If you are a dog owner of many years, we are sure that you would have noticed the penchant that dogs have for stretching much frequently. Shaking, stretching and yawning is an activity that your dog ritually follows – soon after getting up from sleep everytime. Have you wondered why do dogs stretch? Have you asked yourself why do dogs always stretch? Well, we will find the answer.
Stretching in dogs is an activity they follow to warm up their body and relax the muscles. It is also known to be releasing the toxins. The stretching activity prepares your dog to any activity that your dog may be planning to engage in. Some dogs are known to stretch just before mating.
Why do dogs stretch so much?
Stretching in dogs is not only about relaxing their muscles. A dog stretching can have several reasons – to greet their people, when asking to play, and even express some mixed emotions. However, in some cases, excessive stretching may be indicative of some health issues such as pancreatitis. If your dog is stretching beyond normal limit, it is best to get in touch with your veterinarian.
A dog can stretch for the following most common reasons –
Stretching after rest
Just like us humans, dogs too tend to stretch after a rest, or after waking up from sleep. This is exactly for the reasons that we humans stretch – to release the muscle tension after a period of inactivity. This will help warm up the muscles and get the blood flowing normally.
This is generally observed when your dog is sleeping or resting for a while and wants to get back to an activity. The activity simply feels good and lets your dog move on its mission.
Stretching as a greeting
Dogs use stretch as a means of greeting someone. This is their way of saying hello. It may be noted that not every dog would do it. If you come home from work, or from anywhere, you would find your dog stretching before you. This is called a happy stretch. Most of the dogs do this when they see their loved ones.
Conversely, you can consider yourself lucky because the dog considers you a loved one if you find it stretching before you! In this stretch, the front legs of the dog are lined up. If your find the elbows do not touch the ground and the front legs are lined up, it is a clear sign of greeting instead of the regular stretch.
Stretching as a play bow
Dogs also stretch when it wants you to paly with them. In fact, If you find the dog bow and stretch, it is an indicator to the fact that it is in a playful mood. The dogs indulge in play bow with humans and other fellow dogs alike. The stretch appears almost like a greeting stretch, but slightly differs.
If you are a keen dog owner, you would find the slight difference between the greeting stretch and play bow. The elbows touch the ground while the front legs are stretched in the case of paly bow. If you have many dogs, you would find the dogs indulging in play bow quite often with other dogs.
Stretching as a sign of submission
A dog may stretch before you as a sign of submission. The dogs may indulge in this gesture when they have done something wrong and you scold them. They are asking for forgiveness and stretching out before you as a means of submission.
They may also indulge in submissive stretch with other dogs. Some other signs that accompany this behaviour would include licking each other’s mouths, rolling on the back, and yawning.
Stretching to relieve anxiety and stress
Dogs may also stretch as a sign of releasing one’s stress and anxiety. You would find the dog stretching when it enters a new room, or when it meets new person or a new dog.
If your dog has a generalised anxiety, it would stretch more frequently. This sort of stretching prepares the dog for its interaction with the new surroundings or the new person.
Stretching to relieve bloating
Dogs also intuitively stretch to relieve themselves off boalting. Canine bloating is one of the most common issues that your dog may come across quite often. It can result from filling of gas in the stomach and where the gas gets twisted and causes a blockage.
Canine bloating can get dangerous and will need an immediate medical attention. Along with the frequent and unusual stretching, the medical condition can also have a few other symptoms such as restlessness, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
Is it good that my dog stretches often?
Yes, definitely. Regular stretching is extremely useful and beneficial for your dog. It can go a long way in helping it improve its muscle and bone strength. It can also help it keep its muscles and joints strong and healthy. It can help prevent injury and improve the overall mobility.
Frequent stretches are an indicator that your dog is contented, happy and healthy. It will also help improve its agility and improve blood circulation. It will also help alleviate the muscle tension and soreness.
When Should You Be Worried About Your Dog Stretching Too Much?
Too much stretching can be an indicator that the dog is having some health issue. If your dog has other symptoms of illness such as pain, discomfort, limping, or joint issues, it is advisable to take your dog to the vet.
Some of the health issues that can resulting frequent or too much stretching can include acid reflux and digestive issues, Pancreatitis, pain and discomfort.
Why does my dog keep stretching his legs and stomach?
The Concluding Thoughts
Stretching is a natural phenomenon for the dogs and it can signify several factors. while it may be a sign of happy mood in many ways, it can also mean the dog is tired or just want to play or exercise. Stretching can also help the dogs relieve stress and anxiety. If your dog has been into frequent stretching behaviour, it would be advisable to get in touch with a vet.
Why is my dog stretching and not eating?
If you find your dog stretching a lot, but not eating, it may be possible that it is facing what is known as cnine bloating. it can also indicate that the dog has panreatitis. If you notice other symptoms such as lethargy, limping and signs of pain, make sure to visit a vet.
What are signs of bloat in dogs?
Canine bloat may be indicated by a few symptoms such as restlessness, pacing, swollen or distended abdomen, painful abdomen, overall look of distress, sretching or attempts to vomit with no success and excessive drooling.
Why do dogs stretch their front legs?
Stretching front legs is an indicator of play bow. The dogs may also bow stretch before you as an invitation for playing.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.