Every time your dog sploots, they're stretching the hip and leg muscles which can help improve the strength of their joints, muscles and flexibility. It's a bit like you or me doing a spot of pilates or yoga to build core muscle strength, so it's really nothing to worry about. Feel free to lap up all those goofy poses.
Typically, splooting is neither harmful nor a cause for major concern. In fact, the position may actually help dogs relax their legs and hips while stretching other muscles throughout their body. It can also be a beneficial way to cool down, especially during warmer months.
Dogs that sploot love to be lazy and comfortable — and we can't blame them. Most likely a sploot is a sign of relaxation, as it seems to be a very comfortable position for dogs. Going off the “it's a dog's way of stretching” theory, they're using sploot to stretch their back legs.
As it turns out, it may depend on your dog's breed and age. The NCRAOA explains that several smaller breeds, like corgis and chihuahuas, can have more flexibility in their legs than other pups. For them, splooting can be a normal lying position, or maybe even a good stretch.
Splooting is a great stretch for the animals' hips. Splooting also allows the animal to cool themselves by pressing their belly into the ground or against tile floors. Owners may notice that their pets sploot more often when they are younger.
Sometimes called a “sploot,” this is a common position among puppies and very playful dogs. Meaning: When your dog sleeps on their stomach in the superman position, it means that they're tired but ready to play if the opportunity arises.
Some pet owners worry that if their dog is lying in the sploot position it might mean they have hip or joint issues. As it turns out, splooting because of dog hip dysplasia or dog arthritis is an unfounded worry.
While the exact origins of sploot are unclear, lexicographer Grant Barrett of the A Way with Words radio show has suggested that the term sploot may riff on the word splat to characterize the splat-like (flat, spread-out) appearance of a sploot pose.
The researchers conclude that their data shows that dogs find being in the vicinity of their owner is rewarding. Dogs will learn to do behaviors just to gain access to their owner and will remain in their owner's presence even when there are no interactions between the human and the dog.
So, it is normal for your dog to sleep or rest for a majority of the day. However, excessive sleep can be concerning for any pet owner. If your dog is sleeping too much, this could indicate health issues, such as canine depression, diabetes and hypothyroidism, says the AKC.
Like humans, too much exercise for dogs can make their muscles sore, and moving can become uncomfortable. Muscle soreness results from overworked muscles that need to rest to regenerate and heal. Progressive muscle soreness can lead to damaged muscles and significantly affect your dog's health.
Loafing is when a pet pulls all its legs beneath it to form what looks like a furry loaf of bread.
Side Sit: Also called lazy sit, slouch or frog sit. When the dog sits, its legs are not positioned bent and close to the body. They can be loose and off to one side, or one or both legs may be straight out in front.
The goal is to have as much of their bodies touching the ground as possible, according to SF Gate. This helps them “dump heat from their bodies into the environment.” For squirrels, splooting allows them too cool off quickly because “their stomach area has little insulation,” The Weather Channel said.
Cuddles & Sleepy Snuggles ?
Dogs choose to sleep where they feel most comfortable and at ease, so if your dog enjoys sleeping in your bed, or likes to snuggle up to you for a nap, they feel trust in you that they will be safe to do so.
Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs include a decrease in activity and mobility, a swaying gait or “bunny hop” motion when running, a decrease in muscle mass around the hips and hind area, and awkward sitting and laying positions. Treatment includes surgery for those that are eligible.
Why Doesn't My Dog Sploot? Just because all dogs can sploot doesn't mean they want to. It may not be comfortable or relaxing to them. Think of it from the human perspective: some of us prefer to sleep on our backs while others choose to sleep on our stomachs or sides.
During an attack, dogs may take a 'praying position', with their rear end up in the air and their front legs and head lowered onto the floor. If the attack is severe, acute shock, severe depression, and even death may occur.
THEY'RE SIMPLY BEING AFFECTIONATE.
If you're a new dog owner with a pup that prefers sleeping in bed with you or even on top of you, take it as a sign that they're settling in well and feel safer in your presence. Chances are there are no behavioral issues to worry about.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Your dog's urge to sit or lie down at your feet is one of their natural, instinctive behaviors. They like to stick close to you as their pack leader. It makes them feel safe, and it is also important for them to maintain their “ownership” and connection with you. Closeness lets them mark their territory.
As already mentioned, it is perfectly normal for a dog to sploot. It is a relaxing position that helps them stretch or cool. However, it is important to remember that not all dogs routinely sploot. Certain species of dog tend to do it more than others.