Cavalier King Charles spaniels are often known for their gentle and docile personalities.
So why do they sometimes yelp when picked up?
Your Cavalier King Charles could be yelping for an number of reasons. It could be that they are in pain, or feeling anxious. If your dog is generally happy and healthy, then it is likely that they are just feeling a little bit uncomfortable about being picked up. If you are picking your Cavalier up incorrectly then this could be the cause of his yelping.
Potential causes of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel yelping when picked up
If a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel yelps when picked up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Here are some potential causes:
Pain or Discomfort: This is the most common reason a dog might yelp when picked up. The pain could be due to:
Musculoskeletal issues: Conditions like arthritis, muscle strains, or spinal problems can cause pain.
Injury: Any recent trauma, such as a fall or accident, might cause pain.
Ear infections: Cavaliers are prone to ear problems, and handling them around the head might cause discomfort.
Anal gland issues: If the dog is picked up around the hindquarters, an anal gland issue might be the cause of the pain.
Fear or Anxiety: If the dog is not used to being handled or has had a negative experience in the past, it might yelp out of fear or anxiety.
Skin Conditions: Issues like skin infections, allergies, or hot spots can cause sensitivity. Touching or pressing on these areas can cause discomfort.
Tummy Troubles: If the dog has an upset stomach or bloating, it might yelp when its belly is pressed.
Heart Issues: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to certain heart conditions. While it’s less common for this to cause yelping when picked up, it’s worth noting given the breed’s predisposition.
Neurological Issues: Conditions like syringomyelia, which Cavaliers are unfortunately prone to, can cause discomfort or pain. Syringomyelia is a serious condition where cavities or cysts form within the spinal cord near the brain. It can be very painful and might cause a dog to yelp when touched on the neck or back.
Behavioural Reasons: Some dogs might yelp as a form of attention-seeking behaviour, especially if they’ve learned that yelping gets them a certain reaction from their owners.
External Factors: Things like a tight collar or something stuck in the fur can cause discomfort when the dog is lifted.
If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel yelps when picked up, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the exact cause and ensure that any medical issues are addressed.
Always handle your dog gently and observe for any signs of discomfort or pain.
How to pick your Cavalier up correctly
It’s always important that you pick your dog up properly.
If you do this wrong then you could end up hurting your dog, or making them feel very uncomfortable.
Here is the correct way to pick up a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Place one hand under their chest, behind their front legs.
Use your other hand to support their hindquarters.
Lift your Cavalier gently off the ground, being careful not to jolt them.
Hold them close to your body so that they feel secure.
If your Cavalier is small enough, you can carry them in one arm like a baby.
For a puppy place your arm between his back legs with your hand under his chest so that when you lift him his body is cradled on your arm.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels and anxiety
Cavaliers are bred to be companions, and love human interaction.
However, some dogs may feel anxious or stressed when picked up by their owners.
This is more likely to be the case if your Cavalier has had a bad experience in the past, such as being dropped or hurt when picked up.
If you think that your dog may be anxious about being picked up, try carrying them around more often in different positions.
This will help them to get used to being handled, and should eventually desensitize them to the process of being picked up.
You may also want to consult with a vet or professional dog trainer if you are having difficulty getting your Cavalier comfortable with being picked up.
They will be able to offer more specific advice based on your dog’s individual personality and needs.
Are there any medical problems that could make a Cavalier yelp when picked up?
There are a number of medical conditions that could cause your Cavalier to yelp when picked up.
If your dog is in pain, then they may cry out when you pick them up.
This could be due to arthritis, injuries, or other health problems.
Cavaliers can suffer from a condition known as Syringomyelia which causes pain and discomfort.
If your dog has this condition, then they may yelp when picked up because of the pressure that is being put on their chest.
If you think that your Cavalier’s yelping may be due to a medical condition, then it is important to take them to see your vet who will be able to examine them and provide a diagnosis.
What is Syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles spaniels?
Syringomyelia is a condition that can affect Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
It is caused by a build-up of fluid in the spinal cord, which can put pressure on the nerves.
This can lead to pain, weakness, and paralysis in the affected areas.
If you think that your dog may have this condition, then it is important to take them to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
They will be able to diagnose the problem and offer treatment options that can help to relieve your dog’s pain and discomfort.
Should you pick your Cavalier up if he yelps?
If your Cavalier yelps when you pick him up, then it is important to try and figure out the cause of the problem.
If you think that he may be anxious or stressed, then try carrying him around more often in different positions.
If you think that there may be a medical condition causing his pain, then take him to see a vet as soon as possible.
Once you have determined the cause of the problem, you can decide whether or not it is best to pick your Cavalier up, or to leave him on the ground.
Some dogs may yelp when picked up because they are simply not used to being handled.
In this case, it is often best to slowly desensitize them to the process of being picked up.
Start by picking them up for short periods of time, and gradually increase the duration as they get more comfortable with it.
If you do this slowly and patiently, then your Cavalier should eventually become used to being picked up without any problem.
Final Words
Picking up your Cavalier should not cause him any pain or discomfort.
If he yelps when you try to pick him up, then it is important to figure out the cause of the problem.
If you think that he may be anxious or stressed, then try carrying him around more often in different positions.
If you think that there may be a medical condition causing his pain, then take him to see a vet as soon as possible.
