Dog yelped in pain for what seems like no reason at all?

[tmcgee101]

Yesterday I was about to start playing fetch with my dog (he's a 5 year old male chocolate lab) and just when he was about to go retrieve the ball he had barely moved and all of a sudden started yelping really loud and constantly and kept turning around to his rear/back legs and stopped putting pressure to one of his back legs. I had laid him down and tried to calm him and gently started moving his back legs and he yelped a little again so I stopped and just let him lay there for a few minutes. Then he got up and was running and jumping he didn't yelp at all he didn't limp nothing seemed to be wrong.
Later that evening I noticed he wouldn't jump on the bed like he normally does he seemed apprehensive about it and just kinda crawled up onto the bed. He behavior is normal he doesn't seem like he's in pain doesn't act uncomfortable.
This morning everything still seems to be fine no stiffness no limping but when he brought out a toy and went to lay down and roll on it he laid himself down really gently which he normally doesn't and when he got up he was jumping around and his back leg/rear barely touched the sign of a cabinet and once again he turned around to that area but didn't yelp this time. I thought it could be a pinched nerve maybe in the lower back but it really doesn't seem like it. I've gently massaged all over his back/ back legs added slight pressure when he stands and lays down and have gotten no reaction. I was wondering if I should just have him 'rest' for a couple days and see if anything changes or is this much to do with nothing? Thanks in advance if anyone can chime in with opinions.

[ginger899]

I agree with Margot. Don't have him jumping, retrieving, or playing or doing anything rambunctious for a couple of days. 'Poop and pee walks' only, and if he is a very energetic dog unfortunately you are going to have to leash him for these short breaks.
If he wants to get on the couch or bed, lift him with good support (one arm round chest in front of legs, and the other arm round rear and behind back legs and lift his weight evenly.) Don't let him jump down on his own.
The ideal of course, would be crate rest punctuated with short 'P&P' walks. But if this is upsetting or him and he is used to joining in with the famly, then maybe not in a crate...but keep a very watchful eye on him and his movements and keep him as rested as possible.
See if this gets better on its own, but don't wait TOO long. If he is still obviously uncomfortable after day 3, do take him to be checked by a vet.

[tmcgee101]

Thank you I will do this.

[Margot49]

It may be a strain or pull.  Do let him rest a couple of days, no running or jumping.  It could be his hip or patella.  If it continues, you should have it checked by your Vet.