A short cat hump is part of the daily stretching exercises for some dog breeds. A long or permanent hump, on the other hand, usually indicates illness.
This is especially true if your dog walks strangely, shakes or convulses. Here the round back is just a symptom of an underlying problem.
But there are also dog breeds that naturally have a cat hump. Many greyhounds, for example, belong to this category.
The respective initial situation can also provide information about the underlying cause. Here are the 3 most typical scenarios:
Initial situationPossible causesShort cat hump after getting upStretchingPermanent hump when walkingMalposition of the spine, back pain, stomach pain, stomach twistLong hump when eatingAnxiety, stomach pain, back pain
Then let's take a closer look at the individual causes.
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#1 Fear
Not only cats, but also dogs often hunch back when they feel threatened. This makes their body appear larger to intimidate potential enemies.
If this is the cause, you can usually recognize it by the following other behaviors:
- Tucked tail
- Hair sticking out on the back
- Shaking and possible peeing
- Avoid direct eye contact
- Downturned muzzle
- Simultaneous barking or growling [1]
Young and small dogs in particular are prone to this behavior. Especially when they encounter larger dogs in the park, for example.
Sometimes dogs also hump their backs while eating. In this case, they are afraid that someone will take their food or eat it away.
If this only happens every now and then, then it's usually not a reason to worry. Especially if the back is only bent for a very short time.
If, on the other hand, it becomes a daily habit, then deeper anxiety disorders may be behind it. In this case you should see the vet.
Dogs often hunch back out of fear in order to make their own bodies appear larger. This is intended to scare away any attackers. In most cases this is only a phenomenon in young dogs and goes away on its own.
#2 Stretching
Dogs tend to stretch their bodies, especially after getting up or before going for a walk. Typically they do one of the following stretching exercises:
- Bowing: The front part lies almost on the ground while the butt is stretched upwards.
- Hero Stand: Here the dog sticks out his chest and pushes his butt down.
Some small dog breeds also stretch using a cat hump. This is particularly common in Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Corgis and Pekingese.
Typically, dogs only stretch for a few seconds and then continue to walk normally. It is often accompanied by yawning.
By the way, they inherited this from their ancestors – the wolves. Because stretching serves to prepare for possible turf wars and chases. [2]
This is particularly common in many German Shepherd breeds and guard dogs. Because they always have to be ready for an attack at work.
Stretching is a natural process among dogs to prepare for any activity that may arise. For some smaller breeds, the daily stretching program also includes a short cat hump.
#3 Stomach pain
You may have noticed that when you have severe stomach pain, you tend to lean your upper body forward. A hump is the equivalent for dogs here.
Typical triggers for abdominal pain in dogs are:
- Viral infections
- Toxins
- Inflammation
- Swallowing indigestible things
- Internal bleeding
- Food allergies [3]
Affected dogs often hump their backs while eating. In addition, severe abdominal pain usually also shows other symptoms:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Unusually light or dark stools
- Flatulence
- Moans and groans
- Aversion to physical activity [4]
If this only occurs once, then it is usually no reason to worry. However, if it becomes the norm, then I recommend visiting the vet.
Alternatively, such a free food check can also help to get individual food recommendations and free food samples.
A cat hump often relieves a dog's existing abdominal pain. Typical causes here are infections, toxins, allergies or even internal bleeding. In most cases, there are also other pathological symptoms.
#4 Spinal misalignment
In most dog breeds, the spine is almost a straight line from the tail to the shoulders. However, congenital deformities are not uncommon.
Veterinarians speak of “kyphosis” when the spine has a hereditary misalignment in the neck or upper back.
English and French bulldogs as well as pugs are most commonly affected. A cat hump alleviates the pain by relieving pressure on the affected area. [5]
These symptoms are most often noticeable in puppies and dogs under one year of age. However, misalignments can also arise from injuries and accidents.
Older dogs in particular are more often affected by this. But dogs with a herniated disc also hunch more often to relieve the pain.
Other symptoms in such a case are:
- A drunken gait
- Balance problems
- Trembling and whining [6]
When the pain is severe, affected dogs are more likely to walk with a rounded back and become stiff. Here you should consult the vet immediately.
Depending on the severity, surgery may also be necessary. In mild cases, anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy are sometimes sufficient.
Congenital or acquired spinal misalignment can cause pain in dogs, which is relieved by a cat hump. The veterinarian should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
#5 Stomach twist
Stomach torsion occurs when the stomach rotates around its own longitudinal axis. This is not only very painful, but can also be fatal.
However, according to studies, only one in around 170 dogs (0.6%) experiences this. Very old dogs and large breeds are also more commonly affected. [7]
Here too, the hump is just one of many typical symptoms:
In this case, you should consult the vet immediately. Without surgery, it is only a matter of time before the dog faints and dies.
The mortality rate despite treatment is between 15-38%, depending on the study. The sooner you act here, the better your chances are. [9]
If dogs hump their backs and have a swollen stomach at the same time, this could be a sign of life-threatening gastric torsion. In order to avoid further complications, you should consult the vet immediately.
#6 Back pain
Just like with people, back pain is a common symptom of aging in dogs. Large dogs are particularly affected by this.
Ossification of the spine is particularly common due to increasing closure. Veterinarians refer to this as “spondylosis”.
This type of back pain is usually diagnosed through ultrasound treatment. Depending on the severity, dogs can also experience severe pain. [10]
In addition to a hunchback, the following symptoms usually occur:
- Restless walking around
- Dislike of stairs & jumps
- Problems walking
- Constantly changing sleeping positions [11]
Treatment is only necessary if the dog is in acute pain. In this case, anti-inflammatory medications are usually recommended.
In addition, physical therapy, diet and special exercises can help with recovery. In exceptional cases the dog may also need surgery.
When back pain occurs, dogs often hump their backs to relieve the pain. In most cases this can be recognized by restless behavior. A veterinarian should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
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