[Charles]

Hey there! I have a little 7 pound Yorkshire Terrier, hes strong, agile and hops around like a mountain goat. Hes used to rough terrain and walking for a good stretch. He can swim very well, though he isnt too fond of cold water, if he has to get across, he will. He loves long drives through the woods, and the wind blowing in his face. I cant help from slowing down on warm, sunny days just so my little friend can enjoy the air blowing through his beautiful brown coat.

None-the-less, he is still very sensitive and you can easily hurt his feelings. So deep down, past this tough and rugged act, hes a bit baby.

Now to the point. I live in Arizona, there are a lot of dangerous things in AZ that can harm a dog. From the smallest thorn to a rattle snake and a hawk, there is always something that you have to keep an eye out for. By having a dog, and giving it that lifestyle that it deserves, you must expose it to the elements, no matter how harsh and uncertain they may be.

So my little guy is now, slightly, hurt. He's laying there on his bug squishy bed, looking at me with so many questions in his eyes. But I can not take him to any Veterinarian, and Iam not trained in any way to understand the anatomy of my dog. What I would like to accomplish is to understand what could have hurt him and how I can prevent it in the future.

He is not limping, and he is indeed walking on all four legs. When I touch him around his left shoulder area, he whelps and cries in pain. It happened while we were on a walk yesterday and as I was bathing him today, he did it again.

What could it have been? A spider? A splinter?

Please give me your advice, no matter how simple it may be, it will be very much appreciated.

[Yogi]

A very common issue in small breed dogs that are too active is injuries to shoulder joints and discs in the neck. When they jump down the compression from landing forces the front legs to stiffen and drive hard into the shoulder joints, this also can cause bruising in the shoulder joints as well as neck.

[Charles]

That is such a great help, thank you so much!

So now, I just wait and let him rest, huh? I will start taking it easier on him, no more rock climbing for my little guy. He is 7 years old and I dont want to lose him because I may push him too hard.

If I notice it get any worse, Ive read baby aspirin, a half a one or so. Right now he really does seem fine, hes eating, drinking, sitting on my lap, he's just a little hurt.

I really appreciate that advice, I looked around before bothering you guys, so thank you, very much.