. Hold your dog close to your chest, so they feel secure.

 

Is your dog a bit bigger? Bend at your knees, not your waist. Then wrap one of your arms across your dog's front, supporting their chest in front of the legs. Put your other arm around their back legs, supporting their rear end. Then, lift them with your legs, not your back. Medium and large breeds may need two people to pick them up properly and comfortably.

 

Don't Surprise Them

If you want to pick up your dog, make sure your dog knows that it's about to happen. Do not pick your dog up from behind without warning, especially if your dog has experienced trauma. You might even want to pet your dog or give them a treat beforehand, making the process a bit more positive and comforting.

 

Don't Pick Up an Injured Dog

If possible, don't pick up your dog if they are suffering from a known injury. Let your dog heal without a lot of unnecessary handling. Try giving them a comfortable place to rest in a room where no one can bother them.

 

If you must pick up your injured dog, try picking them up from a spot like the couch or bed. This will make it easier to move them without as much jostling.

 

Use a Product Meant To Carry Dogs

There are products made specifically to carry around dogs. This may include baskets, pet carriers, crates, and even products that strap your small dog to your chest like a baby. Sometimes these products make the carrying process much more comfortable for your dog.

 

 

happy puppy held

 

 

Provide Your Dog With CBD

CBD is a natural, non-intoxicating compound found in the hemp plant that will soothe and comfort your dog. CBD interacts with your dog's ECS, thus supporting their overall balance and well-being. This means it provides an abundance of positive benefits throughout your dog's body and mind.

 

Try administering CBD about 30 minutes before picking your dog up to help keep them calm and relaxed. They won't be as stressed and nervous if they don't enjoy being handled. CBD also reduces physical discomfort, keeping your dog comfortable when you need to pick them up.

 

Where To Get CBD Products for Dogs

You're in the right place! HolistaPet makes it easy to provide your dog with CBD in even the most problematic situations. We have a variety of CBD treats that come in your pup's favorite flavors. This means that your dog will excitedly eat them up even when experiencing discomfort.

 

HolistaPet also has CBD oil that you can add to your dog's food without detection or dropped into their mouth directly. You can also try our CBD bath products to help your dog if they are experiencing joint pain, neck pain, or have sensitive skin.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Dog Yelps When Picked Up

Dogs are usually tolerant of our weird behaviors. They let us dress them up, take goofy photos of them, and cuddle them. But sometimes, you might notice your dog behaving differently when picked up or handled. If your dog has started whimpering or yelping when picked up, your dog may be in pain or experiencing mental anguish.

 

If you suspect that your dog is in pain or suffering from a serious illness, keep an eye on their other behavior. They may have started limping or refusing to eat. Take your dog to the vet right away if you believe they are in pain or sick. In the meantime, use the proper holding technique and provide your dog with CBD treats to keep them calm and comfortable when you have to pick them up.

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