When dogs sit strangely or even sideways, it is usually due to a young age. In adult dogs, this frog-like seat can also indicate hip problems, inflamed anal glands, arthritis or even back and knee problems.
In the normal and natural sitting position, all paws point forward. In the past, this position was also used for self-protection so that you could run away immediately in the event of danger.
However, as a result of taming, dogs became a bit lazier. Large breeds in particular often tend to sit crookedly and with their legs apart.
In order to prevent long-term posture problems, veterinarians recommend correcting the sitting position through appropriate training. [1]
Below we take a closer look at the 6 most common causes of strange sitting and their symptoms.
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#1 Puppy Seat
The puppy seat is also colloquially known as the “frog seat” due to its appearance. Basically this can take 3 different forms:
- Both hind paws point to one side and one is between the front paws (most common)
- The hind paws point to one side and are both to the side of the front paws (less common)
- The hind paws are very wide-legged and point at a wide angle to the left and right (rare)
This is completely normal for young dogs in the first few weeks and months and is nothing to worry about. But this should stop when fully grown. [2]
Depending on the breed, dogs reach maturity after 6-24 months. Before that, the cause of the strange sitting posture is due to the following reasons:
- Bones are not yet mature and soft
- Joints are more flexible and looser
- Bands are relatively soft and stretchy [3]
This also explains why young puppies often look very uncoordinated when they walk or run. But as it grows it becomes stiffer and harder.
In puppies and young dogs, the bones, joints and ligaments are not yet fully developed and are more flexible than in older four-legged friends. For this reason, they often sit strangely to the side or even with their legs spread apart. But that changes when it tires.
#2 Hip problems
If the hip joint socket does not develop properly, it automatically causes friction when moving. Over time, “hip dysplasia” can cause problems.
According to studies, almost 16% of all dogs suffer from it. [4] For reasons that are still unclear, large breeds and the following dogs are said to be primarily affected:
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Great Dane
- Belgian Shepherd Dog
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Labrador retrievers
- German shepherd dog [5]
This can usually be recognized by the fact that the dog has problems getting up, sits on its side and is generally less active. Other typical symptoms are:
- Stiff movements
- Problems climbing stairs
- Pace changes
- Dog avoids jumping
- Sudden limping [6]
The cause here usually lies in genetics. But factors such as obesity, poor nutrition, excessive training and hormones can also influence this.
Anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed for therapy, weight is reduced, exercise is limited and physiotherapy is recommended.
Dogs with hip dysplasia often sit strangely or at an angle because this sitting position causes the least pain. Around one in six four-legged friends is said to be affected. It can also often be recognized by the fact that the dog avoids jumps and stairs.
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#3 Inflamed anal glands
The anal glands are located on the side of the dog's anus. These are small scent glands that contain a gray-yellow secretion that other four-legged friends can smell from afar.
On the one hand, it serves for mutual identification and provides conclusions about willingness to mate. On the other hand, it also helps to mark territory and as a lubricant.
The problem? However, when these anal glands become inflamed, they can become blocked and cause pain. Typical signs of this are:
- Dog constantly licks anus
- Swelling on the buttocks
- Dog sits sideways
- Fishy smell
- Groaning when defecating
- Dog rubs butt on floor
- Touch sensitivity [7]
Inflammation of the anal glands is one of the most common complaints in dogs. According to statistics, small four-legged friends in particular are said to struggle with this.
In addition, being overweight is a strong risk factor. Treatment usually involves emptying the anal glands manually and prescribing antibiotics. The vet can help here. [8]
If the dog's anal glands become inflamed, normal sitting usually becomes painful. For this reason, affected four-legged friends usually adopt a sideways, very wide-legged and generally rather strange sitting position. This can also be recognized by the smell.
#4 Knee problems
In addition to the hips, the knees can also cause possible problems when sitting. The two most common complaints here are:
- Cruciate ligament tear = tear of the primary ligaments in the knee
A torn cruciate ligament can usually be recognized by the fact that affected dogs suddenly only walk on three legs, the knee is swollen or the dog sits on its side.
In most cases the cause is due to accidents or jumping from an elevation. The same applies to a dislocation of the kneecap. [9]
- Patellar luxation = dislocation of the kneecap
What is typical here is that the dog limps and tries to completely relieve the weight on the affected leg. In both cases, being overweight is also a strong risk factor.
If you suspect this, I would advise you to see the vet immediately. Because dogs instinctively tend to avoid existing pain. They inherited this from wolves.
Because in the wilderness it is still dangerous to show external weakness. Otherwise you will often become a target for other predators. [10]
If the cruciate ligament is torn or the dog's kneecap is dislocated, it may cause pain when sitting normally. You can usually tell if the dog sits strangely to the side, suddenly limps or even only walks on three legs.
#5 Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic disease that causes the joints to be permanently inflamed. According to statistics, around 20% of all dogs are affected by it. [11]
Large four-legged friends in particular often struggle with this. The following breeds are said to be particularly affected here:
- Golden retrievers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- rottweiler
- German shepherd dog
- Labrador retrievers
- Springer Spaniel [12]
This can usually be recognized by the fact that the four-legged friend walks stiffly, avoids stairs and the general level of activity decreases. Other typical symptoms are:
- Swollen joints
- Sitting with your legs apart or crooked
- Aversion to jumping
- Dog licks his joints
- Increasing muscle loss
- Joints sensitive to touch
- Sudden limping [13]
To this day, arthritis is still considered incurable. The symptoms can be treated very well with the help of medication. Changing your diet can also help here.
Dogs with arthritis experience pain even with normal everyday movements. Among other things, it can be recognized by the fact that the dog walks strangely, has stiff joints, sits strangely to the side and constantly licks its joints.
#6 Back problems
The dog's spine begins at the neck and ends at the tail. Problems in the lumbar vertebrae area in particular can cause problems when sitting. Typical causes are:
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Spondylosis
- Injuries
- Herniated disc [14]
The symptoms can vary greatly depending on the cause. However, they all have one thing in common: the dog suddenly becomes sensitive to touch on the back.
It can also often be recognized by the fact that the dog walks unusually and whines when making certain movements. Other classic signs include:
- Groaning when picked up
- Dog sits strangely
- Noticeable lump on the spine
- Dog makes a cat hunchback
- Feeling of weakness
- Dog avoids touching
- Strange posture [15]
If you suspect this, you should consult your veterinarian. In some cases, medication and physiotherapy are sufficient for treatment. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.
When dogs experience pain in the lower area of their spine, it is usually noticeable because they move differently in everyday life. In addition, affected dogs often become sensitive to touch and sit at an angle to the side.
Rare causes
- Problems with the muscles
- Injury to the tail
- Mimicking behavior
- Developmental disorders
- Problems with the tapes [16]
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