Dogs stretch for many reasons, from initiating play to a good stretch post-nap. Some dogs stretch to let their pet parents know they need to go relieve themselves.<\/p>\n
Stretching behavior is generally not a cause for concern, unless you see your dog stretching excessively. If done more than normal, your dog could be telling you that they are either stressed or physically uncomfortable. New or abnormal behavior patterns tell pet owners that their dogs may have health issues.<\/p>\n
Let’s look into understanding dog stretching. There are clear behavioral differences between normal stretching and doing excessive stretching, which can be due to a dog health problem, such as abdominal pain.<\/p>\n
The difference between a play bow and muscle tension or gastrointestinal issues could be life-threatening if you don’t understand the different behavior patterns associated with each.<\/p>\n
Where a play bow and leg stretch are normal, frequent stretching, rolling around, and irritability can mean your dog is in distress.<\/p>\n
It is normal for dogs to stretch during play and after napping. The typical stretch in these situations is termed, play bow. Dogs stretch their front legs forward, lowering their upper body, while keeping their lower body up in the air, tail wagging. Often, dogs will bark as they play bow.<\/p>\n
Some dogs will lie on the floor and stretch out their front and back legs, inching forward and often lifting a paw. This is a learned attention-getting behavior. Once a pet owner responds by giving their dog attention, the dog will repeat this stretching display. Some dogs do this when approaching a more assertive dog, as a means of appeasing any possible confrontations by their approach.<\/p>\n
It is not normal, however, if your dog is frequently stretching when by itself. That is a cause for concern.<\/p>\n
Understanding your dog’s body language helps you know when they have discomfort, such as joint pain, bloat, or general musculoskeletal problems. This behavior would be a reason for a vet visit as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
Many dogs may stretch frequently if they don’t get enough exercise. This can be a common behavior with certain breeds, such as Border Collies and Huskies. The big difference between their frequent stretching habits due to lack of exercise and doing so because of health issues is that they will stretch to get your attention. Therefore, in front of you.<\/p>\n
If they do so when they’ve had plenty of exercise, or after a very rigorous run, the dog could be sore and stretching to alleviate muscle pain. It is always a good idea to have veterinary attention to help your dog heal from a possible twisted or sprained muscle.<\/p>\n
Dogs are very athletic creatures. But if their bodies aren’t in tune, they are easily injured from rigorous exercise. Many dogs merely land wrong when jumping about during play.<\/p>\n
To prevent the possibility of serious injuries, keep your dog in good condition. You may even want to include your dog in your yoga routines. Downward dog stretching is great for joint pain and muscle soreness for dogs and humans alike!<\/p>\n
The most common stretch is the play bow.<\/p>\n
They stretch their front legs forward, lower their upper bodies, and hold their head up. Their rear ends remain upright, and their tails are often wagging. Some dogs will smile and move their heads, too.<\/p>\n
Dogs often assume this position when meeting other dogs. It diffuses tension and aggressive behavior, engaging the other dog in friendly play. Young dogs will often present this position to older dogs.<\/p>\n
Many dogs Sploot. This is when a dog lies flat, stretching their front legs forward and back legs straight out. It is a common resting position for breeds such as Doodles, Greyhounds, and toy breeds.<\/p>\n
This type of stretching is to increase comfort. It also aids in temperature control and is totally normal. A Sploot in warm weather on a cool floor helps relieve discomfort from hot temperatures. And a Sploot in a freshly dug hole in the yard also helps keep them cool, though you may lose your cool when you see your dug-up shrubberies.<\/p>\n
There are several serious health concerns where your dog may engage in more than normal stretching behavior. These include Bloat and Acute Pancreatitis. Both health issues can be fatal if not immediately addressed.<\/p>\n
Dogs who experience bloat will stretch a lot as it helps to alleviate the pressure from excessive gas buildup in their stomach. In fact, excessive stretching, with legs stretched forward, is a main symptom of bloat, which causes severe abdominal pain.<\/p>\n
Here is a list of other telltale symptoms and behaviors associated with the health condition:<\/p>\n
Bloat can occur if a dog eats or drinks too soon after rigorous exercise. A lot of air is inhaled in the process of eating and drinking, causing the stomach to twist.<\/p>\n
Always be sure to monitor your dog’s water and food intake after they have played or worked hard. Allow just a little bit of water until their respiration slows down.<\/p>\n
Dogs who naturally eat or drink quickly should be fed using a slow-feed or puzzle bowl, which will slow down their intake speed. Placing water on a raised feeder can help slow down their water intake as well as prevent excessive air from entering their body at the same time.<\/p>\n
If your dog is stretching a lot, it can also be an early sign of pancreatitis. As with bloat, stretching helps reduce the uncomfortable pressure surrounding their abdomen.<\/p>\n
Pancreatitis is caused by the dog being unable to process certain types of food, specifically proteins.<\/p>\n
As symptoms persist, be sure to take your dog to the vet, as most dog owners cannot discern the difference between health maladies, and both are very dangerous.<\/p>\n
Dog stretching habits are natural. They stretch when they wake up. They stretch when meeting other dogs. They stretch when they want attention. And they stretch to regulate their body temperature.<\/p>\n
You only need to be concerned if your dog displays additional symptoms such as those described previously.<\/p>\n
It’s always a good idea to take your dog for regular vet checks and discuss any signs of discomfort that you may observe.<\/p>\n
Dogs will display distinct behaviors that communicate to their pet parents that they aren’t feeling well. If your dog’s regular stretching includes any of the following, take your dog to the vet for a complete check-up.<\/p>\n
Dogs who tend to stretch specific legs may have health issues, and it’s always a good idea to do a vet check.<\/p>\n
For example, dogs who stretch their back legs a lot may have hip or lower back discomfort, which can be common in breeds prone to hip dysplasia, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, or Labrador Retrievers.<\/p>\n
Dogs that tend to stretch their front legs a lot might be experiencing shoulder or neck pain. This can occur from overexertion or just sleeping in an awkward position for a long time, which some dogs tend to do. Doodle breeds are notorious for sleeping in odd positions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dogs stretch for many reasons, from initiating play to a good stretch post-nap. Some dogs stretch to let their pet parents know they need to go relieve themselves. Stretching behavior is generally not a cause for concern, unless you see your dog stretching excessively. If done more than normal, your dog could be telling you…<\/p>\n