- Injury: Trauma to the neck, such as being hit by a car or falling from a height, can cause stiffness.
- Muscle strain: Overexertion or repetitive motion can strain the muscles in the neck.
- Ligament sprain: Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones. A sprain occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn.
- Degenerative joint disease: This condition, also known as osteoarthritis, is a common cause of stiffness in older dogs. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): This condition occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the spine herniate or bulge. IVDD can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause stiffness, pain, and other neurological problems.
- Meningitis: This is an infection of the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can cause stiffness, fever, headaches, and other neurological problems.
- Cancer: Tumors can grow in the neck and cause stiffness.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can cause stiffness, as well as a number of other problems, such as weight gain, lethargy, and dry skin.
If your dog has a stiff neck, it is important to take them to the vet to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Here are some things you can do to help your dog with a stiff neck:
- Keep them comfortable. Provide your dog with a soft bed in a quiet place. They may also appreciate a heating pad or ice pack on their neck.
- Limit their activity. Your dog should avoid strenuous activity until their neck is healed.
- Give them pain medication. If your dog is in pain, your vet may prescribe pain medication.
- Follow your vet's instructions. Be sure to follow your vet's instructions for treating your dog's stiff neck.