My Dog’s Ribs Hurt When Touched and It Shakes Uncontrollably, What’s Wrong?

Rib pain may be a traumatic fracture; if there was recent injury, impact, or fall, the ribs may break, causing shaking, pain, reluctance to move, touch sensitivity, and a dangling rib felt in the chest. Take the dog for X rays to assess the damage and number of broken ribs, and operate if severe.

Rib pain is not only from the ribs themselves; many diseases cause pain below the ribs, and organs there can trigger pain and shaking when touched. If pain under the ribs persists, see a vet promptly to identify the disease and avoid delay.