Why do dogs sploot?
Dogs Sploot – Veterinarians explained why your canine makes this gesture and definitely there is a meaning behind this to understand your pet more.
Understanding your dog’s behavior can make your life easier for you and your pet. One of these gestures is splooting. Your pet looks cute and adorable doing this unnatural position. Linda Simon, MVB, a veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers, based on the article in Reader’s Digest, said that most dogs do this because they are keeping cool, stretching out, and relaxing.
However, there are also times when this gesture could have a deeper meaning and this is the reason why you need to understand this behavior.
What is the meaning of splooting?
It is also called frogging. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers explained that it is the posture of a dog when their belly is flat against the ground while their hind legs are stretched out behind them.
There is no direct document stating the origin of the term sploot or splooting because it is technically called frogging. However, it is believed that this came from “splat” which actually describes the appearance of the pose.
Dogs sploot to feel good. Although it is not a common reason, this can also tell that the dog has certain medical conditions. By doing this, the dogs can relieve tension or pressure on their lower back and hips and stretch and help align their spine.
This requires flexibility of the hip joints as well as the muscles in the hind legs and they do this when they are relaxed and comfortable. It is easier for puppies and younger dogs to do this but older dogs can also be seen doing this.
Among the medical conditions that a dog may have in doing this gesture is hip dysplasia, a deformity of the ball and socket joint of the hip. At times, this could mean that a dog has arthritis. This gesture is harmless and doesn’t cause pain, however, have an older dog that has never splooted before and begins to do so, this might be alarming.
Dr. Simons said that dogs are more prone to certain musculoskeletal diseases, and this includes arthritis and ruptured knee ligaments.
If you have a feline pet, you must know the reason behind the Cat Purring.