About my staffy

Question
I have a 4yr old staffy, she is normally happy and wagging her tail. But today she seems really different and will not jump up for a pat, she will try to avoid walking on her back legs, her tail is tucked between her back legs and she seems to be panting alot. I am very concerned about her. I have her inside and she wants to play but just can't make the effort.
Please help me we live in a remote area.
Michele

Answer
I think you know she needs to see a vet.  It is possible it is just some sort of a pulled muscle or something.  You could give her some buffered aspirin, 5 mg per pound of body weight every 8 hours, a regular 325 mg tablet may be a little large for her.  See how she does.  I don't know that they are prone to hip or back trouble and she is much too young for arthritis.  If she is over weight, that will make any problem worse.