Dogs are undoubtedly the most cute creatures on the planet. They look even more cute when they stretch out like little babies.
Dog stretching and bowing are some of the most common behaviors, and it is nothing to be alarmed about until it starts to happen more often.
While dogs normally stretch after taking a nap or when they want to go out for a poop, there are times when their stretching may mean something else.
As their pet parent, we should understand why they are stretching too much or what they are willing to convey.
Dogs stretching and bowing can be for various reasons, including digestive issues, behavioral issues, muscle problems, or even joint pain.
This article will discuss what causes a dog to stretch too much and what it means when they bow too much.
Possible Causes of Dog Stretching and Bowing
Dogs stretch and bow for different reasons, and it is completely normal. It is one way of communication for dogs; when they bow down to you, it can mean they are greeting you or want to go out for a walk.
Dog often stretches and bows when they have woken up from sleep or if they have just stayed still for a long time, which has made their muscles stiff; stretching provides them with relaxation.
Let us see some of the common causes of a dog’s stretching and bowing.
1. Exercise Needs
One reason why dog stretches or bow is when they are in need of exercise or wants to play.
If dogs with high energy or activity needs are deprived of exercise, then they will start to stretch more often. This is usually seen in dogs like huskies, where they stretch their muscles to relieve the pain caused by not engaging in physical activity.
2. Playing
Another stretching and bowing is when they are playing or exercising. This is also called a play bow. You might have seen your dog putting their bum up and their face down on the ground; that’s a play bow.
This is very normal, and you will see this posture in your dogs towards other dogs as well, which simply conveys, let’s have a fun time.
3. Stomach Issues
Dogs do not behave differently until they have something to communicate, and when they stretch or bow too often, they may indicate discomfort in their stomach.
Bloating or stomach pain is one of the most common reasons for dogs to stretch, which allows them to soothe the strain in their stomach. Bloating is a very life-threatening issue in dogs, which should be treated at the earliest.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Dogs are very sensitive and are often coping with stress and anxiety. If you see your dog stretching too much, it may be because they are anxious or stressed.
They may get stressed or anxious for a number of reasons: if they hear loud sounds, thundering, or fireworks, if you leave them alone, or if they go into a new environment or live around new people.
This type of stress and anxiety is often categorized as ambivalent stretching. When dogs do ambivalent stretching, they try to relieve their stress and anxiety.
For example, if they are stressed and anxious and do not wanna be touched by you and still pet them, they will do ambivalent stretching to release the negative energy from their body.
5. Bloating
Dogs stretch and bow when they are suffering from bloating, and stretching makes them feel a little comfortable as it reduces the pressure on the stomach.
If you see your dog’s stomach bulging or swelling and if your dog is stretching a lot, then these are not good signs, and they may need medical assistance as soon as possible.
Other signs to detect bloating are to observe your dog’s behavior, as they won’t let you touch their belly and even avoid resting upon their stomach.
6. Pancreatitis
Another major cause of dogs’ stretching and going into bowing posture is when they are suffering from Pancreatitis. Signs of pancreatitis are very similar to bloating. Still, you will see a lot of vomiting and denial to eat food in this case.
They will stretch and go into the prayer position, which is often confused as play bow. Pancreatitis can be fatal if not treated at the earliest.
What to do if Your Dog Stretches a Lot?
Dog stretching is normal, but when your dog stretches a lot, it is certain to ring an alarm. As a pet owner, you would want to do anything to make them feel better.
If you have read the above reasons why your dog is stretching a lot, you may have the solutions to it.
If your dog needs more exercise, try giving them some training and activities to keep them engaged. If your dog stretches while playing, it is just a simple play bow and should not be concerning.
If you have moved to a new place with your dog, or if your dog is near a place with too many new people or loud noises, your dog may stretch to cope with anxiety and stress.
Try calming them down by petting and keeping them close. Give them access to fresh water and talk to them, making them relax and calm their anxiety.
If your dog is refusing to eat and keeps on stretching, they may be going through some underlying health conditions.
It may be a simple digestive issue or something major like bloating or pancreatitis, and observing the signs is the only thing you can do. If you are unsure at any moment, ask a veterinarian immediately.
When to Consult a Vet
When neither of your assistance reduces the frequency of your dog’s stretching and bowing, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent any severe damage to your dog’s physical and mental health.
A vet will certainly call your dog for a visit, and upon visiting, tell the veterinarian about any past history of illness your dog has or any related issues they may have had in the near future.
This will help your veterinarian in understanding your dog’s issue and overall condition. The vet will then go for a physical examination and check the body parts where they feel issues can be, including any physical injury or abnormalities which is causing the dog to stretch.
If nothing certain is found in physical examination, then a dog may ask for some image tests or blood tests, which will help them determine the cause and check if there is any bloating or pancreatitis in dogs.
Depending on the cause, a veterinarian may recommend medication or changes in diet or home care, such as exercising and any other treatment they see fit. Feel free to ask the vet about any issues or thoughts you may be having regarding your dog’s well-being.
FAQ’s
Dogs are good at hiding pain from their owners. Some may stretch, and some may be very rigid and stiff.
If they are stretching, they may be relieving some stiffness and pain. If stretching is accompanied by vomiting or denial of eating, it may be serious and may need medical help.
Yes, there is actually no harm in letting your dog stretch and bow. However, it should not be very excessive. They may stretch after or before sleeping or even when they are sitting at a place or haven’t moved for a long time.
If they are stretching too often without any reason, then it may be a matter of concern.
Dogs stretch and bow when you are going out because they may want to join you and go out for a walk, a poop, or just to play. It is very normal in dogs and often adored by many.
Conclusion
If your dog is stretching and bowing too often, they may be suffering from a medical condition like bloating or pancreatitis or even stress and anxiety at times, or maybe they want to do some exercise.
If you are unsure why your dog is stretching too often, follow the tips discussed above to determine the causes and understand when to consult a vet.
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Dr. Lillian is a D.V.M. passionate about promoting awareness of dogs. She shares her expertise through her blogs on canineweekly.com and provides animal care services, including internal medicine, dermatology, and emergency care. Dr. Lillian is committed to contributing to animal welfare.